Ready for Your First Appointment?

What to Expect at Your New Student Intake Appointment

Step 1: Apply to SAS and Upload Your Documentation

Once you've applied to SAS and uploaded your documentation, you'll receive an email inviting you to schedule your New Student Intake Appointment with a SAS Specialist.

Step 2: Meeting with a Specialist During your appointment, a SAS Specialist will:

• Review your disability-related needs based on your documentation and self-report.
• Recommend reasonable accommodations tailored to your specific needs and the requirements of your classes or program.

Step 3: Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP)

Your disability-related needs and reasonable accommodations will be documented in an Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP). You can update your AAP at any time by scheduling an appointment with your assigned SAS Specialist. You can schedule through the front office, online via the Student Portal, or by contacting your Specialist directly.

What's the Difference Between a Specialist and a Counselor?

SAS Specialist: Determines reasonable accommodations for your courses, communicates with instructors about your accommodations, and provides support for study skills, campus resources, and accommodations adjustments.

SAS Counselor: Assists with course selection, educational goals, completing and updating your Education Plan, connects you with resources, and offers academic advising and support.

Students registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) are required to inform their professors about their approved accommodations by sending Letters of Accommodation through the SAS Student Portal.

Steps to Take:

1. Send Letters of Accommodation: Use the SAS Student Portal to send Letters of Accommodation to each professor for every class.
2. Timing: It's best to do this 1-2 weeks before the start of each semester. Delays in notifying your course instructor may result in delays and/or impact the implementation of you accommodation(s). 
3. Repeat Each Semester: Remember, SAS doesn't inform your instructors automatically each semester, so you must do this for every class every semester.

Key Points:

• All accommodations must be approved in advance and are tailored to your specific disability-related needs.
• If you need changes to your accommodations, schedule an appointment with your SAS specialist to discuss your needs and update your Letter of Accommodation. 

Need Help?

Refer to our Requesting Accommodation Letter Guide for assistance with sending your Letters of Accommodation. You can also visit the SAS office or the High Tech Center located in the LA/SAS Building for support.

Quick Checklist Summary:

• Use SAS Student Portal to send Letters of Accommodation.
• Do this 1-2 weeksbefore each semester.
• Send Letters for each class every semester.
• Accommodations are based on your specific needs.
• Additional accommodations may be available upon discussion with your SAS specialist.
• Refer to Requesting Accommodation Letter Guide for assistance.
• Visit SAS office or High Tech Center for support. 

Priority enrollment allows approved students with disabilities to enroll during the first day or two of enrollment for each upcoming semester. This allows students with disabilities to enroll in courses that best meet their needs, for example: courses at certain times of the day, those which allow a schedule that provides adequate breaks between classes, online or in-person only classes, and so forth.  Students who are currently in SAS should receive a priority enrollment appointment at the time all student enrollment appointments are generated, approximately one month before enrollment begins.

Students who have difficulty taking notes due to a disability may be approved for notetaking services such as the following:

• Peer Notetaking:  peer notetakers are students enrolled in the same class you are.  Your Letter of Accommodation will inform the instructor that you qualify for a peer notetaker and instructs them to make an announcement in class to locate a volunteer notetaker.  The notetaker will receive Priority Enrollment in exchange for taking notes for you.  Please notify SAS as soon as possible if a peer notetaker has not been identified for you by the end of the first week of class. 

Technology-based options, listed below, offer many benefits to students and are often a better option for students than peer notetakers:

• Notetaking Express
• Otter.ai

The SAS Testing Center provides exam proctoring by appointment for Cerritos College students who have been approved for testing accommodations in the current semester. Some of the accommodations provided in the Testing Center include:

• Distraction-reduced environment;
• Extended time on exams and quizzes (in accordance with the student’s individualized accommodations)
• Computers are available for exams that require them, and/or for students who utilize assistive technology software such as JAWS.
• CCTVs, hand-held magnifiers, copy stands, EZ score answer sheets, use of a Brailler, and the assistance of a reader or scribe are also available.

The SAS Testing Center maintains policies and practices that help ensure the security and integrity of all exams and is committed to the College’s standards for academic honesty. In addition, you will be asked to sign a Testing Center Student Agreement to acknowledge that you understand, and agree to, the rules and responsibilities of using the Testing Center services. 

SCHEDULING EXAMS 
Students with approved testing accommodations may schedule appointments to take their class exams in the SAS Testing Center with a minimum of three (3) days' advance notice for regular tests or quizzes. Please note that final exams require two (2) weeks' advance notice. Exams are to be scheduled according to the class syllabus or calendar – on the day and time scheduled by the instructor.  For more information on scheduling your exams in the Testing Center, please see our SAS Testing Center webpage.

