Disability Support Services > Transitioning to Higher Education

Disability Support Services
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone/Voice: 910.521.6695
Fax: 910.521.6891
TTY: 910.521.6490
Email: dss@uncp.edu

Location: D.F. Lowry Building, Room 107
Campus Map

differences between high school and college

Applicable Laws

HIGH SCHOOL

COLLEGE

Required Documentation

High School

I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) and/or 504 Plan School provides evaluation at no cost to
Documentation focuses on determining whether student is eligible for services based specific disability categories in I.D.E.A.

College

High school I.E.P. and 504 are not sufficient. Documentation guidelines specify information needed for each category of disability.
Student must get evaluation at own expense
Documentation must provide information on
specific functional limitations, and demonstrate
the need for specific accommodations

Self-Advocacy

High School

College

Student must self-identify to the Office of Disability Services
Primary responsibility for self-advocacy and arranging accommodations belongs to the
student
Professors are usually open and helpful, but most
expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance

Parental Role

High School

Parent has access to student records and can
participate in the accommodation process
Parent advocates for student

College

Parent does not have access to student records without student's written consent
Student advocates for self

Instruction

High School

Teachers may modify curriculum and/alter curriculum pace of assignments
You are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed and often re-taught in class
You seldom need to read anything more than once, sometimes listening in class is enough

College

Professors are not required to modify design or alter assignment deadlines
You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing which may not be directly addressed in class
You need to review class notes and text and material regularly

Grades and Tests

High School

IEP or 504 plan may include modifications to test format and/or grading
Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material Makeup tests are often available
Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates

College

Grading and test format changes (i.e. multiple choice vs. essay) are generally not available. Accommodations to HOW tests are given (extended time, test proctors) are available when supported by disability documentation.
Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material
Makeup tests are seldom an option; if they are, you need to request them
Professors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus (outline); the syllabus spell out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded

Study Responsibilities

High School

Tutoring and study support may be a service provided as part of an IEP or 504 plan
Your time and assignments are structured by others
You may study outside class as little as 0 to 2 hours a week, and this may be mostly last- minute test preparation

College

Tutoring DOES NOT fall under Disability Services. Students with disabilities must seek out tutoring resources as they are available to all UNCP students
You manage your own tune and complete
assignments independently
You need to study at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class

Helpful General Information

Helpful General Financial Aid Information

Updated: Wednesday, January 18, 2012