Vocational Independence
Program
Freshmen Parent Orientation
September 9, 2015
Ernst VanBergeijk, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Some thoughts
"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin.
Beginning makes the conditions perfect.“
~Alan Cohen~
"Take the first step in faith.
You don't have to see the whole staircase,
just take the first step.”
~Martin Luther King Jr.~
22 March 2016
2
Overview
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Welcome!
Transitioning to a college program
Introduction of the Administration Team
Program Innovations
Introduction of the staff
Question and Answers
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Outcomes
• State to me 2 key differences between VIP and I
to I
• Tell me 3 staff persons’ names & what they do
• List items that we should NOT find in the dorm
rooms
• State to me what laws regarding confidentiality
are and how they change once a student reaches
age 18
• Tell me the general curriculum for the freshmen
year
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Mission
• We Are NYIT: Our Mission
– A global, private institution of higher education, NYIT has more than
15,000 students on campuses in North America, China, the Middle East,
and online. Since 1955, NYIT has pursued its mission to:
– Provide career-oriented professional education
– Give all qualified students access to opportunity
– Support applications-oriented research that benefits the larger world
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• NYIT| Vocational Independence Program
• Our Mission
– To maximize the potential of individuals with learning
differences by :
• teaching skills and strategies and
• providing support necessary for successful and
independent lives.
• Our Vision
– To be the world’s leading college-based educational, vocational, social,
and independent living program for individuals with learning
differences.
• Our Values
– NYIT’s Vocational Independence Program is guided by a dedication to
excellence as embodied in its core values.
Innovation
• Integrity
Quality
• Cooperation
Professionalism
• Commitment
• Safety
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Transition to
Independent
Living
Transition to
Independent
Living
NYIT | Vocational
Independence Program
Transitions…
• Are difficult for most people
• They are especially difficult for students with
disabilities
• There is a loss of routine
• There is also confusion regarding the changes
in roles, for both students and their parents
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What will change?
• The nature and frequency of your
communication with your student
• You won’t be able to see every part of their
lives
• You will need to trust his or her instincts and
the positive values you have instilled in him or
her
• Trust is the key to making the college
transition work for both of you
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They need to be able to make mistakes
• It is inevitable that with new found
independence a student will make mistakes
• A student who is afraid of mistakes may not
take positive risks
• Trying new things and taking positive risks
leads to new growth
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“What would I do
if I knew I could not fail?”
Robert H. Schuller
“Any growth requires
a temporary loss of security”
Madeline Hunter
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As a Parent, be Interested Yet Not
Intrusive
 Don’t make conversations feel like quizzes
 Focus on what she is learning, not grades
 If she mentions a person’s name, ask causally
about the person rather than drilling for
details
 Balance communication - not all about them.
Share what’s going on in your life
 Ask what interests them. Share their
enthusiasm!
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Letting Go
• Is hard to do
• As parents of special education students you have been forced to
be fierce advocates for your children to insure they are receiving
the services they deserve and are entitled to
• However, it does not always allow your children to learn the skill
of self advocacy
• The skill of self advocacy is essential to independence
• Now, they are learning to be young adults
• If there is an emergency, then feel free to call
• If you are having nagging doubts or worries, then let your student
learn how to deal with the issue. Help them identify the
appropriate staff person for assistance. This is an essential life
skill.
• If your student calls you, then re-direct your student to the
appropriate staff person
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They need you to let go
• Try not to do everything for your student
• The experience of figuring some things out on
his own can be a necessary strength builder
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Important Information about the
Vocational Independence Program
• Less Restrictions
– No curfew
– No prohibitions against leaving campus
– Treat VIP students like college students
• Curfew is only imposed if a student demonstrates an
inability to get up in the morning and go to classes or
work
• Quiet hours are observed daily
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Important Information about the
Vocational Independence Program
• Generally we do not force students to go on
excursions, except for travel training trips
– Some trips the student must be both academically and
behaviorally eligible
• No Student Activity Fund
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Must sign up in advance
Billing through Bursar
Will be billed even if the student does not attend
With your student’s permission you may use his/her
password to look up billing
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Important Information about the
Vocational Independence Program
• Academics are now stressed
– Classes generally start at 9:00 AM & end at around 5:00 PM
– Please do not call your student on his or her cell phone during
that time
– If there is a true emergency please call the main telephone
number 631-348-3354 or NYIT Security 631 348-3333
• Assignments every night 30-60 minutes
• Study hall:
– Day time & 7:30 – 9:00 PM Sunday –Thursday
• Computer lab for assignments– personal computer malfunction not an excuse for incomplete
work
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Important Information about the
Vocational Independence Program
• Vocational Placements begin in the Spring
semester and are unpaid
• Students need to budget approximately $50 a
week spending money
– If mailing a check allow 2 weeks (mail, college
mail system, bank run), then it should clear
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Important Information about the
Vocational Independence Program
• Academics now a priority
– Class attendance is expected for every class session
– If ill, a student needs to see the nurse
• Medical R & R
• Expected to stay in room except for meals
• Fail a class:
– Independent study assignments over break or
repeat class following year
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Laws that affect our Students with
disabilities
• The laws change once a student reaches age 18
– This affects how we disclose information
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IDEIA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974)
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Individuals with Disabilities
Education Improvement Act
• The intent of IDEA is to provide a free and appropriate
education in the least restrictive environment to
identified students with disabilities including special
education and related services
• In effect until either the student graduates from high
school or until the student reaches 21 years of age if not
a high school graduate
• At age 16 a transition plan must be made which can
include summer programs and post secondary education
that focus upon vocational and independent living skills
• IDEIA does NOT apply in college settings
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 &
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• Does apply to college settings
• The intent of these laws are to ensure that no
otherwise qualified person with a disability is
denied access to, benefits of, or is subject to
discrimination solely on the basis of disability
• Students are responsible for self-identification
and providing documentation to the office of
disability services.
