FOCUS: for Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD

Helping students transition to Ursuline, connecting students to appropriate campus resources, improving self-advocacy skills, and developing strategies to promote academic success.

The FOCUS program provides students with documented disabilities a comprehensive support program while at Ursuline College. The FOCUS program is aimed at:

• Helping students make the transition into college life.
• Guiding students to the appropriate campus resources.
• Working with students on self-advocacy.
• Developing strategies with students to apply to academic success. Examples include: time management, organization, and study skills.

ALL STAGES OF FOCUS

• Individual orientation into the program
• Co-advising on academic courses and majors
• Priority registration for classes
• Assistance connecting with tutors
• Mid-term progress monitoring and communication with faculty
• Academic and social support

FOCUS STAGE 1: ($760/semester)

• One guaranteed, one hour, weekly meeting with the Disability Specialist to cover all areas of academic progress

FOCUS STAGE 2: ($1,450/semester)

• Two guaranteed, one hour, weekly meetings with the Disability Specialist to cover all areas of academic progress

FOCUS STAGE 3: ($2,000/semester)

• Three guaranteed, one hour, weekly meetings with the Disability Specialist to cover all areas of academic progress
• For students who want intensive academic support or those who want extra accountability regarding time management and organization

FOCUS STAGE 4: ($400/semester)

• Guaranteed bi-weekly, one hour, meeting with the Disability Specialist to cover all areas of academic progress
• For students who are preparing to graduate or for more independent students who still want the comfort of having consistent meetings

What is required to be in the FOCUS program? To be eligible to participate in the FOCUS program, students must first meet the admissions requirements of Ursuline College and be accepted to the college. Students must also have a diagnosed disability and provide the Disability Specialist with supporting documentation of their disability. Please contact the Disability Specialist for more details regarding documentation.

How do I apply to be part of the FOCUS program? Students interested in enrolling in FOCUS should contact the Disability Specialist to schedule a meeting to discuss their interest in the program. Phone conferences can be scheduled if the student is not able to meet on campus.

Can students use any financial aid they may be awarded towards the cost of the FOCUS program? Yes, students who are awarded financial aid may apply their aid towards the cost of the program.

Do students in the FOCUS program take the same classes as other Ursuline students? Yes, students enrolled in FOCUS take the same classes and have the same program requirements and expectations as students who are not enrolled in FOCUS.

If I participate in the FOCUS program my first semester at Ursuline do I have to remain in the program the whole time I am enrolled at Ursuline? No, students are under no obligation to remain in FOCUS. Eligible students may fluctuate between different stages of the FOCUS program each semester according to the number of credit hours they have and other personal factors. The Disability Specialist can help eligible students choose the stage that is best for them once they have registered for classes. Students may also choose to step out of the FOCUS program and then return provided they still meet the eligibility requirements.

Can student athletes participate in the program? Yes, students athletes who meet the eligibility requirements of the program may enroll. The Disability Specialist will schedule FOCUS meetings that do not conflict with the student athlete’s athletic schedule.

Can students with disabilities request accommodations without being in the FOCUS program? Yes, students with disabilities may request disability-related accommodations without being in FOCUS. Students with disabilities should connect with the Disability Specialist to initiate the accommodation request process. All accommodations are evaluated on an individual basis.

I do not have a diagnosed disability, can I still have the support of the FOCUS program? Only students with documented disabilities are eligible for the program. Student who suspect they may have an undiagnosed disability may contact the Disability Specialist for referrals to community resources that can do neuropsychological assessments and other evaluations.

How do I find out more about the FOCUS program? Students and families can find out more about the program by contacting Morgan Holeski, Disability Specialist, at morgan.weber@ursuline.edu or 440.449.2046. We look forward to hearing from you!