Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is DSS?

DSS (Disabled Students Services) is the on-campus department responsible for determining and providing required academic accommodations for disabled students. A variety of support services are provided to students with verified disabilities.

Q.  Who qualifies for accommodations/services provided by DSS?

Any COS student who has a documented disability and demonstrates a need for accommodations/services directly relating to his/her educational limitation may qualify for accommodations/services.

Q.  What are accommodations?

Accommodations refer to support and/or adaptations, which will minimize the effects of the student's disability and create equal access for the disabled student to demonstrate what he or she has learned, in an academic setting.
Students have the right to request reasonable modifications to college requirements, services, facilities or programs if their documented disability imposes an educational limitation or impedes access to services, facilities or programs. A student with a disability who requests a modification, accommodation, or adjustment is responsible for requesting necessary accommodations by identifying himself/herself to the instructor and, if desired, to the DSS office.
Go to services/accommodations page.

Q. How do I go about receiving accommodations/services provided by DSS?

1)  There must be verification of your disability before you can receive accommodations/services from the DSS Office. You may bring in documentation for your disability to the DSS Office or provide the Office with the name, address, phone and fax number of the verifying professional and the DSS office will request the necessary information.
2)  Set up an appointment with a DSS staff member to fill out all required DSS paperwork to apply for accommodations/services.
3)  For assistance and/or to make an appointment, call the DSS Office at 1-(888)397-4339 or (530) 938-5297 or tty (530) 938-5358 or stop by Eddy Hall 1 at the Weed Campus, or go to our Web site at www.siskiyous.edu/dsps Students who consult or request assistance from DSS regarding specific modifications, accommodations, adjustments, alternate text or use of auxiliary aids will be required to meet timelines and procedural requirements established by the DSS office.

Q. What if I am not registered yet? How do I get started?

There are a few simple steps you need to take to register for classes, i.e. appropriate assessment test, transcripts from other colleges, appointment with advisor etc. Keep in mind the DSS Department Director/Counselor is also an academic advisor and is available by appointment. If you are not able to get an appointment immediately or would like an advisor that specializes in your particular major, contact the Counseling Services office at (530) 938-5353.

Q. Do Disabled Students need to take the Compass/Assessment test?

Yes.   However, if you have a documented disability that indicates a need for accommodations for taking the assessment exam, contact either the DSS Office or Counseling Services at least 3 school days prior to your exam so appropriate arrangements can be made. Alternative Assessment testing is also available if necessary.
All students must meet the prerequisites and entrance requirements for courses in which they plan to enroll.

Q. Does COS waive courses needed for graduation requirements for students with disabilities?

No.   All students must meet the course and entrance requirements. In rare instances, students may petition to substitute a graduation requirement with alternative course work. This is a lengthy process and students are encouraged to meet all requirements as outlined in the catalog.

Q. What if I think I may have a learning disability but I am not sure, and I do not have any documentation?

The Learning Disabilities Specialist can assess for and document eligibility for LD services if you do not have current (assessment within last 3 years) documentation. Request a Learning Disability Intake Form from the Disabled Student Service office or access it on the DSS web page. After completing the form, make an appointment with Marlys Cordoba, Learning Disability Specialist to discuss your learning challenges and needs.

Q. How is the confidentiality of a student's records/status maintained through the DSS Department?

No information is released from DSS without a student's permission. There is nothing on a student's enrollment or transcript to indicate that a student is registered with, or receiving services from DSS.

Q.  Are registration fees waived at College of the Siskiyous for students with disabilities?

No.   Students with disabilities are responsible for the same fees and payments as all other students attending the college. Students who are receiving SSI or otherwise financially disadvantaged may be eligible for the Board of Governors Grant (BOGFW).

Q. Are there special financial aid packages available to students with disabilities?

Information regarding financial assistance for all students is available from the Financial Aid Office. Scholarship information is also available at the Financial Aid Office. Other resources may include the State Department of Rehabilitation and the Social Security Administration.

Q. Is there a fee for services through the DSS Department?

No.   Accommodations and services, such as tutoring, are authorized as appropriate to each student's disability and provided free of charge (including tutoring).

Q. What is the High Tech Center?

The High Tech Center (HTC) is a Technology Learning lab designed to bring the most current computer access to disabled students. The HTC is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. A knowledgeable staff is available to assist you.

Q. Is my State of California placard sufficient for parking on campus?

Yes, in the designated areas. Also note - COS does not require parking permits for general parking.

Q. Are disabled students allowed to tape-record their classes?

An instructor is typically required to allow tape recording of lectures, if taping is determined to be an appropriate accommodation for the student's disability. If the classroom discussion is of a personal nature, the student needs to turn off the recorder. Students need to discuss this, and all other requested accommodations, with their instructor before recording.

Q. What if I have a print disability and cannot read traditional texts?

Students with a print disability - a documented visual limitation or reading difficulty that limits access to traditional print materials - may request printed materials in alternate media. Examples of alternate media formats include electronic format e.g., text on CD, Braille, tactile graphics, audiotape, and/or large print. Students can make alternate media requests through DSS.

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