ADJUSTING EXAM DATES 
Requests made to the SAS Testing Center to adjust an exam date established in the course syllabus will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis with instructor consultation. If you have a disability-related emergency prohibiting you from taking the exam as scheduled, you must contact your SAS Specialist immediately, or soon thereafter, to assess the reasonableness of the request. Make-up exams cannot be guaranteed but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

SAS TESTING CENTER EXAM DEADLINE 
Students that request testing accommodations with less than three (3) days' notice do not provide the SAS Testing Center with a timely notice to coordinate the service. The SAS Testing Center will make a good faith effort to accommodate students who do not request proctoring in a timely fashion on a case-by-case basis. However, SAS may be unable to provide exam accommodations to any student request that is received less than three (3) days in advance of the test date. 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES 
Students are responsible for scheduling their exams with the Testing Center with a minimum of three (3) days' advance notice. Students are responsible for bringing all materials required for their exam*. These may include: 

• Pen or pencil
• Scantron
• Blue book
• Calculator (if allowed)
• Notes or textbook (if allowed)

*Testing materials (except for certain disability-related supplies) are not provided by SAS. 

Purpose of Audio Recording

The use of an audio recording device aims to provide students with disabilities an equal opportunity to access and process information presented in class. This support is tailored to meet individual needs and address disability-related challenges within the classroom.

Approved Methods

You have flexibility in choosing your audio recording method with your Specialist. Options may include:

1. Audio Recording Device
2. Livescribe Pen
3. Recording Software on Laptop or Phone
   1. Example Apps: Sonocent, Audionote, Otter.ai

Conditions for Audio Recording

To ensure fair use and uphold academic integrity, please adhere to the following conditions:

1. Personal Use Only: Recordings are for your personal study and class preparation.
2. No Sharing: Do not share recordings with anyone, even if they are in the same class.
3. Academic Integrity: Recognize that recordings are subject to academic conduct rules at Cerritos College and federal copyright laws.
4. Timely Deletion: Commit to deleting recordings when no longer needed for academic purposes.

Special Cases

For activities outside the traditional classroom setting (e.g., fieldwork, internships, clinicals), discuss audio recording needs on a case-by-case basis with instructors, programs, and/or SAS.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Students who fail to comply with the conditions may face consequences:

1. Referral to Student Conduct & Grievances Office for potential Violation of Student Conduct Code
2. Subject to Student Discipline Procedures (AP 5520)
3. Possible termination of SAS services where a student repeatedly fails to be responsible in their use of SAS services and adhere to written service provision policies adopted by the college.

Why Compliance Matters

Ensuring compliance with these guidelines helps maintain a fair and inclusive learning environment. It protects both your rights and the academic community's standards. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out to Student Accessibility Services.

How to Request Alternate Formats:

If you've been approved for alternate formats by your SAS specialist on the Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP), you only need to do this once. Students who already have approval don't need to request it again. Alternate formats include Braille, electronic texts, audio files, and enlarged materials.

What You Can Request:

• Textbooks: Whether you bought or rented them, you can request required and recommended textbooks in hard copy or electronic format. Provide proof of purchase through your receipt or rental agreement.
• Library Books: If you need library books for class assignments, we've got you covered. Note that library books won't be converted if they're required texts.
• Class Materials: Handouts and other class materials are also available in alternate formats.

How to Request: Contact April Shin at ayshin@cerritos.edu with the following information:

1. Your first and last name, plus your student number
2. Specify your request, like "I'm asking for my textbook in audio format"
3. Include the full title and 13-digit ISBN number of your textbook
4. Provide proof of purchase: your receipt or pictures of the book's front and back covers

April will then send you an Alternate Media Contract and an Alt Media Tracking Sheet. Once you complete and return these documents by email, your request will be processed within 10 school days (excluding weekends).

If a student has a chronic documented disability with unpredictable or cyclical acute episodes, adjustments to the attendance policy may be appropriate as an accommodation and will be considered on a case-by- case basis. The purpose of this accommodation is to mitigate, to the greatest extent possible, the impacts of the student’s disability. The accommodation is meant to adjust when or if there is an exacerbation of disability-related symptoms that prohibit a student’s ability to attend class, lab, or another academic requirement.

This accommodation is determined by an individual assessment of, but not limited to:

• Student’s functional limitations listed in the medical documentation,
• Student’s narrative in relation to their functional limitations,
• Educational limitations,
• Course and program requirements.

