I’m Christie Goodman, a Red Raider alum, Red Raider parent and Red Raider daughter. It is my daughter’s experience that made me want to share with you some info about Texas Tech’s Student Disability Services. Tech’s SDS office is recognized nationally for its student support. As you get ready for your child’s freshman year, if your student has special needs, a 504 or a chronic condition, make sure to get set up with Student Disability Services before school starts.
The intake process includes an online application, documentation, and an initial meeting (which can be virtual). Your student will really benefit from getting this done in the summer since some accommodations or other supports need to be established before school starts. Plus, it will help ensure a smoother college beginning.
The Student Disability Services office will walk your student through the basic steps to follow at the beginning of each semester. For example, these steps for each semester might be:
Before classes start, your student will request letters of accommodation from SDS for each class.
Once the letters (LOAs) are approved, SDS will email the student’s professors and will copy your student, which helps your student know when to get their “pink sheets” from SDS. (Student tip: Save the emails.)
Most students go to SDS for their pink sheets, but students can print them (though they won’t be the recognizable pink color).
This process makes sure students and professors are clear about the accommodations and details like test dates and locations.
It can feel daunting to a first-time student. You can help by reminding your child that professors are used to this process. My daughter said she has felt even more support from her Texas Tech professors than she did in high school. Plus, it gives them an excuse to greet their professors one-on-one early in the semester. (Students don’t need an excuse, but reluctant first-timers may feel otherwise.)
Another practical pointer for any freshman is to understand what to do with a syllabus. On my first weekend visit a few weeks into the school year, we spent some time in the library figuring out how to use the app for the printer so my daughter could print all of her syllabuses and then note test dates on her calendar. It is not that complicated, but it can get lost among all the new things and time demands that first semester.
While SDS services are free, the office also has a fee-for-service program called the TECHniques Center. Once students are approved by the Student Disability Services office, they can apply to the TECHniques Center for additional support. Know that there is a waiting list and your student may not get in their first semester. But the earlier they apply, the better their chances.
The support for students through Student Disability Services and TECHniques are customized for each student.
My daughter specifically wanted me to add that the SDS staff are extremely nice and helpful. She has always felt welcome and encouraged.
