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Information for students with disabilities
Disability has been defined by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The range of disabilities is wide and varied. Broad categories include hearing, speech, visual, and mobility impairments; learning disabilities, mental health impairments, and chronic health problems.
Colgate's Mission
Colgate provides for a small student body a liberal arts education that will expand individual potential and ability to participate effectively in society’s affairs. There are many resources available for all students, and within our campus-wide support system, we offer services that are responsive to the individual talents and needs of our students who have disabilities.
Admission
The Office of Admission reviews applications of all candidates. The staff looks for evidence of substantial achievement in a rigorous secondary school curriculum. Also valued are qualities such as curiosity, originality, thoughtfulness, and persistence. Should you have questions please contact the office at (315) 228-7401.
Once you are admitted
While it is entirely your decision about whether to report your disability or not, we want to encourage you to do so. We would like to plan with you for any reasonable accommodations you may need at Colgate. Please begin by completing the Special Needs Identification Form and mail to: Lynn Waldman, Director of Academic Support and Disability Services, Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research, Colgate University, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346.
Keep in mind that policies and practices related to disabilities at Colgate may be quite different from what you experienced in high school or another institution you attended previously. Your questions pertaining to what constitutes appropriate documentation, possible accommodations and services, confidentiality, or any other matters of interest or concern are welcomed.
For information about requesting special accommodations for housing or dining, please view the Special Accommodations page on the Residential Life website.
When you arrive on campus
Seeking help early and learning to communicate with faculty and staff about your needs are essential to your success and satisfaction with your college experience. Expect to meet with your professors at the beginning of each semester to discuss accommodations you may need in your courses. We provide services in support of academic work such as assistance with note takers and assistive technology, on a case-by-case basis. Out of the classroom, we can help with room selection as well as with specific accommodations in the residence hall.
Geography and climate
Colgate’s campus is strikingly beautiful but our location on a steep hillside and our winter climate can pose considerable challenges, especially for individuals with mobility impairments. We want to assist you with your transportation and parking needs and insure you have access to university programs and services. Should a program you want to attend be in a location that is not currently accessible, please let us know so we can relocate the program to a different building or floor, if necessary.
In closing
Colgate University is committed to treating all members of the university community in an equitable manner. The university will not discriminate because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. Colgate’s
nondiscrimination policy complies with all current statutes and applies in admission, employment, and access to all programs, services and other activities offered by the university. We invite suggestions about innovative and meaningful ways to respond to the special needs of members of the Colgate community.
Campus resources
Lynn Waldman
Director of Academic Support and Disability Services
Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research
Reviews documentation to determine reasonable accommodations. Works with students and faculty to insure that the needs of students with disabilities are met. Provides information, training, and individual consultation upon request concerning disability issues. Coordinates compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Chairs the Campus Access Committee at Colgate.
Telephone: (315) 228-7375
TTY: (315) 228-6001
FAX: (315) 228-7975
E-mail: lwaldman@colgate.edu
Renée Chapin
Center Coordinator
Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research
Provides administrative support to the Director of Academic Support and Disability Services.
Telephone: (315) 228-7375
FAX: (315) 228-7975
E-mail: rchapin@colgate.edu
Beverly Low
Dean of First-Year Students
Serves as administrative adviser for all first year students.
Telephone: (315) 228-7368
Jennifer Adams
Director, Residential Life
Resource for questions concerning housing modifications and accommodations.
Telephone: (315) 228-7367
Merrill Miller, M.D.
University Physician/Student Health Services
Available for ongoing medical care and medications for disabilities and discussions about nutritional/dietary needs. Arranges for physical therapy and consults with Campus Safety concerning transportation needs.
Telephone: (315) 228-7750
Mark Thompson
Director, University Counseling and Psychological Services
Provides confidential psychological counseling free of charge for students.
Telephone: (315) 228-7385
Jennifer Lutman
Director of the Writing Center
The Writing Center is a resource for any student who wants help at any stage of the writing process. We also provide peer consultation in public speaking and oral presentations.
Telephone: (315) 228-7376
Gretchen Herringer
Registrar
Resource for questions and concerns pertaining to course selection, graduation requirements, and transfer requirements.
Telephone: (315) 228-7406
Emily Hutton-Hughes
Head of Collection Development
Case-Geyer and Cooley Libraries
Coordinates library services for students with disabilities.
Telephone: (315) 228-7308
Dave Bowers
Facilities Department Program Manager
Contact person for questions and concerns related to accessibility of campus facilities.
Telephone: (315) 228-7576
William (Bill) Ferguson
Director and Chief of Campus Safety
Assists students with physical disabilities with transportation needs and coordinates parking on campus.
Telephone: (315) 228-7333
TTY: (315) 228-6002
George Murray
Director, Dining Services
Assists students with special dietary requirements.
Telephone: (315) 228-7670
Affiliations
Colgate University is a member of the following:
Post-Secondary Disability Consortium of Central New York http://www.pdccny.org/
New York State Disability Services Council http://www.sws.cornell.edu/dsc/
Community resources
Learning Disabilities Association of Central New York (LDCNY)
Aggie Dewan, Director
722 West Manlius Street
East Syracuse, NY 13059
Telephone: (315) 432-0665
Northeast ADA and IT (Information Technology)
Cornell University
Program on Employment and Disability
331 Ives Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Telephone: (800) 949-4234
http://www.northeastada.org/
Prepared by the:
Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research
Colgate University
13 Oak Drive
Hamilton, New York 13346
Telephone: (315) 228-7375
FAX: (315) 228-7975
www.colgate.edu/cltr