Tips for Working with Professors

1. It is to the student’s advantage to introduce him/herself to each instructor as soon as possible.  The student may consider making an appointment with him/her in order to speak candidly and privately about any special needs that may arise.
2. Be confident, pleasant, and respectful.  All students are encouraged to practice an assertive, reasonable approach in communicating their needs.
3. It is not necessary to inform the instructor of the specific disability.  However, the instructor  may be better able to meet special needs/requests if he/she has basic information regarding how the disability impacts classroom functioning.
4. Communicate in plain, simple terms.  For example, “I cannot see material on the board or read regular print.”
5. Should difficulties arise in a particular class, students are encouraged to express concerns to the instructor and prepare suggestions for alternative solutions.