Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS)
Hello, Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) members!
Midterms are here and passing by quickly, The next big step is Thanksgiving break. Right after that, we'll have finals!
This can be the point where the semester starts getting stressful so we've included some tips for helping students to get through this tough spot. These tips include making appointments to get your accommodations, registering for exams, and then some helpful ideas for organization and stress reduction.
To make an appointment for an intake with OSAS:
- Read the information on our website to understand our documentation requirements: https://www.umassd.edu/accessibility/documentation-guidelines/
- Call the office to make an appointment for an intake with one of our directors to discuss your documentation and what accommodations you need for the coming semester.
- Submit documentation either by email (access_success@umassd.edu), fax (508-910-6691), or bringing it into the office before your appointment.
What to expect at your appointment:
- You’ll meet with one of our directors to discuss your accommodations.
- The director and you will discuss your current classes and which accommodations would be appropriate.
- You’ll read and sign a student responsibility agreement.
- This is also when you can ask any questions you may have about accommodations or academic needs.
What happens after your appointment:
- Your director will email your professor(s) with information about what accommodations you need in their class(es).
- They will not be informed of why you need accommodations, only which accommodations you need.
- If you have any problems accessing your accommodations from a professor, reach out to your director at OSAS immediately.
Testing Sign-up
If you have testing accommodations with us, it's critical that you follow the testing sign up guidelines and rules.
- Exams cannot be scheduled over the phone or email.
- You must schedule exams either through our online portal or in person.
- Exams must be scheduled a minimum of 5 business days, no weekends or holidays included in this count, before the exam.
- Final exams must be scheduled a minimum of 10 business days before the exam.
- Test scheduling information: https://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/accessibility/accommodations-services--mission-statement/testing-center/
Need to talk? Counseling is available on campus.
UMassD students, looking for a club?
OSAS is looking for individuals who identify as neurodiverse or allies to run and join a Neurodiversity Club. The aim of this club is to help people find friends and engage in fun activities. The club members would vote on activities or events to do! However, we can't have a club without students. We need students to fulfill the leadership roles and have students attend the club. If you're interested in being part of the club or in helping to run the club, please email us at access_success@umassd.edu.
Help us create a fun and inviting space!
Equity for all
The Office of Student Accessibility Services, oversees the University’s compliance with the legal mandates expressed in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 for students with documented disabilities.
The Office of Student Accessibility Services works with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that appropriate academic adjustments are made that allow all students equity inside the classroom. Students who have documented disabilities on our campus are afforded a variety of services to accommodate their individual needs. UMass Dartmouth strives to ensure complete access to University academic programs.
Simply schedule an appointment with us to discuss your unique needs. The Office of Student Accessibility Services is located in Pine Dale Hall, Room 7136. When you arrive at Pine Dale Hall please use the call box and dial ext. 8711 and a staff member will meet you at the entrance to open the door.
Helpful flyers
- Getting Organized (PDF)
- How to Stop Procrastinating (PDF)
- Tips for Overcoming Test Anxiety (PDF)
Free apps for online learning, productivity, and stress reduction
Studying
- Chegg Prep - flashcards created to prepare for all types of subject matter
- StudyBlue - has study materials for all different courses
- Cram - flashcards to prepare for all types of subject matter and multiple choice tests.
Time management
- Flora - tracks your focus time
- Flipd - shows how long you’ve spent on apps, sleeping, studying, etc.
- Productive - helps user create their daily routine, provides feedback
Note-taking
- Microsoft OneNote - easily integrates with your UMassD account
- Agenda - tracks your note taking over time, allows easy addition of photos and outside info
- Notebook - organizes your notes into different notebooks
Relaxation
- Calm - meditation app that also has music to help you fall asleep
- Aura - after assessing your mood, provides you with personalized life coaching and stories to reduce anxiety
- Insight Timer – meditation app that creates playlists for anxiety, sleep, stress, and productivity