October 2009

             
Priority Registration for Spring 2010 begins Tuesday, November 10

Most students registered with SDS are eligible for priority registration. (Students who receive tuition discounts are not eligible for priority registration.) Any student who does not wish to have his/her U of M ID number submitted for priority registration should contact Susan
Te Paske, SDS Director, at 678-2880.

For other dates and deadlines, the Registrar’s Office website is:
http://www.memphis.edu/registrar/calendars/semester.htm

Advice About Your Spring Schedule

SDS staff members are available to review Spring 2009 course selections by appointment. Call 678-2800 to schedule a time to meet with your SDS Coordinator to discuss issues relating to your schedule, such as: number of hours, combination of classes, choice of instructors and style of course, and daily schedule.

Remember Rules for Test Accommodations

Students are reminded that Test Accommodation Forms are due into the SDS office 2 or more days before the scheduled test. Students who have
a problem getting the test form signed or who have questions about their test accommodations should contact their SDS Coordinator or Crystal Theobald, SDS Test Coordinator. Students should not give the Test Accommodation Forms to their professor to deliver to the SDS office; that is a student responsibility.

Final Exams!!!

Since it is more than halfway through the semester, final exams are not far away. Full session exams for most undergraduates are scheduled from Friday, December 11 through Thursday, December 17. Test Accommodation Forms for final exams are due 2 weeks prior to the final exam. To view the final exam schedule, see the Registrar’s website:
http://www.memphis.edu/registrar/calendars/exams/09f_final.htm

It is Not Too Late to Schedule a Semester Plan Meeting for Fall 2009

Students registered with SDS are asked to meet with an SDS Coordinator each semester to review the courses they are taking and determine service and accommodation needs they have. To schedule
a Semester Plan meeting, call 678-2880.

Weekly Meetings at SDS

All students new to SDS and all students who wish to work on specific
disability-related issues may meet weekly for short meetings with an SDS counselor. Interested? Call your Coordinator and tell him/her that you would like to set up weekly meetings. Students needing only occasional meetings may call to set up appointments as-needed.

Attention Juniors and Seniors!

Last year 4 out of 11 students involved in the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) were offered internships. A WRP recruiter will be on campus on February 5, 2010  to interview University of Memphis students with disabilities who are interested in summer or permanent employment in the federal government or in participating private sector companies. Student information from the interviews is compiled in a database which is then provided to potential employers who make direct contact with the students they would like to hire. Interested in being a part of this program? Email Shanta Wilson, SDS Graduate Assistant at snwilson@memphis.edu  or call 678-2880.

Academic Assistance at SDS

Steve Shaver, SDS Educational Specialist, wants to help you become a more successful student. Steve works to assist students with all aspects of paper writing, and with how to study for most social science and English courses. Steve doesn’t tutor foreign languages, math, or most science courses. He can, however, assist students with the basics of how to study for most courses. To set up an initial appointment, talk with your SDS Coordinator (Phil Minyard or Jennifer Murchison). After an initial appointment with Steve, students may make appointments directly with Steve. (SDS Office: 678-2880)

Math Lab

The SDS Math Lab is open to any student registered with SDS who desires help with U of M math courses. Priority is given to students with cognitive disabilities that effect math learning, but all SDS students are welcome, if there is room. Math Lab is conducted in small groups of 2-4
students and is provided for students registered for Developmental Math (DSPM0700, DSPM0800,           DSPM0850), MATH1420, MATH1710, and MATH1830. Students are required to attend Math Lab at a scheduled time, 2 to 3 days per week. Students interested in Math Lab tutoring must discuss their needs during their Semester Plan meeting.

Assistive Technology at SDS

The SDS Assistive Technology Lab is located on the first floor of McWherter Library in the Learning Commons. The SDS AT Lab is located directly in front of the Main Desk, to the rear of the room. It is staffed by, Chris Goodell, SDS Graduate Assistant for Assistive Technology, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am -2:30pm, and on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-4:30. Call the SDS office (678-2880) to schedule an individual appointment time to meet with Chris.

Training Offered by SDS

In an effort to give students with disabilities methods to process information in ways useful to school, career, and life, SDS continues its emphasis on assisting students to learn how to utilize Assistive Technology. If you want to learn to use Voice Recognition Software so that you can speak instead of type your papers, talk with your Coordinator. If you want to learn to use a screen reader, screen enlarger, or other assistive software in connection with your computer, speak with your Coordinator.

Links to AT Demos on the SDS Website

The SDS website has links to several AT programs. To view these go to:
http://www.memphis.edu/sds/assistivetech/adaptivetechlab.php

Helpful Information and Training Sessions: 

Adult and Commuter Student Services Fall 2009 Seminars

Web 2.0 Tools for Students
Ms. Kristy Conger
Thursday, October 29, 11:20am - 12:45pm, Panhellenic Ballroom

Stress Management
Dr. Yolanda Harper
Wednesday, November 18, 12:40pm-2:05pm, Campus Rec Gym
Call (901) 678-2644 to RSVP or to receive more information.

Career and Employment Services Lunch and Learn Series

Planning for Success: Creating a Life Plan
Sylvia Reed, FedEx
Wednesday, October 28, 12:30pm-1:30pm, Wilder Tower 4th Floor
Money Matters: Financial Literacy 101
Terry Morris, Morgan Stanley
Wednesday, November 4, 12:30pm-1:30pm, Wilder Tower 4th Floor

Call 901-678-2239 for more information.

How to Stay on Top of What Is Going On at SDS

SDS Announcements are available in the following locations:

1. Notebooks in the reception area of SDS

     2.   SDS Website—Click on Announcements
http://www.memphis.edu/sds/announcements.htm
         
In addition, periodic emails will be sent to all students registered with SDS.