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Frequently Asked Questions
For Students:
1. I am an prospective student who is interested in learning more about the disability services TCNJ offers to its students. Who can I contact for general information?
You will find that our website may answer a lot of your general questions about The College. If you have already been accepted to TCNJ, the acceptance package you received contains a Differing Abilities notification form, which you should complete and submit as soon as possible.
If you have additional questions, feel free to contact our Office of Differing Abilities (ODAS) at (609) 771-2571.
2. Is there any special program to admit students with disabilities to TCNJ?
No. While the decision to disclose your disability on your application is at your discretion, applicants with disabilities are weighted in the same manner as applicants without disabilities.
Refer to Question #1 to understand how to request information from ODAS.
3. I have recently been accepted as an incoming student at TCNJ and would like to receive accommodation services. How can this be arranged?
In order to be eligible for disability services at The College, ODAS must have documentation of your disability on file, so that appropriate accommodations may be determined. Please note there are disability-specific documentation guidelines. General documentation of a disability must come directly from physician on formal letterhead; anything written on physician prescription notepads will not be accepted. If you have never been tested and have recently graduated high school, ODAS will accept a copy of your high school's final IEP document within the last three years. Documentation should be sent to: Office of Differing Abilities, Eickhoff Hall Room 159, The College of New Jersey, P.O. Box 7718 , Ewing, NJ 08628 .
It is suggested that you call ODAS at (609) 771-2571 to confirm that we have received your documentation. Once this has been done, you may schedule an appointment to meet with the ODAS Coordinator.
4. I am a current student who may need accommodation services. How can this be arranged?
Refer to Question #3.
5. Does TCNJ provide evaluations for learning disabilities?
No. If your high school IEP was not finalized within the last three years, then you must contact your healthcare provider to arrange disability testing and evaluation to serve as proper documentation. Please refer to documentation guidelines outlined on the TCNJ ODAS website.
6. A new semester has begun. What do I need to do in order to ensure that I will receive needed accommodations in my new classes?
At the beginning of each semester, come into ODAS in Eickhoff Hall, Room 159 so that you may pick up the necessary forms so that your "Letters" may be printed. On this form, you will copy your class schedule including the course titles, course departments, full names of professors, and your contact information. Once you have submitted this form to ODAS, we will contact you when your Letters are ready to be picked up. At this time, you may schedule a time for a brief meeting with the ODAS coordinator.
7. What is a "Letter"?
A "Letter" is an official document used to facilitate communication between ODAS, students, and faculty. Specifically, a student enrolled with ODAS will hand each of his/her professors a Letter that officially indicates that student is registered with ODAS and delineates the legally required classroom accommodations in detail. The Letter is intended to initiate conversation between the professor and student; therefore, ODAS encourages students to self-advocate via open communication with his/her professors.
The Letter does not disclose the nature of the disability. It is the student's right and preference as to whether or not they would like to disclose the nature of the disability to his/her professors and other faculty and staff.
8. Is it okay for a parent or other family member to contact ODAS and make arrangements for my accommodations at TCNJ?
While it is completely understandable that students may feel more comfortable with allowing family members to become involved in resolving accommodation issues, it is highly respected when students begin to assume the role of self-advocating for his/her needs. While this may seem difficult at first, the "college experience" is a process of becoming more self-aware and self-confident. Therefore as a legal adult, it is strongly encouraged for the student, rather than the family, to act on his/her behalf.
9. My disability requires that I have a private tutor and notetaker. Does TCNJ provide this?
While not offering hired notetakers, ODAS does support its students in making notetaking arrangements for peer volunteers and/or faculty assistance.
ODAS does not provide individual or tutoring services. The College promotes a wonderful Tutoring Department that is open to all students on campus. If you feel that you would benefit from such services, feel free to contact the Tutoring Center at (609) 771-3325 or visit them in Forcina Hall, Room 145.
10. Does TCNJ provide housing accommodations?
If you are a student with a documented physical, medical, or psychological disability with a specific housing need, ODAS may provide certain accommodations, such as a single room assignment or an ADA-accessible bathroom.
11. I am a student with a mobility impairment. What measures does TCNJ take in the event of fire drills, inclement weather, and other emergencies?
When possible, ODAS may recommend that classrooms and housing for a student with mobility impairment be assigned to the first floor of the buildings, so that an easy exit may be found in the event of a fire emergency. For students with mobility impairments who are residing on campus, it is encouraged that the student discusses and plans with his/her Residence Life staff so that all personnel are aware of evacuation procedures. In the event of any immediate emergency, students should contact Campus Police at (609) 771-2167.
During times of inclement weather, The College recognizes that it is especially difficult for students with mobility impairments to navigate on campus. While The College strives to clear roads and paths for all members of the community as soon as possible, you may want to call the Grounds Department at (609) 771-2696 to request snow removal at a specific location on campus.
12. How is the confidentiality of my disability respect in ODAS?
The ODAS maintains confidential disability records. There are no disability indicators on any campus-wide information systems or transcripts. It is at the student's discretion to reveal the nature of his/her disability whenever they feel is warranted.
13. I would like to talk to the ODAS coordinator regarding an immediate accommodation issue. What is the best way to get in touch with the ODAS office?
If your issue requires either a simple answer or an immediate response, contact ODAS at (609) 771-2571. If your question is not urgent, you may contact the ODAS Coordinator directly at yamiolko@tcnj.edu
