Student Handbook | Nipissing University Skip over navigation
Switch Contrast
[X] close

Student Handbook

Psychology Lecture in A137
​Psychology lecture in a 137

A Guide for Students Registered with Disability Services

Welcome to Disability Services

 
Nipissing University offers services to students that allow for participation in an accessible, barrier-free learning environment. Our Disability Services’ staff are pleased to discuss programs and support services available to make your university education a successful and rewarding ​experience.  

Disability Services is committed to providing academic, social, and physical access to the University for students with disabilities. Our staff can arrange for learning and/or testing accommodations based on your needs. In addition, our staff will assist faculty in meeting your in-class learning and accessibility needs.  

If you have concerns about the demands of university life, especially academic demands, you can meet with your Learning Strategist and together you can work on strategies to help solve learning challenges and/or manage your work load. Our staff also works closely with Counselling, Academic Skills and Peer Tutoring services to provide additional resources and expertise to help ensure your success.

This resource was written to assist you in navigating the accommodation process, understanding the roles and responsibilities of all parties working with Disability Services, as well accessing all of the resources Nipissing has to offer to ensure your success as a student.


Table of Contents
 

The Disability Services Team
 
 
Lee Pedersen
Manager, Student Support Services
705.474.3450, ext. 4493
leep@nipissingu.ca

Paul Courville
Adaptive Technology Technician
705.474.3450, ext. 4401

Mike Walker
Learning Strategist
705.474.3450, ext. 4333
mikew@nipissingu.ca

Daralynn D’Angelo
Learning Strategist
705.474.3450, ext. 4235

Heather Lee
Disability Services Officer
705.474.3450, ext. 4202
disability@nipissingu.ca
heatherl@nipissingu.ca
 
Chelsey Leal
Disability Services Officer
705.474.3450, ext. 4331
chelseyl@nipissingu.ca

Diane Sheldon
Secretary Disability Services
705.474.3450, ext. 4362
dianes@nipissingu.ca


​Disability Services Staff

 
Learning Strategists
Daralynn D’Angelo or Mike Walker will be the primary resource person for your disability-related  academic support and accommodations.  In addition to reviewing your documentation and arranging for your accommodations, your strategist may also help you liaise with your professors and assist you with any challenges you may experience.
 
Secretary 
Diane Sheldon, Secretary of Disability Services, will invariably be your first contact with us. Diane is essential in supporting the office, booking your appointments and keeping everyone organized.
 
Adaptive Technology Technician
Paul Courville is our Adaptive Technology Technician. The technician's primary role is to install and maintain any adaptive technology you may need.  The technician may advise you on  appropriate technology purchases, train you on your adaptive technology and help you debug problems. The technician also organizes your alternate formatting for reading and testing materials.
 
Disability Services Officers
The Disability Services Officers coordinate testing and note-taking services for students who are registered with Disability Services and who are eligible for these accommodations.   

Manager, Student Support Services
Lee Pedersen oversees the staff of Disability Services and meets regularly with all of the Disability Services ​resource persons at Nipissing University to assist in the planning and delivery of the various project components.
 


​Principle Terminology

 
Disability
According to the Ontario Human Rights Code: “A disability may have been present from birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time.  It includes physical, mental, and learning disabilities, mental disorders, hearing or vision disabilities, epilepsy, drug and alcohol dependencies, environmental sensitivities, as well as other conditions”.
 
Confidentiality
Although your Disability Services record remains the property of Nipissing University, any information that you share will not be disclosed to anyone outside the Counselling and Disability Services team or their immediate supervisors, without your expressed permission.  
 
Documentation
Documentation of a disability must come from the appropriate health care professional such as a physician, an optometrist, an audiologist, a neuropsychologist and/or any other professional that is certified to diagnose the disability.  Psychological assessments are required for a learning disability and they must have been completed within the last 3 years and after the age of 16. Financial assistance to cover the cost of the assessment may be available through the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD).  Without current and appropriate documentation, a student cannot be registered with or given support services through Disability Services.   
 
Barriers
Institutional or academic barriers are what create disability-related needs, as they prevent a person with a disability from becoming fully involved in society. 
 
The Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD)
The BSWD is the primary tool for OSAP eligible students to finance their disability-related educational expenses. Since students in post-secondary education are responsible to finance many of their personal disability-related learning expenses, the BSWD may be used to pay for some needs such as tutoring or note taking services, adaptive technology, and updated psycho-educational assessments. Check with your Learning Strategist to see if you are eligible for the BSWD.
 
Academic Accommodation
Academic accommodation is a process by which you are provided conditions, services, and/or tools, which help to compensate for the effects of your disability in your studying, classroom learning, testing and other evaluation. These accommodations are determined by your Learning Strategist and are based upon recommendations made in your documentation; they are unique to you and specific to your disability-related needs. Appropriate accommodation is fair and is meant to “level the playing field” and not give you an advantage over your peers. Accommodations generally cannot be considered or applied retroactively from the date you disclose your condition.
 


​Examples of Accommodations

 
​Depending on your documented needs, appropriate services, supports or told may include:  
  • Testing Accommodations
  • PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
  • Laptop
  • Zoom Text / JAWS
  • Dragons Naturally Speaking
  • Kurzweil
  • Spell Checker
  • Digital Recorder/ Smart Pen 
  • In-class note-taking or note-sharing assistance
  • Handouts enlarged or on coloured paper
  • Extension on assignments
  • Ergonomic chairs
  • Adjustable tables
  • Learning Assistants
  • Preferred seating and freedom to change position 
  • Allowance to make-up missed coursework for excused absences and / or extended absences
  • Closed Captioned films, videos, and scripts when possible
  • Descriptive Video
  • Permission to tape / digitally record lectures
  • Allowance for sufficient or shorter more frequent breaks  
*Please note this list is not exhaustive.
 


​Getting Started

 
**Check your NIPISSING EMAIL ACCOUNT frequently for 
important information from Disability Services.**
New Students:
 To arrange for your accommodations at Nipissing University you must first meet with the appropriate Learning Strategist in September or earlier.  The Learning Strategist will review your documentation with you and help establish the accommodations that are most appropriate for you. It is also strongly recommended that you meet with the Learning Strategist early in each new term to update or make any changes needed to your accommodation plan. 
(See New Students Checklist below.)
 
Returning Students:
To arrange for accommodations when you are a retuning student please fill out the Returning Student Form and return it to the Disability Services Office.  The form can be found at www.nipissingu.ca/disabilityservices.  Make arrangements to meet with your Learning Strategist to review and/or revise your accommodations and ask any questions you may have.  (See Returning Students Checklist below.)
 
Online/Distant Learning Students:
If you are taking any courses through the Nipissing University Centre for Flexible Teaching and Learning (CFTL), please see CFTL Guidelines below.
 
Checklist: New Students
Here are essential items that you should ensure are in place when you begin your studies:
  • Contact Disability Services at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to starting school to see what type of documentation is required; below is a list of some documents you may be requested to supply:
    • Psycho-educational assessment
    • Transcript
    • Medical, Audiologist, Neurological or Optometrist reports
    • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Fill in the Self-Identification Form found on the website and submit to Disability Services. 
  • Introduce yourself to your Learning Strategist at NSO.
  • Apply for OSAP and check off that you are a student with a disability.
  • Submit your application before the end of July to attend the Summer Transition Program in August.
  • Make an intake appointment with your Learning Strategist for September or earlier to arrange for your academic accommodations.
  • Meet with the Disability Services Officers to learn how to register for testing accommodations and set-up note-taking, if appropriate.
  • If you require textbooks in alternate format, inform the Adaptive Technology Technician as soon as your books have been listed. Booklists can be found at http://www.bkstr.com.
  • Self-identify to your professors during the first weeks of classes by giving them your Letter of Accommodation.
** Remember to contact your Learning Strategist for 
new Letters of Accommodations when the winter term commences **

