Radiology Program and Learning Support Services Orientation Notes

Transition to Washtenaw Community College

• Current program of study: Health Care Foundations, with a concentration in Radiology.
• Previous educational background: The student transferred from Madonna University, where the initial major was Forensic Science.
• Reasons for the change in major and institution:
  • Forensic Science proved increasingly difficult, specifically due to the rigor of consecutive science courses like Chemistry 2.
  • Cost was a significant factor, as an associate's degree from Madonna University costs approximately $180$, and Washtenaw Community College is considerably less expensive.
  • Interest in radiology was sparked by the student's stepmother while reviewing programs available at Washtenaw.
• Academic load: The student is enrolled in 12 credits for the current semester.
  • This load is perceived as more manageable than the schedule at Madonna University, which required being busy all day until the weekend.
• Employment status:
  • The student currently works at a McDonald's in Pinkney, Michigan, located near landmarks such as Bushes and Taco Bell.
  • Recent shifts have been demanding; for example, a closing shift on a Thursday resulted in getting home at 12:14 AM due to high volume and staff call-outs.
  • The student intends to stop working around the 22nd of the month to focus on academics, though this is not yet finalized.

Testing Accommodations and Logistics

• Extended testing time: This is standardly granted at "time and a half."
  • Example: If a class is allotted 2 hours for a test, the student receives 3 hours.
• Reduced distraction testing environment:
  • Available rooms include individual cubicles or specific offices.
  • Stations are equipped with tools to minimize noise, including headphones, earplugs, and noise-canceling machines.
• Testing locations and formats:
  • Instructors for online classes may require tests to be taken online or in person.
  • In-person classes may test in the classroom, the Student Center testing center, or the Learning Support Services (LSS) office.
  • Students registered with LSS have the option to use LSS reduced distraction rooms instead of the Student Center or the classroom.
• Procedures for booking tests:
  • Students must book testing appointments at least one week in advance so staff can secure testing materials from instructors.
  • Appointments can be booked for the entire semester once a student receives their syllabus, or they can be booked one at a time.
  • On the day of the test, the student goes directly to LSS rather than the classroom or Student Center.
• Hybrid testing options:
  • Some students choose to start a test in the classroom to ask the instructor questions. At the end of the standard class period, the instructor may walk the student and the test to LSS to finish with the extended time. This requires an advance appointment and notification to LSS.
  • For fully online tests taken at home, the instructor manually extends the time within the Canvas platform or similar software.
• Testing materials:
  • Blank scrap paper is provided by LSS.
  • Specific aids, such as note cards, formula sheets, or "cheat sheets," are handled on a case-by-case basis depending on the instructor's specific rules for that exam.

Lecture and Instructional Accommodations

• Audio recording of lectures:
  • This is an approved accommodation. Students can use their own devices, such as phones or personal recorders.
  • The LSS office has a tech specialist named David who manages equipment for student checkout.
  • Available technology includes digital recorders, smart pens, and specific computer programs.
  • There is no additional cost for using these devices unless they are lost.
• Access to lecture materials:
  • This is listed as an "other" accommodation and involves receiving lecture notes or PowerPoints in advance of the class meeting.
  • Implementation depends on the specific setup of the class and the materials the instructor utilizes.

Campus Support Services and Resources

• Academic Advisers: Responsible for ensuring students stay on track with specific credit and class requirements for their program.
• Success Coaches: Assist with the day-to-day aspects of being a student, including:
  • Time management strategies.
  • Organizational skills.
  • Note-taking strategies.
  • Test-taking strategies.
  • Conducting various workshops throughout the year.
• Student Resource Center: A place where students can obtain necessary school supplies.
• Counseling Center: Available for student mental health and support.
• Tutoring and Writing Center:
  • Offers both online and in-person appointments.
  • Provides options for one-on-one sessions or group tutoring.
• Learning Support Services (LSS) Staff:
  • Serve as intermediaries between students and instructors if there are issues with accommodations.
  • Instructors are notified of the approved accommodations but are not told the underlying reason or diagnosis.

Administrative Procedures for Accommodations

• The Accommodate Platform: The online system used for booking appointments, reviewing letters, and requesting accommodations each semester.
• Confirmation Letter:
  • Lists all approved accommodations (e.g., extended time, reduced distraction, audio recording, advance notes).
  • Outlines office policies, such as the requirement for booking tests in advance and punctuality for appointments.
  • Requires a student signature for activation.
• Semester Request Process:
  • Every semester, students must confirm they are registered for classes and want to apply their accommodations to those specific courses.
  • If accommodations remain the same, it is a simple request; if changes are needed, the confirmation letter is updated.
• Communication:
  • Students receive two primary emails after an initial meeting: one from the Accommodate system regarding the letter for review, and one from the LSS staff member with instructions on signing the letter and links to various campus offices.
• Timeline: Accommodations should ideally be finalized at least two weeks before the start of the semester.