TO REQUEST AN ADJUSTED ATTENDANCE:

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate a conversation with their SAS Specialist prior to a missed class, or as soon as possible thereafter, when requesting an attendance adjustment. It is understood that such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and students may be required to submit additional documentation that supports the request.

Requesting Disability-Related Accommodation for Attendance

STUDENTS WILL DO THE FOLLOWING:

• Step 1:Request your Letter of Accommodation. Make your letter of accommodation viewable to your professor through the SAS online portal. 
• Step 2: Notify your SAS Specialist. Contact your SAS Specialist when the need for a disability-related absence occurs. Please allow 1-3 school days for a response from your Specialist. Contact the front office for more immediate support. 
• Step 3: Let your professor know that you are requesting a disability-related attendance accommodation with SAS, which will be confirmed by your SAS Specialist. 

Understanding Adjusted Attendance: What it is NOT

Adjusted Attendance doesn't mean unlimited absences. The number of additional absences allowed is determined on a case-by-case basis, considering your individual disability, course, and the importance of attendance. SAS works directly with your Professor to determine reasonability, considering class requirements and essential components of the course.

• Retroactive Accommodations: Attendance accommodations are not retroactive unless an exception is made. SAS can't excuse absences before your registration started with our office.

• Meeting Course Requirements: Students must fulfill all course requirements and adhere to the evaluation standards outlined in the syllabus.

• Classroom Presence vs. Missed Exams/Deadlines: Adjusted attendance is for your presence in the classroom and does not excuse you from completing missed exams or deadlines. It's your responsibility to obtain materials and notes from missed classes. Even with adjusted attendance, missed content may impact academic performance.

• Non-Disability Related Absences: Accommodations won't excuse absences (e.g., flu) for non-disability related reasons or other emergencies not related to your disability. 

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I Have an Emergency or Disability-Related Absence, Should I Contact my SAS Specialist?

Yes. For unexpected absences, contact your SAS Specialist as early as possible, especially if the absence affects quizzes, exams, or assignment deadlines. Your Specialist will initiate contact with your course instructor.

How Long Should I Wait for my Specialist to Respond?

Expect a response from your Specialist within 1-3 school days. They'll coordinate with your Professor. Please make sure to send them the request by e-mail and include the following information: 

1. Class Title: [Title of Class]
2. Professor : [Name of Professor]
3. Date and Time of Class: [Date and Time]
4. Professor's Email: [Professor's Email from Syllabus]

Template to Email your SAS Specialist: 

Subject: Request for Disability-Related Absence

Dear [Your Specialist Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you of a disability emergency that requires me to miss class. The reason for my absence is [briefly explain the reason], which is related to my documented disability.

The details for the class I'll be missing are as follows:

Class Title: [Title of Class]
Professor: [Name of Professor]
Date and Time of Class: [Date and Time]
Professor's Email: [Professor's Email from Syllabus]

Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your assistance in coordinating with my professor.

[Your Full Name] [Your Cerritos College ID]

Do I Notify my Professor?

It is helpful to notify your Professor(s) you have contacted your SAS Specialist to request a disability-related absence accommodation. You are strongly encouraged to involve your SAS Specialist in the communication. You do not have to provide details of your disability, medical documentation, or other health related information to your professor. That information can be shared directly with your SAS Specialist. 

Template to Email your Professor:

Subject: Disability Emergency – Class Absence

Dear [Professor Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am [Your Name], a student in your [Class Title] class. Unfortunately, I am facing a disability-related emergency that requires me to miss our upcoming class.

My SAS Specialist, [Name of Specialist], will be contacting you to discuss the necessary accommodation. I have cc'd them in this email for your convenience.

Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

[Your Name]

If you have a disability that involves hospitalization, episodes, such as a seizure or flare-up, or other unpredictable circumstances,adjustments to deadlines may be considered as an accommodation when it results in an inability to meet an established due date/deadline.  Each occurrence will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by your SAS specialist in consultation with your professor. For the purposes of this accommodation, adjusted deadlines refer to in-class assignments, papers/essays, lab reports, and other take-home course assignments.

This accommodation is determined by an individual assessment of, but not limited to:

1. The student’s functional limitations listed in the medical documentation,
2. The student’s narrative in relation to their functional limitation, and
3. The course requirements. 

