Specialized Services and Supplemental Instruction at NJCU

Disability Support Services

NJCU students with disabilities are provided equal access to college programs through the provision of reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The OSS/SI serves as a resource for students with mobility, vision, hearing, learning, and other disabilities that may require campus/classroom accommodations and/or academic support.

How do you register with the Office of Specialized Services?

Students can register with the office by submitting an OSS Registration Form and documentation of their disability.  Disability documentation can be uploaded with the form. Documentation can also be submitted via email (jaitken@njcu.edu), by fax (201-200-3083) or by mail Office of Specialized Services, 2039 Kennedy Boulevard, K105, Jersey City, NJ 07305.

What types of documentation do you accept?

Examples of appropriate documentation include a 504 Plan, IEP, Educational/Learning Assessment, Psychological Evaluation, or Neuropsychological Evaluation. A letter from a physician or therapist printed on letterhead addressing the bullet points noted within the documentation guidelines outlined below may also be accepted.

What accommodations are available?

Accommodations are determined on an individual case by case basis upon review of the student’s disability documentation and following an interview with the Director.

How do I request accommodations?

Each semester, students must complete an Accommodation Request Form to indicate the accommodations needed for each class. Please note this form must be completed every semester for which you are enrolled. It is strongly advised that this form be submitted prior to the start of the semester or preferably no later than by the add/drop deadline. Please note accommodations cannot be provided on a retroactive basis. Timely submission of your requests is highly recommended.

Documentation Guidelines

All disability documentation should be completed by a qualified professional who is a licensed or otherwise properly credentialed professional who has appropriate training and experience, and has no close, personal relationship with the student being evaluated and should include the following:

• The credentials of the evaluator(s);
• A diagnostic statement identifying the disability;
• Description of the diagnostic methodology used;
• Description of the current functional limitations;
• Description of the expected progression or stability of the disability;
• Current and/or past accommodations, services and/or medications;
• Recommendations for accommodations, adaptive devices, assistive services, compensatory strategies, and/or collateral support services;
• Note: If available, please submit the most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP), Educational Evaluation and Psychological Evaluation from the high school child study team.

Upon receipt of this information, we will contact you to schedule a phone or video conference to discuss your request for services.

Procedures and Forms

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is is an academic support model developed by Deanna Martin at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) that uses peer-assisted study sessions to improve student retention and academic success in historically difficult courses. This model takes a non-remedial approach to learning that supports students towards academic success by integrating "what to learn" with "how to learn."

SI is a trademarked method of delivering academic support to students through a collaborative learning environment. SI serves historically challenging gatekeeper courses. SI sessions target study skills, collaborative exercises and integration of course concepts without re-lecturing the material. NJCU’s SI Program currently supports gatekeeper courses within our science and math programs.

The mission of the NJCU Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program is to:

• Increase student retention and success in historically difficult gateway courses within our STEM disciplines by providing collaborative learning experiences.
• Improve student understanding of course content, foster critical thinking skills and introduce and apply study skills that will support learning beyond the SI session meetings.

How is Supplemental Instruction different from Tutoring?

At NJCU, tutoring is available by appointment in the HUB. Tutoring sessions are student-directed; tutors provide explanations to students’ questions.  Supplemental Instruction is SI Leader directed; regularly scheduled sessions include structured collaborative learning activities. Students may benefit from both tutoring and participation in SI sessions.

How can I apply to be a Supplemental Instruction Leader?

Students can submit an application to become a Supplemental Instruction Leader. Click here to view the eligibility requirements and to complete the online application.

More About the Supplemental Instruction Program

Contact Us

Office of Specialized Services and Supplemental Instruction
Location: Karnoutsos Hall, Rm 105
201-200-2091 (OSS)
201-200-2557 (SI)

Jennifer Aitken, Director
Jazmin Zegarra, Coordinator, Specialized Services
Jennifer Rak, Coordinator, Supplemental Instruction
Hanadi Fardos, Administrative Assistant, Specialized Services

Summer Office Hours:

Monday through Thursday:
8:00 AM to 5:15 PM*

*Please note staff will be available on a rotating basis on Fridays during the summer. Call 201-200-2091 for additional information.

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