The summer before the fall 2024 semester saw a lot of changes on Shawnee State University’s campus. One of those changes was the move of Accessibility Services from Hatcher Hall to the Student Success Center on the first floor of Massie Hall. Michelle Boldman, who has been the accessibility services coordinator since 2021, said that the move has been very beneficial for her and the students she works with.
“I really enjoy being on campus,” Boldman said. “It allows me to have easier access to students, and I think it allows students easier access to me, because I am seeing students more regularly that I didn’t necessarily see … when I was technically off campus.”
She also noted that the move allows students to be more open to the idea of meeting with her, as she is easier to find. Boldman said that since the move she has seen an increase in returning students applying for accommodations, along with the usual increase of new student applications. She described the previous location of her office at Hatcher Hall as intimidating and overwhelming, saying it wasn’t easy for new students or students with disabilities to find her.
“It can be overwhelming for someone,” she said, “and if there’s an individual that has a disability, you know, it’s already difficult for them to get around.”
The new location in the Student Success Center provides Boldman with a more accessible location and interactions she would not have had over at Hatcher Hall. “It just allows me easier access to students in general, just walking down the hall,” she said. “If I’m going from one office to somebody else’s office, and there’s a student out there that completely looks lost, I can have that interaction with them. I didn’t get that when I was off campus.”
Accessibility Services at Shawnee State provides students the ability to apply for accommodations – from extended test time to breaks as needed, depending on an individual student’s needs. It is comparable to an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 in high school. Boldman stressed the importance of applying for accommodations if you have had a 504 or IEP in high school, because that plan does not follow you to college and some accommodations may not be approved for college. She also noted the importance of utilizing accommodations. She can help you create a plan, get it approved and sent to your professors, but it is up to you to use the plan.
Students interested in applying for accommodations can email Boldman at [email protected] or stop into her office in the Student Success Center. It’s never too late to apply.
