FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- If a student plans to attend Mt. SAC, what should he/she do first?
- Will a student be able to take any classes he/she wants?
- What if a student has low reading and writing abilities?
- Will a student be able to play on an athletic team?
- What kind of accommodations can a student expect?
- Are students required to inform the college that they have a disability?
- How long will it take for a student to get a degree or certificate?
- Does Mt. SAC have a special education program?
- What if a student is not doing well in a class?
- Can a student use a 504 Plan or IEP for documentation of a disability?
- Who is responsible for obtaining documentation of a disability?
- Will a student receive the same services that he/she received in high school?
- How do I refer a student to ACCESS?
- Can a student receive a failing grade for a college class in which he/she is receiving accommodations?
- What if the college accommodations are not working?
- Will the Accessibility Resource Centers for Students office provide services like helping students eat meals or push their wheelchair?
1. If a student plans to attend Mt. SAC, what should he/she do first?
Submit the standard application to Mt. San Antonio College, and submit an application
for services at Accessibility Resource Centers for Students (Appendix C). Further
steps are listed in the handout, Steps For A New Student. Handouts are available
at the ACCESS office.
2. Will a student be able to take any classes he/she wants?
That depends on a couple of factors: scores on placement tests, and prerequisites
the class may have (i.e., other classes that must be taken before the desired class).
Placement scores and prerequisites help the student avoid taking classes for which
he/she may not be ready. The goal is for the student's experience in class to be
a challenging and learning one, not a frustrating or failing one.
3. What if a student has low reading and writing abilities?
Mt. SAC has several levels of pre-collegiate reading and writing classes. Placement
test results will tell you which classes are best to take.
4. Will a student be able to play on an athletic team?
Yes, if the student meets the same requirements as other students. Usually there is some form of “try-out” or the coach sees the student in a regular P.E. class of that sport. Students on teams must be attending Mt. SAC full time (12 units) and maintain a C average.
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5. What kind of accommodations can a student expect?
Each student is interviewed individually to determine the accommodations needed.
Professional verification of each disability claimed must be on file in the ACCESS
office before accommodations can be authorized. Accommodations vary according to
the needs of the student and the type of class/activity.
6. Are students required to inform the college that they have a disability?
No. However, if the student requires accommodations, then they must inform the College.
Whether or not the student requires immediate accommodations, it is highly recommended
that students with disabilities register for services with the ACCESS department.
This may reduce the wait time when they do find that they need accommodations for
a certain class.
7. How long will it take for a student to get a degree or certificate?
Length of time to earn a degree or certificate depends on many factors: if pre-collegiate
classes are needed first, whether or not the student passes attempted classes, how
many courses are required for the certificate, major or degree, whether the student
attends part-time or full-time, transfer major requirements, and others. The counselor
attempts to work with the student so he/she is neither over-loaded (making success
difficult) nor taking too few classes (extending the time to finish unnecessarily).
Only a few students entering from high school complete a degree or are transfer-ready
in four semesters. Many require three or more years.
8. Does Mt. SAC have a special education program?
No, Mt. SAC does not have a special education program. However, the college offers credit, remedial classes through the Academic Support and Achievement Center. These classes do not count toward graduation. There is also help in the Basic Skills Lab (through Mt. SAC's Continuing Education Program) to assist students who are low in basic reading, writing and math skills.
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9. What if a student is not doing well in a class?
It is the student's responsibility to try to ascertain why he/she is not doing well,
usually by analyzing his/her own work or talking with the professor. It is hoped
students who receive D's or F's early in the term will immediately attempt to figure
out why, and if necessary see their counselor for further help. Tutors may be available,
different accommodations may be appropriate, or the material may be too advanced for
the student, in which case the class may need to be dropped, and a more basic class
attempted the next semester.
10. Can a student use a 504 Plan or IEP for documentation of a disability?
No. If a student has a learning disability then he/she needs to bring a copy of his/her
most recent psycho-educational assessment report that includes testing scores from
high school. For medical, psychological, and other health-related disabilities (including
ADHD), the student must bring disability documentation from a licensed mental health
professional, or medical doctor (Appendix E).
11. Who is responsible for obtaining documentation of a disability?
The student. Colleges are not required to conduct or pay for an evaluation to document
a student's disability and need for accommodation. However, some colleges do conduct
limited assessments for certain services. If a student is eligible for Department
of Rehabilitation services, they may qualify for an evaluation at no cost.
12. Will a student receive the same services that he/she received in high school?
Not necessarily, there are many differences. High School Special Education programs are legally required to provide whatever service, accommodation, or modification that is needed to be successful. Colleges, on the other hand, are required by law to provide “equal access” to education. Access is provided through reasonable accommodations. Furthermore, college course curriculum cannot be modified to alter the fundamental nature of the course.
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13. How do I refer a student to ACCESS?
If you are not sure whether the student has a disability, the best way to refer them
is objectively point out what the student is doing that leads you to believe he/she
needs assistance. For example, “I see that you are having trouble completing this
assignment,” or “I see that you struggle during tests. There are many on-campus resources
that can help.” Then list for the student all the resources you are aware of such
as the Academic Support and Achievement Center (LAC), EOPS, ACCESS, Health Center,
the Math Assistance Resource Center (MARC), and the Writing Center. Offer to walk
them over to the selected area. This will show the student you care about his/her
success and you are willing to help them make the first move.
14. Can a student receive a failing grade for a college class in which he/she is
receiving accommodations?
Yes. Accommodations ensure “access,” not necessarily “success.”
15. What if the college accommodations are not working?
If the accommodations (services) provided are not meeting the student's needs, it is the student's responsibility to contact the assigned ACCESS counselor as soon as possible. Do not wait until the course is over, as it will be too late to intervene at that point. The ACCESS counselor and the student will work together to discuss options.
16. Will the Disabled Student Programs & Services office provide services like helping
students eat meals or push their wheelchair?
No. Services needed to assist a person with activities of daily living are the responsibility of the individual, not the college. The college can assist you in identifying possible resources to obtain Personal Care Attendants.
