Supporting Your Student: A Guide for Parents

Disability Services in High School vs. College

In high school, students receive structured support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In college, accommodations are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This shift changes documentation requirements and places greater responsibility on students to manage their accommodations. In college, Disability Services staff do not reach out to students automatically. Instead, students must initiate the process by applying for accommodations and submitting the required documentation. Developing self-advocacy, self-awareness, and communication skills is essential for a successful transition. Understanding these differences can help parents provide meaningful support as their child begins college life.

📌 Note: Due to FERPA privacy laws, Disability Services staff communicate directly with the student, limiting parental involvement throughout college.

 

Documentation Requirements:

• Ensure your prospective college student has the necessary documentation that colleges may require to verify a disability. This includes, but is not limited to, learning disabilities. Testing can be completed during the senior year of high school, but it’s important to schedule it early. Please review our Documentation Guidelines for more information.

 

Academic Structure and Scheduling

Transitioning from high school to college, especially at an institution like Occidental College (Oxy), brings significant changes in academic structure, personal responsibility, and support services. Understanding these differences can help students and their families navigate the new environment more effectively.

High School: Students typically attend classes for approximately six hours a day, five days a week, throughout a nine-month academic year.

Occidental College: The academic year is divided into two 16-week semesters.

• Students typically spend 12 to 18 hours per week in class, depending on their course load. Unlike high school, where schedules are fixed, Oxy students work with academic advisors to design their own class schedules and are responsible for managing their time effectively.

 

Independence and Responsibility

High School: Teachers closely monitor attendance, regularly review homework, and provide reminders about assignments and any missed work.

Occidental College: Professors may not regularly check homework or remind students about incomplete or missed assignments. Students are expected to take initiative in tracking their progress, obtaining notes for missed classes, and ensuring they fulfill all graduation requirements.

 

Support Services and Accommodations

High School: Schools are required to identify students with disabilities and provide necessary support, often through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Occidental College: While Occidental College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, the process is student-driven. Students must proactively contact the Disability Services office, submit a Request for Accommodations form, and provide supporting documentation to receive accommodations.

• Incoming students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as intake meetings begin in early June.
• For more information, please visit the Disability Accommodations website.

 

Parental Involvement and Privacy

High School: Parents typically have regular communication with teachers and access to their child's educational records.

Occidental College: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have the right to control access to their educational records. Parents are considered third parties and must obtain the student’s written consent to access this information.

 

Guidance for Parents

As your student begins their college journey at Oxy, they may encounter a variety of emotions and challenges:

• Initial Excitement: The newness of college life can feel exciting and energizing.
• Reality Check: As the semester progresses, academic demands often increase, and students may experience frustration or receive grades they weren’t expecting.
• Homesickness and Change: Students may experience homesickness or notice shifts in their relationships with family and high school friends.
• Academic and Social Integration: Over time, students begin to develop strong study habits, participate in meaningful discussions, and form connections with both peers and faculty.
• End-of-Semester Stress: As finals approach, students may feel increased anxiety about their academic performance and future plans.

Parents can support their students by:

• Understanding the Transition: Keep in mind that adjusting to college life is a unique process that varies for every student.
• Encouraging Independence: Encourage your student to take ownership of their education and personal well-being.
• Being a Support System: Be available to listen and provide reassurance during challenging times.
• Respecting Privacy: Respect privacy laws while encouraging open communication with your student about their experiences and needs.

By understanding these differences and offering the right support, parents can play a crucial role in their student’s successful transition to life at Occidental College.