Disability Services for Students (DSS)
Attention New Students Fall 2021 – Any incoming student who has special accessibility needs and/or needs information about Disability Services for Students (DSS) and accommodations should contact Teresa Coplin by email (tjcoplin@anderson.edu) as soon as possible.
COVID-19 and Disability Services for Students (DSS) – DSS staff continue to assist AU students with disabilities during this unique time. During the summer months, contact Teresa Coplin by email (tjcoplin@anderson.edu) if you have questions.
About
Anderson University offers learning support services for all students who qualify under the ADAAA/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To secure support services, students must notify the office of Disability Services for Students (DSS) of the disability, provide appropriate documentation of the disability, and request specific accommodations. DSS is located in the Kissinger Academic Center for Excellence in the Nicholson Library. Students who have questions should contact Teresa Coplin, director of DSS, at ext. 4223 on campus, (765) 641-4223 off campus, or by email at tjcoplin@anderson.edu
In addition, support may be available for students with short-term issues, such as broken bones. These students may qualify for temporary assistance, such as a scribe for test taking or a short-term parking sticker for designated parking.
We do not provide evaluations through our office, but we can assist with information related to evaluations through outside agencies. Feel free to call our office if you currently qualify or think you might qualify for services and support.
Information For Students Requesting Sign Language Interpreting Services
A qualified sign language interpreter for classes and other appropriate events is one of the accommodations available for students who are deaf or have a hearing impairment. Providing interpreter services requires advance planning and cooperation from the student. DSS does not train or evaluate the interpreters. View an informational PDF.
Information for Students with Food Allergies
Students with food allergies should complete the Anderson University Food Allergy Policy and submit it to the office of the Dean of Students. View the form on the Health Services web area.
Information for Students Regarding Emotional Support Animals
Students with disabilities needing information about the accommodation of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) should read the Anderson University Emotional Support Animal Policy and Agreement available via the AU Housing homepage. Students who feel they meet the requirements may contact housing@anderson.edu or call (765) 641-4190 to request the newest updated application.
Information Regarding Service Animals
Service Animal owners who plan to bring a Service Animal on campus are encouraged to register the animal with Disability Services for Students (DSS). Although registration is not required, it has benefits for the owner. For example, DSS staff can provide advance notice to university personnel that the owner and service animal are entitled to access. Also, DSS staff can help educate faculty and others that they should not distract or pet a service animal. The intended purpose of voluntary registration is to facilitate faculty and staff working well with service animal owners. For more information, please see the Anderson University Animal Policy located in the Student Handbook.
The Bridges Program
Anderson University offers a program to help students with specific learning disabilities and/or ADHD achieve their educational goals. The Bridges program provides these students an extra layer of support during the transition from high school to college.
During their first semester, students who are accepted into the Bridges program must take a two-credit-hour college survival skills/study skills course that is taught by a DSS staff member/members. Freshmen enrolled in the program are typically limited to a lighter course load during their first semester. Students are fully integrated into the university and follow the regular curriculum and requirements for graduation.
Students who wish to apply to the Bridges program must notify the DSS director. Documentation of a specific learning disability and/or ADHD must be provided. Students applying for the program are required to have a personal interview with the program director. Persons needing more information about this unique opportunity should contact Teresa Coplin, director of DSS, at (765) 641-4223 or tjcoplin@anderson.edu. There is currently no additional charge for enrollment in the program.
