Quarterly Newsletter
Winter Quarter 2023 Newsletter
Happy New Year!
SDS would like to wish you all a happy and productive start to the Winter Quarter and 2023!
SDS staff and most services will be available to students remotely throughout Winter Quarter due to office renovations. Continue reading this newsletter for more details! If you would like to meet with any of the SDS staff throughout the Winter Quarter, please contact the staff person in advance to schedule a Zoom meeting. SDS staff contact information can be found below or on the staff webpage.
We’re Renovating!
The Student Disability Services office is getting a makeover! The renovations will create more usable space for our growing team. Due to the construction, SDS staff will work fully remote for the duration of Winter Quarter.
Some things to keep in mind while SDS staff are remote:
- All appointments will take place via Zoom or telephone. You can set up appointments using the contact information listed below.
- Exams administered by the SDS office will still take place on campus, but not in the SDS Office. Exam locations will be listed in the exam status update in AIM.
- Accessible equipment is available to be picked up by appointment only. The designated Access Coordinator will provide you with information on how to schedule a date/time to retrieve needed equipment.
Contacting SDS
The SDS office is available remotely via Zoom or telephone. For questions about accommodations or access matters, you may email questions to disabilities@uchicago.edu or call 773-702-6000.
To set up an appointment with an SDS Director:
- Charnessa Warren: Director, scheduling link
- Amber DiCosola: Associate Director, scheduling link
- Amber Gumm: Associate Director, scheduling link
- Sandra Fernandez: Assistant Director, scheduling link
- Taylor Allnutt: Assistant Director, scheduling link
To set up an appointment or ask questions of a SDS Access Coordinator:
- Morgan Severeid: Access Coordinator for Alternative Format Text Services, text.sds@uchicago.edu
- Beth Moy: Notetaking and Communication Access Coordinator, notetake@uchicago.eduor asl.cart@uchicago.edu
- For Exam Proctoring: proctor@uchicago.edu
Requesting Academic Accommodations
College Students Only: AIM Portal Procedures
Remember to request accommodation letters for the Winter Quarter. Many accommodations must be scheduled through the online AIM Student Portal.
The procedures for notifying your instructors of your approved accommodations, using exam accommodations, and alternative format conversion requests are all outlined on our website under Using Accommodations. Please review these procedures carefully and contact SDS immediately if you have any questions.
Graduate/Professional Students Only
Accommodation implementation varies by academic division. Graduate/Professional students have a different process than College students. Please consult with your disability liaison within your graduate/professional division and follow the procedures to make arrangements for accommodations during Winter Quarter. Contact information for your graduate and professional disability liaison is available on the Disability Liaisons webpage.
Using Exam Accommodations for Winter 2023
Using Exam Accommodations Students should review their course syllabi for the exam modalities that will be used in the course and should also review the information available on our website detailing how to use exam accommodations this quarter. Students are encouraged to submit all exam requests for the entire quarter by the end of 2nd week to ensure they are able to utilize exam accommodations during mid-terms and finals.
Transportation Assistance for Winter Quarter
Dial-A-Ride a point-to-point shuttle service for students with temporary and long-term conditions that affect mobility. The service provides rides to and from classes and medical appointments at the University of Chicago Medicine complex. Rides must be scheduled at least three business days in advance. Lyft services also available to approved students as a supplemental option for gaps in scheduled Dial-A-Ride services. If you have questions about transportation during the winter, please contact your assigned SDS Director.
Videos to Help You Succeed
For more information on how to access SDS services and other helpful tips to aid you on your academic journey, check out the videos linked below!
Introduction to Student Disability Services
Requesting Alternative Format Texts
The Top 5 Things You Should Know as a Graduate/Professional Student
Events
Director Dialogue
You are cordially invited to meet quarterly with the SDS Director, Charnessa Warren. Each quarter, Director Warren will host an informal, one hour session for students to bring forward any questions, concerns, or ideas they would like to discuss. The Winter Quarter Director Dialogue will take place on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 12pm-1pm. Registration is Required
Subscribe to receive SDS Announcements and to be notified for upcoming dates and times.
Diversity and Inclusion Mixer-Thursday, January 12th
All University and UChicago Medicine students, faculty and staff—regardless of disability status are welcome! Join in on discussion, share your experience, and meet others.
Date and time: Thursday, January 12. 12pm-1pm
Location: Pret A Manger in Hutchinson Commons
Apply for the 2023 Lime Connect Fellowship Program
Lime Connect represents the largest network of high-potential university students and professionals – including veterans – who have disabilities in the world. Fellowship participants will deepen their leadership skills, make connections with Lime Connect’s corporate partners for potential Summer 2024 internships, gain access to prestigious scholarships, and more! The Fellowship Program kicks off with a leadership & development symposium in New York in July and offers individual coaching, webinars, mentoring, and Fellows community discussions throughout the year.
Learn more and apply!
SDS Staff Announcements
Amber Gumm – Associate Director
Amber joined the SDS team in December 2022. She will conduct student intake meetings, facilitate accommodation implementation, and serve as a SDS Director Committee member. Welcome, Amber!
Paul McAndrews – Senior Access Coordinator for Exam Proctoring Services
Paul joined the SDS team in October 2022. He will oversee the coordination of all requests for testing accommodations. Welcome, Paul!
Stephanye Branch – Testing Coordinator
Stephanye joined the SDS team in October 2022. She will work with in collaboration with Paul and the proctoring team to coordinate and facilitate exam accommodations. Welcome, Stephanye!