• They are also responsible for the cost of their
own evaluations
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Section 504 & ADA…
• Students are also responsible for notifying the
DSS office of their need for REASONABLE
accommodations
• This is not special education. IEPs are not in
effect
• The accommodations are on a case by case, as
needed basis only to insure equal access to
the university’s programs
• The student must be able to discuss their
disabilities in depth with the college DSS staff
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Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974
• Governs the communication of colleges and post
secondary programs to parents of students
• Any student over the age of 18 years has the right to
privacy
• Colleges & post secondary programs will not speak to
the parents unless there is a signed written consent
form, power of attorney, or legal guardianship in
place
• Allows for the disclosure of directory information.
Send written notice if you do not want your info
included in a directory
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NYIT is a …
• Dry campus. No alcohol is allowed on campus
– Students over the age of 21 may drink off campus.
– However, this may not impact their comportment,
and they must obey all university & program rules
• Smoke free facility.
– Smoking is only allowed outdoors
– 50 feet from the entrance of the building
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General Overview of the Program
• Each student has:
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An Academic Coach
A Social Coach
A Vocational Coach
Budget & Banking Coach
*An Independent Living Skills Coach (as needed)
*A Job Coach
• As needed, and only for initial placement at a worksite
• Ultimately all students need to function at the worksite with the
natural supervision available there
– The Coaches usually follow the student throughout the
program. Amount of contact by year will be covered by the
department heads
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Campus Dining
Robert Rizzuto, Director of Dining Services
rrizzuto@nyit.edu
516-686-1251
Will my child go hungry?
•Meal plan 19 meals a week- not optional
•Declining dollars for Flex points -$125 per semester
• Hours of operation Monday-Friday
Breakfast 7am-9am
Lunch 11am-1:30pm
Dinner 5pm-6:30pm
• Saturday & Sunday
Brunch 10am-1pm
Dinner 4:30pm-5:30pm
•Box lunches/dinners available when student will be off campus
•Must order the night before in cafeteria
•Working with dietary restrictions
•Choices of food
•Food for VIP students cooked to order
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Paul Kevin Cavanagh, Ph.D.
• Assistant Dean
– PhD, MA Columbia University
– MSW Stony Brook University
– BA Psychology St. John’s University
• Part of Administrative Team
scheduling and assigning teaching
schedules
• Oversees the coordination of
student classroom grading and
assessments
• Responsible for evaluating the
various components of the
program, including follow-ups
with VIP alumni
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Gina Frisina
•Director of Independent
Living
•Master’s Degree in Special Education,
Dowling College
•B.S. in Education, Dowling College
•Certification in Special Education
•Checking & budgeting
differences
•Not all students require
independent living Coachs
•Sophomore & Junior food
classes, apartment living
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Erin Vlasak,
M.S.
Director of Student Services
•Master’s Degree in College Student
Development, Long Island University
•SJC Certificate in Counseling & Guidance
•SJC Certificate as a Mental Health Counselor
•NYS Certified Public School Teacher
•B.A. in psychology, St. Joseph’s College
•Freshmen see their social Coach 1
time per week
•Assigned to same Coach all 3
years
•Coordinates advanced
communications groups & dyads
•Outside therapy and referrals
•Releases of Information
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Walter Mayer
Coordinator of Residential Life
•Master of Social Work, Adelphi University
•B.A. Boston University, Psychology major and
Sociology minor
•Supervises Resident Advisors
•Coordinates social and recreational activities
•Overnight guests require approval from the
dean. Student is responsible for guests behavior
•Remind students to lock doors at all times
•Helps with keys and IDs
•Students should let the office and Walter know
if they are leaving for extended periods of time
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Michelle
Ranaldo
Director of Instructional
Technology and Registration
•Masters degree in
Instructional Technology, NYIT
•B.S. Bradley University
•Chairs the Technology
Committee
•Coordinates with the Office
Of Information Technology
•Helps students set up e-mail
accounts and connect to the
Internet
•Referrals for computer repair
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Rose Ezeani
Medical Director
•Masters in nursing from SUNY -Stony
Brook
•B.S. in nursing St. Joseph College
•Licensed as a nurse practitioner in New
York State
•All students must provide proof of PPD and
meningitis inoculations
•NYS recommends Hepatitis & HPV
•Medication Self Administration Forms
•Release of Information for medical providers
•Target Pharmacy
•Co-payments
•Mail prescriptions two weeks in advance.