Checklist: Returning Students
Here are essential items that you should ensure are in place when you return for another year of studies:
  • Complete the Returning Students Form​ found on the website and submit to Disability Services. 
  • Apply for OSAP and check off that you are a student with a disability.
  • Contact your Learning Strategist in September or earlier to arrange for your academic accommodations for this term. 
  • Meet with the Disability Services Officers to review how to register for testing accommodations and 
  • set-up note-taking, if appropriate.
  • Make the appropriate arrangements with the Adaptive Technology Technician to ensure all technology is in place before classes commence.
  • If you require textbooks in alternate format, inform the Adaptive Technology Technician as soon as your books have been listed. Booklists can be found at http://www.bkstr.com.
  • Self-identify to your professors during the first weeks of classes by giving them your Letter of Accommodation.
** Remember to contact your Learning Strategist for 
new Letters of Accommodations when the winter term commences **
 


​Roles and Responsibilities

 
Disability Services
  • Educate the administration, faculty, staff and students about disabilities, policies, procedures, and responsibilities.
  • Provide appropriate and necessary accommodations to students with disabilities, while respecting their dignity, without creating undue hardship for the university.
  • Provide support to faculty in the accommodation of students with disabilities in their classes.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of records and communication concerning students with  disabilities, except where disclosure is required by law or is authorized by the student.
  • Organize accommodated testing services.
  • Facilitate focus groups to enhance our service delivery to students.
  • Organize seminars and workshops for students with disabilities.
 
Learning Strategists
  • Receive, evaluate and maintain the confidentiality of any disability-related documentation provided by the student.
  • Assess the need for academic accommodations of students with disabilities based on the disability-related documentation provided.
  • Develop Individualized Accommodation Plans that provide essential services, technology, and/or 
  • supports that ensure students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to be successful at university.
  • Respect student confidentiality, rights and dignity.
  • Plan, organize and implement disability awareness training.
  • Ensure that the student’s disability-related needs are met as per Ontario Human Rights legislation. (http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/Guides/AccessibleEducation?page=fghj-Contents.html)
  • Advocate on behalf of students who are registered with Disability Services.
  • Refer students to one of our Academic Skills Coordinators, Counsellors or Peer Tutors for academic or personal support.
 
Disability Services Officers
  • Organize and oversee all accommodated testing, including:
    • hiring, training, and monitoring proctors and scribes.
    • ensuring appropriate testing accommodations are met for each student.
    • communicating with professors to ensure proper administration of test/exams.
  • Organize and oversee note-taking and note-sharing support, including:
    • hiring, training, and monitoring note-takers, 
    • ensuring students receive quality notes in a timely fashion.
 
Adaptive Technology Technician
  • Demonstrate Assistive Technology and train students in the use of the tools.
  • Advise students on computer systems needed to support the accommodation software. 
  • Service and maintain laptops with all of the technology loaded on them that can be lent out for trial of the software.  
  • To prepare course textbooks and readings in alternate format.
 
Faculty 
Faculty members have a duty to accommodate students registered with Disability Services according to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), and the Ontario Human Rights Code (revised 1990) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005). A faculty member must:
  • Assist Disability Services in providing authorized accommodations in a reasonable and timely manner.
  • Never, under any circumstance (unless given specific permission by the student) disclose information regarding the student’s disabilities or accommodations. 
  • Respect the student’s rights and dignity.
  • Provide Disability Services with a copy of quizzes, tests and midterms in a timely fashion when students request to write with Disability Services.
  • Abide by all departmental and university policies and academic regulations.
  • Assist Disability Services to reschedule test/quizzes and midterms that need alternate times or dates due to disability-related reasons.
  • Communicate with Disability Services regarding any questions or concerns about a student and/or his/her accommodations.
 
Students
Students’ Rights & Responsibilities 
 
As a student with a disability, you have the Right to:
  • Equal treatment as a student attending Nipissing University, including equal access to programs, classes and facilities.
  • Reasonable accommodation.
  • Be treated courteously and to expect that faculty, staff, and other students will use appropriate language, free of discriminatory or derogatory remarks regarding disabilities.
  • Confidentiality.
Note: Disability Services can assist students with disabilities in many ways, but 
it is up to the student to take the initiative and remain actively involved 
in his/her accommodation process.
 
