Maryville College offers an effective and wide array of academic support for its students. The Academic Support Center provides a variety of study options, including Supplemental Instruction, Math Tank, and Writing Center.
The Academic Support Center also houses Disability Services (DS), which offers services and accommodations for students with documented disabilities or medical needs. DS is committed to providing timely, individual assessments of student needs and promotes self-advocacy among all students.
The Center is located in the lower level of Thaw Hall and is open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students may drop in the office, contact staff by email, or dial the main office number 865-981-8124.
Academic Support Services
Individualized Learning Strategies
Academic Support Center professionals offer consultations to individuals throughout the semester, focusing on learning styles and strategies for reading, note-taking, test preparation, test-taking, academic goal setting, organization, and time management.
Group Study Sessions
Group Study is the largest component of the College’s academic support system and focuses on collaborative learning through weekly peer-led sessions. Opportunities to share opinions, class notes, reflections, ideas, and theories in preparation for exams, assignments, and class projects are just a few of the benefits. See the Academic Support Schedule.
Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions are facilitated by SI leaders, students who have previously succeeded in the course and have specific SI training in group facilitation and learning strategies. The SI leaders attend all class lectures, taking notes and modeling effective classroom learning strategies. SI Leaders work closely with teaching faculty to create sessions that integrate how-to-learn with what-to-learn. During each weekly review session, SI Leaders guide students through class material in a collaborative environment where students discuss important concepts, develop strategies for studying the subject, practice problem solving, and test each other. A schedule of weekly sessions and locations are available each semester.
Disability Services
Disability Services (DS) seeks to meet the needs of students with documented disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations through an interactive process, assisting students in becoming self-advocates while supporting their curricular and co-curricular activities at college. Students are responsible for disclosing their disability & requesting accommodations by completing the registration form & providing current documentation of the disability.
DS is committed to working with students, staff, and faculty in developing and implementing the most appropriate strategies for a successful learning experience while maintaining the academic standards and integrity of the mission of the College.
Disability Services Procedures
The steps to obtain services through DS are described below:
- Admission to Maryville College
Students must meet all prerequisites for admission to Maryville College before receiving services through DS. See the current Maryville College catalog for required admission standards.
- Registration for Services
Students are responsible for disclosing a disability and requesting accommodations. Students must complete the registration for services and provide current documentation which supports the request for reasonable accommodations for the disability. Registration form and documentation requirements are located online at www.maryvillecollege.edu/disability.
- Documentation
Documentation must specify the disability, its impact, and severity, as well as substantiate the need for accommodations. A licensed professional, familiar with the history and functional implications of the disability, must provide the required documentation. If the initial documentation is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent or needs of the student, DS has the discretion to require additional documentation. Current documentation is required for permanent and/or temporary disabilities. Also, students requesting accommodations for multiple disabilities must provide documentation of all such conditions. The documentation must substantiate current functional limitations.
- Accommodation Determination
After completing the registration form and submitting the necessary documentation, students should contact the DS office and set-up an appointment to determine reasonable accommodations. The official registration and implementation of services cannot begin until the student meets with a DS staff member.
DS professionals believe the student is the most valuable resource for determining effective and reasonable accommodations. DS assists students in becoming self-advocates while supporting their essential needs. DS assists faculty by providing information and by validating and providing necessary accommodations. Students who feel that they are experiencing problems/concerns in classes or the college setting should contact the office as soon as possible to resolve any difficulties they may be experiencing regarding accommodations or access on campus. DS will begin an interactive process with those individuals regarding the problems/concerns.
Important Notes
It is the student's responsibility to arrange for certain services that are outside the scope of DS and Maryville College. These services include, but may not be limited to, attendant care, mobility training, items/services of a personal nature, and sources of financial aid. DS professionals are available to consult with students regarding special needs and possible local resources.
Letter of Accommodation
When reasonable accommodations have been established, the professor, advisor, and student will receive a Letter of Accommodation (LOA). The LOA indicates the accommodations which the student is qualified to receive.
Before issuing an LOA, DS must have a complete file. The file must include the registration form, appropriate documentation, and a signed Release of Information Waiver. DS staff will not discuss academic accommodation concerns with faculty members until all documents are received. DS will not disclose or discuss the disability documentation provided by the student without the written consent of the student.
First Week of Class Responsibilities
Students are encouraged to meet with each of their scheduled class professors during the first week of the term to discuss the LOA for the implementation of the accommodations. Students and faculty should contact DS with questions or concerns regarding ways to implement the qualifying accommodations.
Continuing Enrollment
Each semester, students should contact DS at the earliest possible opportunity to schedule a meeting to discuss class accommodations for the semester. If additional accommodations are requested, DS will review current documentation, meet with the student to discuss the additional requested accommodations.
Grievance Procedures
An internal grievance procedure exists for students who believe the accommodations provided were not reasonable or not being provided. Students should submit a written statement of the specific complaint within ten (10) business days of the alleged incident or action to the Academic Success Center Director. The Director will work to resolve such concerns informally through an interactive process with the student, pertinent faculty, or staff members. To establish the basis for such a grievance, students should be registered with DS and receiving services. Students should expect to receive a written response to their grievance within 10 days of submitting it.
Contacting Disability Services
Students can contact Disability Services through the Academic Support Center in the lower level of Thaw Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., via phone at 865.981.8120or 865-981-8124, through the website www.maryvillecollege.edu/disability, or email disabilityservices@maryvillecollege.edu.