Students in group

Student Resources

What is a Letter of Accommodation? How do I use it?

Your Letter of Accommodation (LoA) informs your classroom instructor(s) about the accommodations you are entitled to receive. You are responsible for providing each of your classroom instructors with a copy of your LoA. We advise that you meet with your professor(s) during their office hours to confirm that they have received your LoA, discuss your specific needs, and ensure a mutual understanding of your accommodations.

There is no deadline for disclosing to OEA or requesting to use approved accommodations in a given course. However, accommodations can only be applied to future assignments or exams; they can not be applied retroactively.

To request any modifications to your accommodations, visit your RAMS Accommodate Portal, then go to "Accommodation" > "Supplemental"; if you have any additional documentation, you may submit it here. Documentation is only accepted through RAMS Accommodate Portal. If additional information or a meeting is required by the OEA staff in order to consider your request fully, you will be notified by email. Otherwise, you will generally be notified of the decision within 1-2 business days if no additional information is needed.

You are responsible for submitting your Semester Requests EVERY SEMESTER to renew your LoA. You can do this by logging in to RAMS Accommodate Portal and selecting "Accommodation"> "Semester Requests" > "Select the Semester" > "Review Accommodations." You can only schedule exams or access your accommodations once your faculty has been notified. During periods of high demand, it may take up to 72 hours for your Semester Request to be processed.

What is Academic Coaching?

Students who choose academic coaching work with our Academic Coaches, individuals working toward a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education, or other related fields at WCU. Academic Coaching is a service that supports students in developing a broad range of skills essential to achieving success, including time management, organization, studying, test-taking skills, stress management, developing goals, priorities, and self-advocacy. Academic Coaching is not tutoring; you do not necessarily have content knowledge in your courses.


Coaching appointments typically last about 30-45 minutes. Students can expect to meet with a coach weekly throughout the semester (as long as classes are in session). During these weekly sessions, the student and coach will work together to develop and monitor a plan of action to help the student meet their academic goals.

How do I sign up for OEA Student Services?

Sign up to receive services such as Academic Coaching, Mindfulness Coaching, and Assistive Technology Training by making an appointment request through your portal.

Learn about Adaptive Technology!

  • Audio Books: Companies like Learning Ally and Bookshare can provide many of your required readings as downloads to your computer.

  • Etext: An alternative to written texts for students who need a combination of print and or a more interactive text (larger font, more white space) or just the convenience of computer based texts.

  • Reading Technology: Programs like Speechify and Read and Write Gold, which allow students to access etext or online material (including teacher notes) in a more useful way. Some programs offer notetaking help, built in dictionaries and the ability to listen to your own writing efforts.

  • Dictation Programs: Nuance has a variety of options for dictation software.

  • Notetaking Technology: Messenger Pigeon by Habitat Learn allows students to record class sessions and attach copies of handouts and projected materials to be submitted to a content area expert who takes notes based on the recordings and materials.  Notes are returned within 48 hours.

  • Alternate Texts: Alternate texts aid students with disabilities who have difficulty accessing traditional paperbound texts. Alternate texts are available in a variety of formats, most commonly: PDF files, Microsoft Word documents, and in some instances, mp3s. The OEA is dedicated to ensuring equal access for students with disabilities. In order to be eligible for alternate texts, you must have appropriate accommodations through the OEA.

Please use the Alternate Materials Request in your portal

Scheduling an Appointment with OEA Staff

Students may schedule an appointment through their portal or by emailing oea@wcupa.edu.

Twardowski Career Development Center

The Twardowski Career Development Center connects students and alumni to the professional world, introducing them to who they can become.

VISIT THE TWARDOWSKI CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Distance Learning Accessibility Tips & Resources for Students

Useful Links

Proctoring Center

The purpose of the OEA Proctoring Center is to provide accessible testing in a distraction reduced setting for  students who are registered with the OEA and have a reasonable accommodation that provides the student with the ability to test in an alternate setting or format.

For more information please visit the

Drop-In Hours

Drop-in hours may be available for students registered with the OEA. Depending upon staff availability drop-in appointments may be available for Accommodations Questions, Academic Coaching, Mindfulness and/or Assistive Technology training.

You can also schedule appointments online through your RAMS ACCOMMODATE Portal.

Reduced Courseload as an Accommodation

If a student is granted the accommodation of reduced course load, this means they are eligible to take less than 12 credits a semester and be considered full-time students in determining eligibility for WCU services, including but not limited to:

  • Campus housing
  • Participation in student activities
  • WCU scholarships
  • PASSHE scholarships/waivers
  • NCAA DII Athletics participation

Limitations:

  • Students are reported with their actual enrollment status to the Department of Education for financial aid eligibility/deferment purposes, the National Student Clearinghouse, NSLDS (Federal Loans & Aid), and other external reporting.
  • Students are evaluated based on their actual credit load for determination of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Students are not eligible for non-WCU scholarships and loans that require full-time enrollment.
  • Students may go into federal loan repayment status if they are not enrolled at least half-time (6-8 credits).
  • Students’ financial aid will be based on actual tuition charges incurred and may not result in a credit balance.