Student Support Specialists

SALT Center Student Support Specialists

Student Support Specialists are dedicated to supporting students' academic success. They provide individualized assistance with educational planning, goal setting, time management, organization, and learning strategies. They offer guidance with transition to the collegiate environment, in addition to improving skills in communication, self-advocacy, and learning.

Students and Student Support Specialists develop strong, collaborative relationships through positive, confidential communication. Specialists create a supportive environment and encourage students to share their accomplishments, pursue their dreams, and to seek assistance in overcoming barriers to success.

During sessions, Individualized Learning Plans (ILP) are developed to best suit students’ unique strengths and learning challenges. Plans may include the following:

Educational goals
Personal aspirations
Learning strategies
Tutoring, skills workshops, and assistive technology

Role of the Student Support Specialist

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I Do:	I Do Not:
Serve as your primary point of contact at the SALT Center	Release protected information to parents or others without a signed consent form from the student
Protect confidentiality with respect to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974)	Report regular updates to faculty, family, or other outside entities regarding the student's performance or use of services
Facilitate weekly meetings and provide additional assistance through emails and phone calls	Disclose student's diagnoses to faculty or staff outside of the SALT Center
Provide strategies for organization, time management, reading, note-taking, focusing, studying, etc.	Suggest courses that are “easy” or taught by “nice” professors
Offer assistance in self-monitoring academic progress, grades,educational planning, & goal setting	Speak with faculty to negotiate grades, attendance, extra credit, or academic integrity issues
Provide direction with understanding key issues regarding how learning/attention challenges impact learning, processing, and educational & career goals	Arrange a student's accommodations
Offer guidance in the process of making informed decisions and problem resolution in tandem with reinforcement of appropriate communication and self-advocacy skills	Offer personal assistant services
Make referrals to the SALT Center Psychological Services or CAPS (Counseling and Psych Services) at Campus Health & other campus resources, such as Academic Advising, as needed	Provide specific academic advising services

Expectations of Students

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Maintain regular (i.e. weekly) contact with Student Support Specialist
Make school a priority through attendance, engagement, and investment of study time
Utilize available support services and recommended strategies for success
Seek assistance and collaborate in planning
Communicate effectively and honestly
Demonstrate academic integrity and follow the university's Student Code of Conduct
Follow through on commitments
Exercise responsibility and be accountable
Participate in SALT Center activities, programs, and leadership opportunities