Disability Support Services
From Phil’s Desk
To our new students, welcome! To our returning students, welcome back! I hope all of you have
had an enjoyable summer break and are now refreshed and ready to dedicate yourselves to this year’s
academic pursuits. This academic year is full of opportunities for you and your friends to engage in
awareness events, sport and disability (Cougar World Games), and a one-of-a-kind Faculty-Led Study
Abroad trip to London! You all know that I expect you to do your very best and succeed as you learn and
grow. Keep an eye out for one another, join New Horizons, and make an impact this year at SIUE!
DSS Is Going Social
This year Disability Support Services is going social! Please take a moment to like us on Facebook and
follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest DSS news!
http://www.facebook.com/dssSIUE
https://twitter.com/DSS_SIUE
Access The World!
This year, DSS is embarking on its first-ever Access The World program -- a Faculty-Led Study
Abroad Trip to England sponsored by New Horizons. Sixteen students will go to London for nine days
during SIUE’s Spring Break (March 1-10, 2013) to study disability access and attitudes. SIUE students will
meet with their international peers to discuss the commonalities of disability and appreciate the cultural
differences of those outside the U.S. This course will focus on Access, Social Justice, and Perceptions of
Disability within a global perspective. This program will be open all students, so if you are interested, please
speak with DSS GA Mary Ryan or call DSS at (618) 650-3726 to add your name as an interested student.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more information!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Access-the-World/416083628427331
https://twitter.com/ATW_London2013
Disability Awareness Month
It’s time again to grab a Passport to Access and join DSS and New Horizons for Disability
Awareness Month! This October we will be putting together a series of awareness activities to educate the
campus community about disability and access. Join the crew as we simulate disability in the Goshen
Lounge, watch a movie about famous people with disabilities, and join together to share a meal while using
ingenuity to break down the barriers to the FOOD! The more you participate, the more chances you will
have to get the big prize! Last year this was an iPad 2; what will it be this year? Check out the schedule of
events in DSS and join New Horizons to share your disability experiences with your peers! See you in
October!
New Horizons – Join the Discussion!
My name is Jim Boyle and I am the Learning Disabilities Specialist in the office of Disability
Support Services. I am also the adviser to the New Horizons student organization.
I would like challenge you to become an active member of New Horizons. New Horizons is the
officially recognized organization for students interested in disabilities. This organization sponsors lauded
events such as the award-winning Great Wheelchair Challenge and Wheelchair Basketball Game, as well
as Disability Awareness Month.
Potential themes for New Horizons include but are not limited to the following: a student advocacy
group, a forum for discussion of issues related to disabilities, and/or a social organization. In other words,
its future is yours to control.
There is also an opportunity for you to develop your student leadership skills by becoming an
officer. Not only will this be a nice addition to your resume, but it will also give you resources for selfimprovement. If you would like to meet this challenge, please contact me at (618) 650-3726 or
jboyle@siue.edu to let me know your availability.
Requesting Services
If you need to use testing accommodations, show your DSS ID Card to your instructor along with a
completed DSS “Term Testing Schedule” form. Make sure it is signed and completed by the instructor
before bringing it to the office. Exams need to be scheduled between 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday through
Friday. Exams must be completed by 4:30 p.m. including accommodation, such as extended time. Forms
need to be returned to the DSS Office no later than five working days prior to the first exam. If you need
assistance, ask Andy, Jim, or Phil for help!
Progress Reports
It is recommended that you keep abreast of your progress throughout the entire semester.
Completing a Progress Report with your instructor is a method of monitoring your success that you may
find useful. DSS has developed a good outline to follow when you speak to your instructors about your
progress throughout the term. The Progress Report forms are available in DSS or on our website. You
may also wish to make an appointment to discuss your Progress Report with Jim. At your meeting, you will
develop study strategies that may help you improve your success in your classes.
New Graduate Assistant
Mary Ryan has been selected to serve as the new Graduate Assistant here at DSS. Mary’s first
day as the new GA was August 1. Her primary duties consist of coordinating programming such as
October’s Disability Awareness Month, the Access The World Study Abroad Trip, and March’s Great
Disability Challenge, as well as conducting research and analyzing data trends.
Mary received her B.S. in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology this past May from SIUE.
She is continuing her studies at SIUE while pursuing her M.S. in Speech Language Pathology. Mary first
joined the DSS team in January 2009 as a student worker. In recognition of her dedication and
commitment to her job, Mary was named SIUE’s Student Worker of the Year for 2011.
