Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am a prospective student who is interested in learning more about the disability services TCNJ offers to its students. Who can I contact to receive more information?
The Office of Differing Abilities Services has revamped their website to make it more user friendly and has provided detailed information that should help students, parents, family, faculty, and staff. Under each tab there is a complete run down of what our office can offer, how our services can be provided, how to become registered, and how to deal with situations outside of the norm.
If you have additional questions, feel free to contact our Office of Differing Abilities Services (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. In the application process students have a section to complete in which any additional information about them can be disclosed. In this section it may be in the students best interest to include information regarding their disability, especially if it fills in any gaps as to why they did not meet certain requirements for TCNJ.
If you feel the need to explain any gaps in your application, you can state something like this:
“I am a person with a documented medical disability that has, at times, unpredictably impacted my ability to remain consistently dedicated to my college academics. Please consider these individual circumstances when reviewing my application.”
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?
On our new website, we have designed a tip sheet on how to attain accommodations. Please refer to the Accommodation Process to answer all your questions. If you need any additional information, feel free to give us a call at (609) 771-2571. 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 an appropriate provider 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 as supplementary documentation. A formal letter prepared by your provider is still required as well as all testing results. Documentation should be sent to: Office of Differing Abilities Services, Eickhoff Hall Room 159, The College of New Jersey, P.O. Box 7718 , Ewing, NJ 08628 . Also, documentation can be faxed to us at (609) 637-5107.
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 Administrator.
4. I am a current student who may need accommodation services. How can this be arranged?
Please refer to the Accommodation Process to answer all questions.
5. Does TCNJ provide evaluations for learning disabilities?
No. If your high school documentation was not finalized within the last three years, then you must contact your health care provider to arrange disability testing and evaluation to serve as proper documentation. For guidelines on how to attain an evaluation please refer to our tip sheet. 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 every semester, students must submit their class schedule with professor’s names, coure title, time of class, and room the class is in. Students can print out their schedule right from paws and provide that to us including their name, cell number, and email address so we can contact them when their letters are complete.
Also, feel free to use the Letter Request form to submit your schedule.
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. For most disabilities, paid note takers are not applicable.
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 Roscoe West Hall, Suite 101.
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) 771-2345 or call 911.
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 respected 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 Administrator 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 ODAS through email at odas@tcnj.edu .