Families
Congratulations! Your student has graduated from high school and is beginning an exciting new chapter at UMass Dartmouth as a young adult. While this transition can be both exciting and emotional, it also comes with important changes in how support services are provided at the college level.
Unlike high school, special education services, IEPs, and 504 plans do not exist in college in the same way they do in K–12 education. Instead, accommodations and support services are coordinated directly between the student and the Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS).
OSAS works directly with students to determine appropriate accommodations and support. While families, caregivers and other interested parties are no longer participants in accommodation meetings, please know that we always have your student’s best interests in mind. You continue to play an important role in your student’s growth, independence, and success. The UMass Dartmouth website is also a valuable resource for you throughout this transition.
As students move into adulthood, they become responsible for communicating directly with university faculty and staff, including OSAS. Our office will communicate primarily with your student and encourage them to advocate for themselves, build independence, and develop the skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.
We look forward to partnering with your student as they begin their journey at UMass Dartmouth.