Psychological Testing/Student Disability Services

Psychological Testing

The Psychological Testing Office evaluates the documentation sent in support of requested accommodations for students with protected disabilities, requests reasonable accommodations, and coordinates related services. The Psychological Testing Office also offers Interest, Personality, and Ability Tests at no additional costs to FSC students.

Student Disability Services

Florida Southern College adheres to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), in prohibiting discrimination against any “otherwise qualified” student with a disability. Although the college does not have an “Individualized” or “Special Program” for students with disabilities, appropriate case-by-case accommodations, such as extended time for tests, may be provided for students with documentation of a learning disability. It is the responsibility of the student to make his or her condition known to the college, to take the initiative in requesting desired appropriate accommodations, and to have the pertinent diagnostic tests and other professional evaluations to verify the need for academic accommodations. Unless a student is requesting accommodations, the student is not required to reveal the disability.

Requests for disability accommodations must be made each semester and the student must meet with their instructors to determine which of the requested accommodations can be made in each class. Documentation for the initial accommodations must have been obtained in the three years immediately prior to the request and must describe the functional limitations resulting from the disability and how the limitation impacts the ability of the student to function in the college setting. The college does not provide personal tutors or note takers and in no case will the college modify essential requirements of any course or degree program for students with disabilities. Students with documented disabilities are encouraged to utilize academic resources generally available to FSC students, including peer tutoring, study skills resources, and support assistance from their faculty advisor, instructors, and members of the Student Solutions Center. The Coordinator for Student Disability Services is available to guide students to needed resources.

Florida Southern College has a requirement that students participate in Engaged Learning activities in the classroom. Engaged Learning is an essential college requirement and cannot be waived for any student because of excused absences or as an accommodation for a disability. Inconsistent attendance and lack of participation in engaged learning activities can result in a lowered course grade. Students with disabilities requesting accommodations should contact the Psychological Testing Office at Florida Southern College: Dr. Richard Burnette, Coordinator, Student Disability Services, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801-5698 (Phone: 863/680-4196; Email – rburnette@flsouthern.edu).

Florida Southern College has in place an internal grievance procedure for prompt and equitable resolution of challenges to the accommodations provided. All concerns should be sent in writing to: Dr. Marcie Pospichal, Associate Vice President for Student Support, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801-5698 (Phone: 863/680-4197; Email – mpospichal@flsouthern.edu).