With these Rights, you have the Responsibility to:
  • Initiate a request for accommodations with Disability Services in a timely fashion. 
  • Provide appropriate, up-to-date documentation of your disability from a qualified professional. 
  • Assist your Learning Strategist in identifying what specific academic accommodations you will need.
  • Notify your Learning Strategist of any new needs, or any problems that are affecting or will affect your studies. 
  • Meet with and appropriately discuss your accommodation needs in a timely fashion with professors, seminar leaders and laboratory technicians.
  • Self-identify to your professors that you are registered with Disability Services.
  • Schedule quizzes, tests and midterms a minimum of 7 days before the classes’ scheduled test date with the Disability Services Officers.
  • Reschedule any missed exam/test/quiz or any rewrites with Disability Services only after you have been given permission to do so by your professor.
  • Meet/communicate regularly with your Learning Strategist 
  • Supply any course materials and purchased textbooks to the Adaptive Technology Technician before classes begin or as soon as possible to ensure that your textbooks can be scanned in a timely fashion. 
  • Maintain regular and punctual attendance in all classes and notify Disability Services of absences due to disability related reasons. (Students who are chronically absent will be asked to meet with their Learning Strategist.)
  • Watch for announcements from Disability Services sent to your Nipissing University email account or posted on the Disability Services website and/or bulletin board.
  • Respect your accommodations and do not use them as an advantage over other students (e.g. if you have a note taker, you are still required to attend class).
  • Utilize learning strategies implemented by your Learning Strategist.
  • Notify your Learning Strategist if your need for accommodations ends or changes.


​Booking Tests, Quizzes, Midterms & Exams 

 
You must contact your Learning Strategist at the beginning of each term to be set up for testing 
accommodations with Disability Services. Your Learning Strategist will determine your eligibility for testing accommodations upon consultation with you. The testing accommodations will be determined based on the recommendations provided in your documentation.
 
Quizzes/Tests/Midterms
To request accommodations for tests, quizzes and midterms you must register online at least 7 days in advance of each scheduled test or midterm.  The link can be found at www.nipissingu.ca/disabilityservices.

**Disability Services cannot guarantee to meet your accommodation needs 
if the proper notice is not given.**

Final Exams
If you wish to write final exams with Disability Services, you must register by the specified deadline dates.  Please note if you fail to register for your final exams by this deadline, we cannot guarantee to meet your accommodation needs.
 
**Requests submitted after the deadline date are subject 
to a fee of $40.00 per exam.** 

If experiencing health or disability-related problems which prevent you from writing one or more final exam(s), you must request to defer the exam(s) through the appropriate Dean’s Office.  Please notify Disability Services that you have deferred your exam(s) with the Dean and that you will not be writing your exam(s) on the scheduled date. The form can be found at www.nipissingu.ca/disabilityservices.
 
Procedures for booking tests, quizzes, midterms and exams:
  1. You must self-identify to your professor by providing them with your Letter of Accommodation before we can contact your professor to make specific accommodations for your testing in that course.
  2. You can book your tests, quizzes, midterms and exams at any time, day or night, using the online test booking website at www.nipissingu.ca/disabiltyservices ** Please note that if you miss the exam deadline or the minimum 7 day deadline, you will not be able to book online and must  contact the DSO immediately.
  3. If you book online, you will receive confirmation of your request from the automated test booking website within 24 hours of your online request. If you do not receive this confirmation you must contact the Disability Services Officer to ensure your test is scheduled.
  4. If you encounter any issues or concerns, please contact the Disability Services Officer immediately by visiting A201, via telephone at 705.474.3450, ext. 4331 or by email at disability@nipissingu.ca.
** Double check you have correctly filled in the request with the correct course code, date, time and the accommodations you need for the specific test you are booking.**
  
**You can view your test booking on the test booking website by selecting 
 
“View my Upcoming Appointments”.**


​Disability Services Resources

 
Testing Rooms
Testing accommodations are one of the fundamental supports required by many students with disabilities. We provide a range of testing supports and environments tailored to your specific disability related needs. Tests and exams are proctored by Disability Services staff. You will have access to professors during your testing periods. Due to the high demand for testing space during midterms and final exams, we reserve and equip classrooms with required supports for students registered with Disability Services.  Students must follow the correct procedures for registering to write their test with Disability Services (see above).
 