****UPS ONLY*****
•Insurance Waiver available through Rose –
copy of insurance card required DONE
ANNUALLY
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Fire Safety
• A policy of no open flames inside a building
– (e.g. candles, incense)
• No heating or cooking elements allowed in dorm
rooms
– (e.g. hot plates, coffee pots, individual microwaves, etc.)
• No cooking in dorms or classrooms unless supervised
by a staff member
• Microwaves are available in
– RA offices and in Independence Hall.
– Students must be supervised.
• No extension cords.
– Surge protectors are allowed
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Expectations
• Expect phone calls with complaints in the
beginning:
– I’m bored. There is nothing to do.
– The food in the cafeteria is all the same
– I’m having problems with so & so in the dorm
– I have no money
• Re-direct them to the staff
• You do not have to fix every problem
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Expectations…
• Some students may experience homesickness
– Let the social coaches and residential life staff
know right away
• A small number of students every year decide
it is not a good fit…
– Please talk to us if your student is feeling this way
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No more paper bills
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Please make sure we have a
current parental E-mail address
• Reminders for opting out of medical insurance
• Important announcements for the program
and the college at large
– Benjamin J. Cecil Walk for Independence - October
17, 2015
– Dinner dance in the spring, tentative date: April
16, 2016
• Emergency notifications
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Medical Insurance Waiver
• Please note the Aetna Student Health Insurance waiver will be managed
by our Medical Director, Rose Ezeani and will close on September 15,
2015. If you are a domestic residential student, VIP student, or NCAA
athlete you are eligible to waive out if you have proof of your own health
insurance. Please note that F1 and J1 students are not eligible to waive
out of the Aetna Health Insurance. Please waive out with Rose if you have
not already done so.
Medical Director will require
•
•
•
•
double-sided photocopy of student’s medical card.
student’s name and student ID number
And signed copy of the waiver form
THIS MUST BE DONE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS
•
If you have waived out, please check your NYIT Student Account to make
sure your account has been credited the amount. If you have questions
please contact the Medical Director.
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In the event of early withdrawal
• VIP/ I to I are departments of NYIT.
• We follow all policies established regarding drop/add of students and
reimbursements:
– 1. Withdrawal at any time from the date of the student’s registration to the day before
the first scheduled day of the course—100 percent refund of the tuition and the college
fee.
– 2. Withdrawal at any time during the first and second week of the course—50 percent
refund of tuition only.
– 3. Withdrawal at any time after the start of the third week of the course—no refund.
• http://nyit.edu/vip/faqs/
– All NYIT|VIP students will automatically be billed for the tuition refund
insurance (this year $142/semester)
– We strongly recommend you secure this insurance
– For questions concerning the Tuition Refund Insurance go to
http://www.tuitionrefundplan.com or call 617-774-1555 or email
trp@dewarinsurance.com
Student
Activities Center
•Swimming Pool
•Gymnasium
•Auditorium
•Workout rooms
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International Travel Training Trip
• Puerto Rico
• January 4 – January 11, 2016
• VIP Students, I to I & VIP alumni
ages 18+ in good academic,
behavioral, and financial
standing with the program
• Contact Carol Jockle at
631.348.3135 or
cjockle@nyit.edu for more
information.
OTHER PROGRAM INNOVATIONS
•Travel Training
•Community Building Dean’s Lecture Series, Electives
•Fitness Fridays
•Pedometer program
•Bicycle program
•Benjamin J. Cecil Scholarship Walk, October 17, 2015
•Friday ILC
•Daily Check –ins
•Dare to Care positive behavior campaign
•Entrepreneurial model introduction- on-line store
•E-works certifications
•Partnership with NYIT Occupational Therapy Program
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Dare to Care & BEARS Code
• We will introduce to all students our Dare to
Care Campaign
– a universal approach to promoting civility and
positive social engagement among students in all
environments
– The core is our BEARS Code – named for the NYIT
Bear Mascot
•
•
•
•
•
Believe
Effort
Accountability
Respect
Success
Dare To Care – Campus Wide Themes
• Captures the spirit of VIP – to respect &
accept yourself and others
• Program wide focus on building confidence
and pride in oneself and one’s choices
• Encourages students to stand up for
themselves and others.
• Applies at VIP, in the community and in
cyberspace
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Dare to Care – Campus Wide Themes
continued
• Goal is to build a supportive community where
students feel comfortable to be themselves, learn
and take risks
• Classes, coaching and special events will educate
students on self respect, and build increased
tolerance for those who are different from
themselves
• Regular recognition for “Random Acts of
Kindness”
• Monthly themes and catch phrases “PYB”
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Question and Answer Session
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What’s Next?
• Continue moving in
• 2:00 pm
– Student orientation in the lecture hall
– Parents depart
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