Transition from high school
The ACCESS Center is currently closed with staff working virtually during the shelter in place. Please contact us using either your assigned advisor's individual contact information below, or if you have not yet been assigned an advisor you may call or email the main office. If calling and you do not receive an answer, please leave a voice mail that will be directed to the advisor's email and they will respond quickly.
- Main Office - 608-785-6900, accesscenter@uwlax.edu
- Jennifer Bell - 608-785-8762, jbell@uwlax.edu
- Chris Coppess - 608-785-8761, ccoppess@uwlax.edu
- Jenna Umberger - 608-785-8758, jumberger@uwlax.edu
- Andy Oliver - 608-785-6902, aoliver@uwlax.edu
Students needing to schedule appointments with an advisor can schedule with their individual advisor or call our front desk to make an appointment. Appointments can be scheduled for video conference calls until the shelter in place is lifted.
September 8 - Classes Begin
November 26-29 - Semester Break
December 9 - Last day to schedule Final Exams in The ACCESS Center
December 16 - Last Day of Class
December 17-22 - Final Exams
Differences Between High School and College Disability Services
Documentation
High School
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or 504 Plan provided at no cost
College
IEP and 504 are not sufficient. Documentation guidelines are provided based on each category of disability, and the evaluation comes at student's own expense.
Self-Advocacy
High School
The student is identified by the school with input from parents and teachers. Teachers will intervene if they believe the student needs accommodations provided.
College
The student must self-identify to Disability Resource Services and are responsible for initiating the accommodation process. Students are expected to communicate the need for assistance.
Parental Involvement
High School
Parents have access to student records and can be apart of the accommodation process.
College
Parents do not have access to student records without the student's consent, and the student is expected to advocate for self.
Classes and Instructors
High School
Teachers may choose to modify curriculum or assignments. Students are given short reading assignments and class participation is usually satisfactory enough to learn the material.
College
Professors are not required to modify their curriculum or deadlines. Students will be assigned substantial reading assignments that may include information that is not reinforced in the classroom.
Grades and Exams
High School
Modifications to a test format may be available. Testing usually covers small amounts of material frequently with makeup tests available. Students are given numerous reminders of assignments and deadlines.
College
Modifications to an exam format is usually unavailable. Accommodations such as extended time, noise-reduced environment, or enlarged font can be provided with support of professional documentation. Exams are infrequent and cover large quantities of information and make-up exams usually are not an option. The course syllabus identifies when assignments are due because professors often will not provide reminders during class.
Study Skills
High School
Tutors may be part of services provided through an IEP or 504 plan. Minimal study time is required for tests and students can often study the night before or day of the exam.
College
Professors will announce if tutors are available for the class. On average students need to spend about 2-3 hours of studying outside of the classroom for every 1 hour in the classroom. Students need to manage time and study material after each lecture so they do not fall behind. Exams cover too much information to cram into studying a day or two before an exam.