Center for Specialized Academic Support Services (SASS Center)
There are various resources available to University of Mount Saint Vincent students through our SASS Center.
Academic Resource Center
The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides academic support, mainly through individualized or small group study sessions, to all enrolled students at the University. Students can meet individually with a peer or professional tutor to review course content and papers, prepare for classwork or tests, learn notetaking and textbook reading techniques, and organize projects.
The ARC also offers specialty workshops, writing support, and reinforcement of study skills. We provide assistance with all stages of the writing process, including brainstorming and revision. Writing tutors focus on helping students learn how to proofread or edit their own papers.
Online tutoring is available 24/7 on and off campus with a Wi-Fi connection for most subjects through a third-party site called Brainfuse, paid for by the University. Students can access online tutoring and ARC tutoring schedules through their Canvas account.
Accessibility Services
Students seeking reasonable accommodations and support services on the basis of a diagnosed permanent or temporary disability are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The Office of Accessibility Services seeks to provide support services that enable students with documented disabilities to maximize their academic participation and learning experience. The purpose for reasonable accommodations is to provide equal access to academic opportunities by reducing or eliminating disadvantages due to a disability.
The provision of all reasonable accommodations and services is based upon a case-by-case assessment of the impact of the student’s diagnosis on their academic performance and/or college participation at a given time in the student’s academic life. Reasonable accommodations do not guarantee specific outcomes or level of achievement.
Documentation of a disability is required upon requesting accommodations related to a disability. Documentation for Academic Accommodations should not be older than three (3) years and must be provided by a licensed professional or medical doctor.
Documentation for Housing Accommodations should not be older than one (1) year and must be provided by a licensed professional or medical doctor.
Examples of acceptable forms of documentation:
- Audiogram by an audiologist
- Report by an ophthalmologist or optometrist
- Letter from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, or appropriate medical professional based on DSM-5-TR Criteria
- Documentation of disease, illness, etc. from an appropriate physician or specialist listing any functional limitation(s) and their impact
- Educational evaluation, IEP, or 504 Plan (3 years old or less)
Students seeking information on the process and eligibility should contact the SASS Center. Email is the preferred method of communication.
Contact
Phone: 718-405-3718
Email: oas@umsv.edu
Location: Founders Hall 414