Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I receive services from the SDRC:
A: The process begins when you receive your acceptance letter from Georgia Southern. In that packet of information is a form titled Voluntary Declaration of Disability. Fill that form out and mail it back- the correct address is on the form.
When the SDRC receives that form, you will be contacted by a staff member. We will discuss documentation requirements for your disability and ask that you send us that.
When proper documentation is in place, you will be notified to call for an appointment when you arrive on campus. At that point, your services will begin.
Q: What if I don't have adequate documentation?
A: After the SDRC receives your Voluntary Declaration of Disability (VDD) form, you will be contacted about documentation. If you do not have appropriate documentation, options for obtaining this will be discussed.
Q: Does GSU provide testing to document a disability?
A: GSU houses a center funded by the Board of Regents. The center is called the Regents Center for Learning Disorders. They can provide psychological testing for students with Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and Acquired Brain Injuries. The cost is $500.00. An SDRC staff member will walk you through the process.
Q: What are documentation standards like?
A: Standards vary across disability categories. Standards for Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder have been established by the Board of Regents and are included in this site.
Q: If I don't choose to disclose my disability when I am admitted, may I do that later and receive Accommodations?
A: Yes - You may disclose at any time and receive accommodations. However, you cannot receive accommodations until documentation requirements are satisfied. I strongly urge students to satisfy documentation requirements prior to the first day of classes. Then, if problems arise and accommodations are needed, they can be put in place immediately.
Q: Are students with disabilities given priority registration?
A: Yes. Two days prior to the beginning of registration, the SDRC holds Early Registration. You will receive a notice in your campus mailbox giving you complete instructions.
Q: Does the SDRC staff provide Academic Advisement?
A: No. You must see an academic advisor for advisement. It is impossible for us to know the requirements for all majors.
During early registration the SDRC helps you choose the classes you should take during the same quarter, helps you choose appropriate times & helps you choose accessible classrooms.
Q: Must I receive accommodations every semester?
A: No. Each semester you will receive a notice in your campus mailbox reminding you of the process for receiving accommodations. You may choose to receive accommodations at any time during the semester or not at all.