Important Dates
The following is a list of important dates of which students should be aware. A complete list of important
dates can be viewed here: http://www.siue.edu/registrar/schedules/Fall_2012_Registration_Schedule.shtml
August 31: Last day to add a class.* Last day to drop a class or withdraw without receiving a grade.* Last
day for a full refund of tuition and fees.* Individual Classes dropped after this date will not reduce or cancel
tuition and fees liability.*
October 12: Last day to change Pass/No Credit status
October 15: Priority Registration opens for Spring 2012; meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your
Spring semester classes BEFORE this date.
October 26: Last day to withdraw from a class or school without permission of advisor and instructor*
November 16: Last day to withdraw from a class or school with permission of adviser and instructor*
*NOTE: Deadlines for weekend, special format, and short term classes differ from those listed above.
Please contact the Service Center for information.
How To Create Your Own Study Guide
Would you like to have a study guide for your class, but your instructor does not provide them?
Here is how you can make your own.
• First, create an outline by typing out the headings that you find in your textbook, leaving space
to fill in later.
• Next, as you read your textbook, fill in the information concerning the topics. This works
best if you use your own words.
• When you have completed your chapter outline study guide, you can use chunking to study it
by spacing out the information, so you are only looking at one topic at a time and processing that topic
before you move on to the next.
• These outlines also come in handy for taking notes in class. Leave enough space to write in
notes from the lecture. Use color codes to highlight topics the instructor covered extensively, so you will
know what information he or she found to be most important.
Top Ten Time Management Tips
1. Get organized at the beginning of the semester. The earlier you get organized, the more
smoothly the semester will flow. It is easier to adjust your schedule when you develop a system and
manage your time when you have fewer activities and then add activities later, when your coursework
makes it necessary.
2. Develop a routine. This prevents you from wasting time trying to decide what you are going to
do next—and getting sidetracked as a result. For example, schedule yourself to go to the Math Resource
Area to do your homework every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after your Math course.
3. Be proactive in your schedule. Make your deadline earlier than your instructor’s due date, so
you will have your paper done before it actually needs to be. This will give you a buffer zone for any
unforeseen circumstances. It also gives you time to have someone else, for example, your instructor, look
at your work. No one likes staying up all night writing a paper that is due the next day.
4. Schedule time to reward yourself for accomplishing your goals. Determine a reward that
will motivate you and the goal you wish to achieve to earn it. If you like to go to movies, allow yourself to
earn a trip to the theater, if you get your paper written by your due date.
5. Break up large projects, such as writing papers, into more manageable parts by setting
deadlines for the smaller tasks that will help you reach your goal. For example, mark your calendar
so that you decide the topic for your paper by a certain date, do the research by a certain date, write the
rough draft by a certain date, etc.
6. Your schedule does not need to be all work. Make sure you give yourself time to eat, sleep,
exercise, socialize, etc.
7. Use the methods that work best for you. Some people might prefer to use the traditional
datebook type planner and others may use electronic devices such as cell phones, personal digital
assistants (PDA’s) and computer reminder systems. Some people might schedule strictly by tasks,
whereas others may schedule their time in hour, even half-hour increments. Feel free to combine methods
to meet your personal needs.
8. Use creativity and color in your schedule to make it stand out. Use colors that have
meaning. Green means go, so green can indicate when to initiate a project. The caution signaled by
yellow could warn that a deadline is quickly approaching. Red tells you to stop for the deadline.
9. Your schedule answers the question, “When will I have time to get all these assignments
done?” Using a schedule can relieve anxiety by letting you know you are in control of the situation. This
helps prevent you from worrying about other tasks and lets you focus on the task at hand.
10. If you want to learn more about time management or need help getting organized, make an
appointment to see Jim or Mary by calling (618) 650-3726 or emailing jboyle@siue.edu or
mryan@siue.edu. Also, please stop by the office to pick up your free planner.
Awards
There are several awards available to students with disabilities:
Ruby Bratten Lions Club Awards: The Ruby Bratten Lions Club Awards consist of three awards of $100
each. These awards are given to outstanding seniors with disabilities who maintain high GPAs.
Rosemary Bratten Lions Club Awards: The Rosemary Bratten Lions Club Awards are three awards of
$100 each. These awards are given to qualifying students with vision or hearing impairments.
