Frequently Asked Questions from Guidance Counselors
 

Click on the question to see the answer.

Does registration as a student with a disability, and accommodation for a disability, differ between high school and college? 

Yes.  Because colleges fall under different laws than high schools, there are many differences.  There are differences in areas including disclosure of disability, documentation and registration as a student with a disability, accommodations and services available, and student responsibilities in requesting and using accommodations.   
 

Does Disability Services provide personal care attendants or coaches?

Our office does not provide personal services such as care attendants or coaches.

Does Student Disability Services provide tutoring services?

Our office does not provide tutors, but tutoring services are available for all USC students in math and writing labs on campus.   Students may also contact academic departments to seek tutoring at the student’s expense.
 

Can college students sign a waiver that will allow parents to speak with college faculty and staff on behalf of the student?    

A college student at USC can sign a waiver giving staff permission to share information with parents.   However, even if a student signs a waiver, Student Disability Services staff only communicates with parents, or other parties, in the presence of the student.   Also, Student Disability Services staff requires that the student handle any matters related to our office, including registration and accommodations.   We do not work with the parent in place of the student.   
 

Does USC accept an IEP from high school?

IEPs are not acceptable documentation.  IEPs are a contract between the student and the high school.   Students have IEPs in high school because high schools fall under a law called IDEA.   Colleges do not fall under IDEA.  Colleges fall under the ADA and Section 504.  

The following article discusses this topic:  “Transition: There are no IEPs in College” by Amy G. Dell. 

Does USC accept a 504 plan from high school?   I have heard that colleges accept 504 plans because both high schools and colleges fall under Section 504. 

504 Plans are not acceptable documentation.  While high schools and colleges both fall under Section 504, colleges fall under a different subsection.

Does USC accept a Summary of Performance from High School? 

A Summary of Performance is not acceptable documentation.   A Summary of Performance is a document prepared between the high school and the student to aide the student in transition planning.   

How long is the registration process?

Students should allow 4-6 weeks for completion. Students should begin the process soon after being admitted and choosing to attend USC.  The process is complex and lengthy.

What types of Disability Services are offered?   What services can students qualify for? 

Services are determined by detailed committee review of documentation.   Therefore, services for each student cannot be determined until the committee review.  However, click here for a list of accommodations available, in general, for different disability categories.     

How do students register with Student Disability Services?

This question is addressed for students under the Student Links on our homepage.

Some high school students I work with have a disability that sometimes affects  attendance.   If a student is registered as a student with a disability through Student Disability Services, will they be granted an accommodation that allows for extra absences from class?   

Students registered with Student Disability Services as a student with a disability fall under the syllabus and attendance policy of each individual professor for each course.    If a student with a disability is having difficulty with the class attendance policy, the student should speak with the instructor.  

Some high school students I work with have disabilities that can affect their schedule and completion of assignments, papers, and test preparation.    If a student registered with a disability through Student Disability Services, can students be granted an accommodation that allows extensions for assignments, papers, and test preparation?  

Students registered with Student Disability Services as a student with a disability fall under the syllabus and course requirements of each individual professor for each course.    If a student with a disability is having difficulty with class requirements, the student should speak with the instructor.  

I work with a student whose SAT score/GRE score/GPA does not meet USC requirements for admission.   Can the student meet with someone in Student Disability Services to get assistance with my admissions application/assistance getting admitted to the university?

Student Disability Services works with students after they have been admitted to the University.    Disability is not considered in the admissions process.   

I work with a high school student who was declined admission to USC or to a specific academic program at USC.    Can Disability Services help the student get placed on a waiting list?  

Student Disability Services works with students after they have been admitted to the University.  Student Disability Services is not involved in admissions.   If you have any questions regarding admissions, direct your questions to Admissions. 

The Undergraduate Admissions number is:   777-7700

The Graduate Admissions number is:   777-4243