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Student Accessibility & Support Services (SASS)

The McDaniel College community is caring and supportive, with high academic and personal expectations for each student.  The goal of the College is to enable every student to achieve a full and productive life. Student Accessibility & Support Services (SASS) assists all students with documented disabilities. The SASS Office works with each student on a case-by-case basis to determine and implement appropriate accommodations based on individual needs.

Register with SASS
Proudly Ranked Among the Best Disability Friendly Colleges and Universities
Graduate assistant working with student.

Fall 2022 - Spring 2023 Service Levels

The SASS Office ensures that students with documented disabilities receive appropriate academic accommodations based on their individual needs. The Basic level provides access to all approved accommodations, assistive technology, and use of the testing center. Like all of SASS's innovative and nationally-recognized programs, the Basic Level is deeply rooted in the most cutting-edge research on student support. Basic Level support is available to students at all academic levels for no fee, and includes:

  • Access to applicable accommodations.
  • Weekly meetings with SASS Graduate Assistants (up to 1 hour per week).
  • Use of SASS office assistive technology, 8:30am-4:30pm.
  • Drop-in tutoring for select basic courses.

Regardless of the level of service, all students must register with SASS to receive accommodations.

Register with SASS

Register with SASS

Regardless of the level of service, all students must register with SASS to receive accommodations.

Register Now

Academic Skills Program (ASP)

In addition to the Basic Program, the SASS office offers a variety of Service Programs options for more in-depth and comprehensive services to ensure student success. By working closely with the SASS office, each students unique needs are met through a variety of programs, social events and mentorship. In order to keep the Programs affordable, Students can select the all-inclusive Academic Skills Program (ASP) or just the services they need with the Mentorship Advantage Program (MAP) and Providing Academic Support for Success (PASS) program.

New for the 2021 - 2022 school year is the College PRO: Prepare, Reinforce, Organize program. 

The Academic Skills Program for first-year students includes the Mentorship Advantage Program (MAP) and the Providing Academic Support for Success (PASS) Program, as well as weekly one-on-one sessions with an Academic Counselor who will provide intensive support in academics, time management, organizational skills, and self-advocacy techniques. Academic counselors communicate with professors throughout the semester. Individual peer tutoring, weekly support sessions with Graduate Assistants, and priority registration ahead of their class are included.

LEVEL1-pink

Academic Skills Program Level 1 (ASP 1) Fall 2023 Rates Available Soon

Eligible Students: Freshman/Transfers with fewer than 32 credits 

  • Access to applicable accommodations.
  • Up to 2 hours weekly of individual Academic Counselor support (includes meetings, communication, etc.) beginning week before classes start.
  • Weekly meetings with SASS Graduate Assistants (up to one hour per week).
  • Individual peer tutoring, up to 3 hours per week per course (subject to availability).
  • Use of SASS office technology, 8:30am-4:30pm + during PASS hours.
  • Priority course registration.
  • MAP included (see below for description).
  • PASS included (see below for description).
LEVEL2

Academic Skills Level 2 (ASP 2) Fall 2023 Rates Available Soon

Eligible Students: Sophomores

  • Access to applicable accommodations.
  • One hour weekly individual meetings with an Academic Counselor, beginning the week classes start.
  • Weekly meetings with SASS Graduate Assistants (up to one hour per week).
  • Individual peer tutoring, up to 3 hours per week per course (subject to availability).
  • Use of SASS office technology, 8:30am-4:30pm + during PASS hours.
  • Priority course registration.
  • MAP included (see below for description).
  • PASS included (see below for description).
LEVEL3

Academic Skills Program Level 3 (ASP 3) Fall 2023 Rates Available Soon

Eligible Students: Juniors and Seniors

  • Access to applicable accommodations.
  • One hour weekly individual meetings with an Academic Counselor, beginning the week classes start.
  • Weekly meetings with SASS Graduate Assistants (up to one hour per week).
  • Individual peer tutoring, up to 3 hours per week per course (subject to availability).
  • Use of SASS office technology, 8:30am-4:30pm + during PASS hours.
  • Priority course registration.