John B. Eiserle Memorial Award: The John B. Eiserle Memorial Award is an award of $1,000 given to a
student who uses a wheelchair and maintains a "B" average.
Paul J. Campisi Awards: The Paul J. Campisi Awards are two awards of $100 each. These awards are
given to students with senior status and are based on GPA.
Noble R. Thompson III Memorial Award: The Noble R. Thompson III Memorial Award is an award of
$100. It is given to a student with a visual impairment and the highest GPA.
Advocacy
Advocacy is one of your most important accommodations. If you have difficulty communicating
your needs to your faculty or staff, or need us to advocate on your behalf, please make an appointment to
discuss your needs with Jim or Phil. We are here to help you become a member of our campus community
of learners.
Priority Registration
Priority Registration for classes for Spring 2013 begins on October 15, 2012. If you have not done
so already, please contact your adviser to make an appointment, so you will be ready to register for your
classes. If you have yet to declare your major, please see Jane Novey for advisement. Her phone number
is (618) 650-3724 or you may e-mail her at jnovey@siue.edu. Please let us know IMMEDIATELY if you
have any difficulty receiving priority registration/registering for classes.
Please plan to meet your needs when registering for your classes. For example, stagger your
classes to allow double time for your tests. In addition, schedule your classes so you may take your tests
during our office hours, which are 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Other considerations you may need to make include
scheduling time to eat meals, if you have diabetes, and scheduling your classes when your medications will
be most effective.
Meet the Staff
Phil Pownall, Director: Phillip A. Pownall has been the Director of the SIUE DSS since January
of 2008. Before coming to SIUE, he was the Director of the Office of Disability Services at Western Oregon
University in Monmouth, Oregon from 2004 – 2007. Prior to that time, Phil was the Coordinator of Disability
Services at the University of Nevada Las Vegas from 1997 – 2004. In addition, he was a Certified
Rehabilitation Counselor for four years. Phil received his B.A. in Psychology from West Virginia University
in 1992 as well as his M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1994.
Jim Boyle, Learning Disabilities Specialist: James F. Boyle is the Learning Disabilities
Specialist at DSS and has been in that position since August of 2000. Before coming to SIUE, Jim worked
for 12 years at a residential facility for people with developmental disabilities. Jim received his B.A. from
Illinois College in 1985 and a M.S. degree in Clinical Adult Psychology in 1997 from SIUE.
Andy Koch, Office Support Specialist: Andy Koch is has been serving as the Office Support
Specialist for the DSS office at SIUE for almost half a year now. His first day in the DSS office was
Monday, March 12. He has enjoyed being able to meet and work with all of the students, staff, and faculty.
Andy received his B.A. in English from Eastern Illinois University in 2003. Prior to joining the DSS team, he
served as the editor for the Times-Tribune newspaper in Troy.
Student Workers: Mike Fleshman and Daniel Heck are the DSS office’s student workers. Both
Mike and Dan have been with the DSS office for several semesters now. Mike is pursuing a degree in
Business while Dan is completing his History degree this semester.
Reminders from DSS
Requesting Service
If you need to use testing accommodations, show your DSS ID Card to your instructor along with a
completed DSS “Term Testing Schedule” form. Make sure it is signed and completed by the instructor
before bringing it to the office. Exams need to be scheduled between 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday through
Friday. Exams must be completed by 4:30 p.m. including accommodation, such as extended time. Forms
need to be returned to the DSS Office no later than five working days prior to the first exam. If you need
assistance, ask Andy, Jim, or Phil for help!
Kindles
Amazon Kindles are available for students who would find their textbooks more accessible in such
a format. If you plan to use a Kindle, please request your books as soon as your schedule is complete!
DSS Handbook
The DSS Handbook can now be found online at www.siue.edu/dss/handbook.pdf. Check it out so
you are aware of all the processes and valuable info!
Lost DSS ID Card
If you have lost your DSS ID Card, contact us via e-mail at disabilitysupport@siue.edu. Please
allow three working days to process them.
Bulletin Board
Check out the DSS Bulletin Board for important information!
Contact Information
DSS Office
Phone: (618) 650-3726
Email: disabilitysupport@siue.edu
Fax: (618) 650-5691
Phil Pownall, Director
Phone: (618) 650-3782
Email: ppownal@siue.edu
Jim Boyle, Learning Specialist
Phone: (618) 650-2568
Email: jboyle@siue.edu
Andy Koch, Office Support Specialist
Phone: (618) 650-3726
Email: ankoch@siue.edu