Adaptive Technology
We have many tools which students with disabilities might access to assist in their learning. Based on your documentation and upon approval by your Learning Strategist, computers, keyboards, spell checkers, digital recorders, FM systems and other technology may be borrowed on a limited time basis. Training with these tools and software programs is provided by the Adaptive Technology Technician. A loan fee for these accommodations may apply.  Adaptive Technology is also available during testing for students who require this support.
 
Library Study Carrels
The library has seven closed study carrels reserved for the use of students with disabilities. They are equipped with computers and adaptive technology which will allow you access to your accommodations during study periods or library research. To book a study carrel, you must reserve a room and time, and sign-in at the Circulation Desk. When you sign-in, Library staff will provide you with a key to your carrel. Because access to these carrels is limited to students with 
disabilities, you must meet with your Learning Strategist and request that you be added to the list of study carrel users.
 
Learning Assistants 
Some students registered with Disability Services require the support of a Learning Assistant.  A Learning Assistant is put in place to support the academic development of the student by assisting the student and may include:
  • Acting as a scribe for assignments, research papers, term papers and/or any other items that 
  • require computer input or written responses.
  • Assisting the student with academic research - access library books/articles/periodicals, read books that are not scanned, and assist in using other resources that are not accessible or in the appropriate format.
  • Assisting with administrative tasks such as online exam bookings, and any other required forms related to university activities or classes. 
  • Assisting with the use of technology.
  • ​Assisting in the organization of course work and content.


​Note-Taking & Note-Sharing

 
Note-Taking
Note-taking is a proven way to provide equal access and to contribute to the success of students who have various disabilities. By relying on a note-taker to provide you with notes, you can devote your full attention to the professor, classroom discussions, and other learning activities.  In addition, we encourage you to continue to take your own notes as well. Your Learning Strategist will determine your need for a note-taker based on your documentation.  

Once you have determined for which classes you require a note-taker, you must contact the Disability Services Officers who will match you with a trained note-taker.  Students who receive note-taking services are required to attend class, and should notify Disability Services if they are absent due to a disability-related concern. 

**There is an hourly fee for note-taking services.  Ask your Learning Strategist 
about note-taking costs being covered by the BSWD.**
 
Note-Sharing 
You may also choose to find a note-sharer for classes (a student within the class, who is willing to 
voluntarily share their notes with you).  To find a note-sharer, you can ask a student personally if he or she is willing to share his or her notes, or ask the professor for recommendations of a student to ask or request that the professor make an announcement to the class if anyone is willing to share their notes.
 
**For a fee, Disability Services can assist in the process of 
providing a note-sharer for courses.**


​Summer Transition Program (STP)

 
Our annual Summer Transition Program (STP) is a program specifically designed to introduce new students with disabilities to the services and resources available at Nipissing University. New students participate in a variety of workshops that help them develop a deeper understanding of their disabilities, how they learn, how their disabilities affect their learning and how they can use accommodations and study strategies to overcome any barriers to their learning. Some of the benefits of attending STP include:
  • Meeting the staff of Disability Services and successful upper year students registered with Disability Services.
  • Meeting other first year students who are also registered with Disability Services.
  • Gaining a better understanding of how you learn.
  • Developing learning strategies which are specifically designed to complement your personal learning style and disability.
  • Learning about the accommodations and adaptive technologies that are available.
  • Receiving a welcome package.
  • Enjoying free food.


​Student Development and Services Resources

 
Academic Skills
Nipissing students are privileged to benefit from the extraordinary knowledge, skill and care provided by our Academic Skills Coordinators Georgia Lyons (writing) and Emily Tian (math & science). Your Learning Strategists rely on the Academic Skills Coordinators to provide you with subject-specific learning and study strategies. You can book an appointment with an Academic Skills Coordinator personally or after being referred from your Learning Strategist.
 
Peer Tutoring
The Academic Skills Coordinators also oversee Nipissing’s Peer Tutoring Program. This service is available for students who would like a private tutor for a particular course.  Student Development and Services has qualified peer tutors for most courses that Nipissing offers. You may complete an 
application for the assistance of a peer tutor online at http://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/student-development-and-services/peer-tutoring/Pages/default.aspx or by stopping into the Office of Student Development and Services in A201. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is charged for each 5-hour peer tutor contract. Qualified students with disabilities requiring extensive tutoring may apply for a BSWD to help cover the cost of this service.
 