Additional Services

An academic counselor working with a student on an assignment.

Eligible Students: All academic years Mentorship Advantage Program (MAP) Fall 2023 Rates Available Soon

  • A student-first approach where peers are in charge of their own process and experience.
  • Weekly interactive activities are designed to enhance students' skills in such areas as socialization, problem solving, communication, and independence.
Student using dictation software.

Eligible Students: All academic Levels Providing Academic Support for Success (PASS) Fall 2023 Rates Available Soon

  • Group academic support sessions supported by a SASS Graduate Assistant.
  • Held three evenings a week for two hours.
  • Quiet environment and use of assistive technology enable students to make the most of study time.
Art professor and students in art studio.

Eligible Students: All academic levels New! College PRO (Prepare, Reinforce, Organize) Fall 2023 Rates Available Soon

One hour weekly interactive group sessions planned and led by SASS staff.  These interactive academic opportunities will enhance academic skills necessary for college success.  Topics may include: note taking, technology, discussion boards, test preparation, organization, time management and much more.

SASS Facts

The SASS Office works with each student on a case-by-case basis to determine and implement appropriate accommodations based on individual needs.

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21%

of undergraduate students utilize SASS

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Campus spaces for SASS programs

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Staff members work in the SASS office

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Unique SASS programs available for students

Students on campus for McDaniel Local.

Only at McDaniel Step Ahead Fall 2023 Rates Available Soon

Eligible Students: Incoming Fall Freshmen and Transfers

A Summer Transitional Program for Students with Disabilities

The Step Ahead summer experience at McDaniel College anticipates challenges that first-year students with disabilities may encounter and provides strategies for students to become strong self-advocates. Specifically, Step Ahead participants sharpen their skills in note-taking, reading comprehension, time management, study strategies, assistive technology, communicating with professors and roommates, college-level writing, independent living skills and interacting with peers. Though summer bridge programs are offered nationwide, Step Ahead is distinctive in its broad applicability (in contrast to programs that focus on a specific diagnosis, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder), and its low cost. Step Ahead is intended for students with any type of diagnosed disability who are registered with the SASS Office.

Learn More About Step Ahead
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Support at Every Turn SASS Jan Term Opportunities

Eligible Students: All academic years

As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure all students take advantage of McDaniel's distinctive educational opportunities, SASS is proud to offer unique Jan Term opportunities. These trips include various study abroad and local options, providing supportive environments for students interested in expanding their academic experiences. Jan Term fees vary depending on location. 

Learn More About Jan Term

Services Not Provided

Student Accessibility & Support Services does not provide the following:

  • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for determining disabilities
  • Special classes for students with disabilities
  • A reduced standard for academic performance
  • Exemption from graduation requirements (some substitutions are allowed)
  • Life Coaching
  • Medication Management

Our Mission

The mission of the Student Accessibility & Support Services Office is to assist in creating an accessible college community where students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the educational environment. We cooperate through partnerships with students, faculty, and staff to promote students’ independence, self-advocacy, and full academic potential. Our department works within the McDaniel community to enhance educational outcomes for our students and promote the recognition of students’ capabilities.

Documentation

Students who are requesting support services are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility under the ADA of 1990 and ADAAA of 2008. The documentation must include medical or psychological information from a certified professional. This documentation assists our office in responding appropriately to the individual needs of the student. For the most accurate assessment of current level of functioning, the SASS office encourages psycho-educational documentation to be no older than 3 years. Student Accessibility & Support Services reserves the right to determine eligibility for services based on the submitted documentation. All documentation is confidential.

Accommodations

Student Accessibility & Support Services works with each student on a case-by-case basis to determine and implement appropriate accommodations based on individual needs and documentation. Accommodations are provided to assist the student in achieving the intended outcome of the course, as long as the accommodation does not alter the fundamental nature or requirements of the course or program.

Connect With Us

Melanie Conley

Director

Phone: 410-857-2504

Office: Suite 117, Merritt Hall

Location

2 College Hill
Westminster, MD 21157
 

Register with SASS

Regardless of the level of service, all students must register with SASS to receive accommodations.

Register Now
McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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