Prospective Students & Orientation
No two ways about it – college is different from high school. In fact,
many first-year college students are surprised by the differences. For
example, you have a lot more unstructured time, but much more studying
to do. Your instructors expect a lot more from you than they did in high
school. Plus, most first-year students are living away from home for
the first time and learning to cope for themselves. Students with disabilities
should anticipate changes, too, especially in how they receive services.
We've tried to outline some of the important changes you should anticipate
during your transition to college. Check out these resources and then
contact us if you want more information. And be sure to let your parents
know there is a section just for them!
Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to learn more about
MATC through the programs available to all prospective students such
as high school senior days, campus tours and Jump Start sessions. Additionally
MATC offers special events just for students with disabilities and their
parents; Looking Forward and the DRS summer orientation, called "It's
A Whole New Ball Game". Contact the DRS office (246-6716) for dates and
times.
Summer Orientation for Students with Disabilities
The summer orientation for students with disabilities will focus on
self-advocacy skills, test-taking and note-taking tips and how to access
disability–related services. There are also other activities including
a classroom simulation that encompasses all the necessary skills to be
successful in college. We encourage all students with disabilities to
attend this summer orientation especially designed for you. All new students
who are registered with us will automatically receive an invitation in
the mail.
Other Pre-college Activities and Orientations for All MATC Students
- Preview Days. While you are still in high school, you can attend
a preview day. You will
learn about admission, financial aid, career and advising resources
and program information.
You may also meet with MATC staff and tour the campus.
- Jumpstart
to Success. This is a one-hour, drop-in overview session for prospective
students. Session topics include admissions, enrollment and financial
aid processes, program
prerequisites, career resources and general services.
- Program orientation
and registration. When a student has applied for admission and been
accepted, the student will be invited to his/her program orientation/registration.
Typically
these occur during the month of June. You will receive a letter with the
exact date and time
for orientation and registration. At this session you will register for your
first semester
classes and a Disability Resource Specialist will be available for consultation
and advising.
- New Student Daze. Held the week prior to the start
of school. You may receive your photo
ID, locate classrooms, learn about clubs and activities, purchase
your textbooks and meet
current MATC students. Details about this event will be sent to all new students
entering in
the Fall and Spring semesters.
Transitioning from High School to MATC
It is our firm belief that the Disability Resource Services office
at MATC has a role in assisting students with disabilities to make a
smooth transition from high school to the post secondary setting. In
order to facilitate this, MATC DRS Staff
will visit high schools to meet with small groups of students with disabilities
to discuss the programs available at MATC and the admissions process.
This can occur during the day or at events like 'Transition Nights'.
DRS works with the Dane County Transition Consortium to host an annual
"Looking Forward" night for students with disabilities and
their families to become familiar not only with options at MATC after
high school, but also for other post secondary vocational and independent
living as well. DRS will also work with other Transition Councils within
the District to do similar events at the regional campuses.
Upon request, DRS Staff can be available for input into the Individual
Education Plan process of those students with atypical needs or situations.
However, we strongly encourage students with disabilities to learn about
MATC as all other prospective students do through campus visits. The
DRS staff is pleased to meet prospective students and their families
at MATC.
Last Modified:
January 12, 2007
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