Academic Skills Centre
The Academic Skills Centre runs on a first-come-first-served basis. The service is free and available to all Nipissing students.  The centre is run by experienced, trained, upper-year students who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and ability in the aspects of academic writing and mathematics across many disciplines. Hours of operation are posted outside the Office of Student Development and Services during the fall and winter semesters.
 
Personal and Career Counselling
Our counsellors are an important part of our Disability Services support team. From helping you to adjust to university life, to dealing with personal loss or disappointment, to coping with exam anxiety or depression, and offering alternate career exploration activities, our counsellors offer free and confidential services which can make a significant difference to your quality of life and learning while you are at Nipissing. To book an appointment please call ext. 4362 or stop by the Office of Student Development and Services in A201.
 


​Additional Support

 
Academic Calendar
The academic calendar is available in hard-copy and online at www.nipissingu.ca/calendar.   The academic calendar includes program requirements, support services, student policies, important dates for the year and much more.
 
Academic Services (Advising)
Undergraduate students who wish to plan their programs or who need advice on any academic matter should consult an Academic Advisor.  If you are experiencing academic difficulties or are uncertain about program requirements your Learning Strategist can assist you in getting in touch with an Academic Advisor, or you can personally book an appointment through their office (A207).
 
Library
The library not only offers hard-copy and online resources but also a knowledgeable staff that are able to assist with the research process.  Library staff are available by visiting the information desk and can provide assistance on locating appropriate documents, accessing inter-library loans, developing your research skills and much more.
 
Professors
Your professors can be a valuable resource for assistance on clarifying topics discussed in class, providing research assistance on assignments, and much more.  Be sure to visit them during their office hours or make an appointment.  Ensure you make arrangements early if you require assistance.
 


​Centre for Flexible Teaching & Learning/Online Courses

 
If you are registered in an online course through Nipissing University, please ensure you do the following:

Identify with your Learning Strategist
  • You must notify your Learning Strategist that you are registered for a Nipissing online course within 2 weeks of the course commencing.
Notify the CFTL
  • Your Learning Strategist will email you a copy of your Letter of Accommodation and will CC the CFTL on this email so they have a copy of the accommodations.  
  • It is your responsibility to self identify to your instructor.
Ensure Your Current Address is Accurate
  • You must ensure that your "current address" on WebAdvisor is correct to the location you wish to write your exam.  It is your responsibility to keep this information up-to-date.
Book Tests/Exams
  • If you are writing in North Bay, you can book tests and exams online in the same way you do for on-campus courses.
  • For those wishing to write final exams in North Bay, you will be required to book online before the Final Exam Registration deadline date or the $40 fee/per exam will apply.
  • If you are writing in your home community, the CFTL will make the appropriate testing/exam arrangements for you if you are not writing in North Bay.


Contact Information

Lee Pedersen
Manager, Student Support Services
705.474.3450, ext. 4493
leep@nipissingu.ca

Paul Courville
Adaptive Technology Technician
705.474.3450, ext. 4401

Mike Walker 
Learning Strategist
705.474.3450, ext. 4333
mikew@nipissingu.ca

Daralynn D’Angelo
Learning Strategist 
705.474.3450, ext. 4235

Heather Lee
Disability Services Officer
705.474.3450, ext. 4202
disability@nipissingu.ca
heatherl@nipissingu.ca
 
Chelsey Leal
Disability Services Officer
705.474.3450, ext. 4331
chelseyl@nipissingu.ca

Diane Sheldon
Secretary Disability Services
705.474.3450, ext. 4362
dianes@nipissingu.ca
 
​​​​​



Student Health 101
 
Nipissing University
100 College Drive, Box 5002
North Bay, ON, Canada
P1B 8L7
Tel: 705.474.3450
TTY: 877.688.5507
Brantford Campus
50 Wellington St.
Brantford, ON, Canada
N3T 2L6
Tel: 519.752.1524
Muskoka Campus
125 Wellington Street
Bracebridge, ON, Canada
P1L 1E2
Tel: 705.645.2921
 

© Nipissing University 2012DisclaimerPrivacyAccessibility