Assistant Dean of Students: Disability Services

At Montana State University- Northern, students with physical or learning disabilities are provided with a variety of services, as directed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In order to access these services, students must provide documentation of their disability and meet with Bill Lanier, Assistant Dean of Students. During the meeting, they will be registered for Disability Services and will discuss with the Assistant Dean of Students the ways in which our program can be effective in meeting their individual needs.

Students with either physical or learning disabilities are usually most interested in our alternative testing service. Through this service students can arrange to take their tests in the alternative testing room, supervised by the Assistant Dean of Students. This room provides an isolated testing environment, so that distractions are limited, and makes it possible for people to take additional time that they may need to complete a test. In addition, some students must have their tests read to them and/or their oral answers written down, and we can provide that assistance.

Students who have difficulty writing can be helped by a fellow student hired by our program to take notes in class for them.

We are members of the national Reading For the Blind and Dyslexic (RFBD) program, through which we order textbooks on tape for students whose disabilities make it easier for them to learn by hearing material rather than reading it. To take best advantage of this service, it is important for students to give us their textbook information as soon as they know it in order to allow time for the books to be recorded and shipped before the semester begins. We have tape recorders available for check out.

Students with physical disabilities frequently go through the Assistant Dean of Students when they have problems of access due to physical barriers on campus. The Assistant Dean of Students then contacts the appropriate department to address the problem. Usually these issues are weather-related (snow and ice) but the Assistant Dean of Students also acts as an advocate for disabled students when any other issues of fairness or accessibility arise.

For information regarding individual and group tutoring please contact the Learning Center in the basement of the library or call 265-3760.

All students who qualify for the program are encouraged to enroll with the Student Support Services program in Cowan Hall 211.

If you have any further questions, feel free to call the Assistant Dean of Students, who is also the Disability Services Coordinator, at 406-265-4117. We are committed to the success of all students!

Revised February 2006

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