Requesting Disability-Related Accommodations: Quick Guide

It is your responsibility to contact your SAS Specialist prior to a deadline, or as soon as possible thereafter, when requesting an adjusted deadline/extension. This must be done each time you wish to request such an extension; previous approval of an adjusted deadline does not guarantee future requests will be granted.  All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and you may be required to submit additional documentation that supports your request, such as hospital discharge paperwork. If you know that you will be absent at some point in the semester due to a medical procedure, it is important to bring it up as early as possible with your SAS specialist and instructor, especially for students who are in a program which requires a certain number of hours of practicum or clinical externship.  

What am I supposed to do?

• Step 1: Request your Letter of Accommodation. Make your letter of accommodation viewable to your professor through the SAS online portal. 
• Step 2: Notify your SAS Specialist. Please allow 1-3 school days for a response from your Specialist. Contact the front office for more immediate support. 
• Step 3: Let your professor know that you are requesting an adjusted deadline with SAS, which will be confirmed by your SAS Specialist. 

What Information do I send my Specialist?

To facilitate the process, please send the following:

1. How long have you known of the assignment?
2. How much of the assignment has been completed?
3. What is the nature of the assignment?
4. How much additional time are you seeking to complete the assignment?
5. How is your disability related to you needing additional time on the assignment?

Template to Email Your SAS Specialist:

Subject: Request for Disability-Related Assignment

Dear [Your Specialist Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you of a disability emergency and I need an extension on my assignment. The reason is [briefly explain the reason], which is related to my documented disability.

The details for the class are as follows:

Class Title: [Title of Class]
Professor: [Name of Professor]
Due Date of Assignment: [Due Date]
Professor's Email: [Professor's Email from Syllabus]

Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your assistance in coordinating with my professor.

[Your Full Name] [Your Cerritos College ID]

What the Accommodation is NOT:

This accommodation is specific to the assignment, the class, and the requirements. It does not cover unlimited acceptance of late work across all classes. Extensions are case-by-case and agreed upon with both SAS and your Professor.

• No "free pass" for late work: An extension is agreed upon individually with SAS and your Professor. If an extension is possible, the new date and time will be confirmed by your SAS Specialist. 
• Consider Course Withdrawal or Incomplete Grade: If regularly struggling with assignment deadlines, consider alternative options. Discuss your options with your Specialist. You should also meet with a SAS Counselor to update your Education Plan. 
• Class Policy Applies: Professor's late work policy remains applicable, even with an approved Adjusted Assignments accommodation, for any missed extension on your assignment that was agreed upon. 
• Group Projects and Presentations: This accommodation may generally not apply to group presentations or group-based work (e.g., group briefs, team-based activities). Please contact your SAS Specialist to discuss any potential alternative accommodations. 
• Exams, Quizzes, and Finals: This accommodation also may not generally apply to exams, quizzes, or finals. Students needing to postpone exams, quizzes, or finals should speak with their SAS Specialist about alternative accommodations as soon as possible.
• Extending beyond the Semester: Extending assignments beyond the semester may not always be a reasonable option. Please contact your SAS Specialist to discuss options, including the possibility of an "incomplete".
• Retroactive Requests: Submitting an accommodation letter mid-semester does not guarantee retroactive accommodations. Any missed deadlines before registering with SAS may not be reversed.
• Personal Organization and Time Management: Students are expected to manage their time effectively, regardless of personal situations. External commitments like work or family may not justify accommodations.
• High School vs. College Accommodations: College accommodations are specific to assignments and classes. They cannot fundamentally alter the course's nature. That includes waiving class requirements.
• Shortening Assignments or Submitting Less Work: SAS cannot fundamentally alter the class's nature, including lowering academic standards or changing assignments. That includes making assignments:
  • Less difficult.
  • Not as long. For example, making a 5-page essay 3-pages, removing questions from tests, or waiving quizzes with strict deadlines.
  • Extension on the assignment to get a better grade. 

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Contacting Your SAS Specialist

To make sure your Specialist contacts you professor as quickly as possible, please email them with the following information:

1. Class Title
2. Due date of the assignment
3. Professor contact information (located on your syllabus)

Response Time: Allow 1-3 school days for your Specialist to contact you. If urgent, contact the front office.

Can I Contact My Professor: Yes, you can contact your Professor, but let your SAS Specialist negotiate accommodations for you. Use the template provided to inform your Professor about your disability-related emergency.

Example Email Template to Professor:

Subject: Request for Disability-Related Accommodation

Dear [Your Professor's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am registered with SAS and in your [insert class name]. I am writing to inform you of a disability emergency affecting my assignment [insert assignment title]. I have contacted my SAS Specialist [Specialist's Name], and they will coordinate with you for my accommodation.

Thank you.

[Your Name and Cerritos ID]

Head to our FAQs page for answers to our most commonly asked questions.