Note to Students about COVID-19
Dear WSU Partners and Students,
Since the onset of the pandemic and the shift to more remote and online learning and service delivery, Student Disability Services (SDS) has remained dedicated to supporting the needs of students with disabilities. Students who are registered with SDS for academic accommodations in the classroom will continue to be supported by our office. We realize that accommodations may look different in an online instructional setting. Therefore, we will stay in close communication with ours students and with faculty to make sure reasonable accommodations are in place and to make any necessary adjustments. Student Disability Services staff continues to meet with students in-person and/or remotely via phone or video calling. We are also available for consultation with our department and program liaisons to coordinate services. Please feel free to contact us via email at studentdisability@wayne.edu or via phone at 313-577-1851. Thank you for collaborating with us as we navigate these changes.
What services and/or resources are available?
We, along with the Office of Teaching and Learning, are supporting faculty who are providing exams online with accommodations. Students who receive alternate text for reading support can still submit requests via Accommodate. There are transcripts or captioning services available for online lectures or note-taking arranged for students with sensory needs. Any potential modifications of field placement and internship requirements will need to be worked out case-by-case with each department and must still meet the essential requirements of the program. Additional support, such a tutoring, writing support, etc. is still available through the Academic Success Center and is offered both in-person and remotely.
Whom do I contact with questions or issues?
Student Disability Services can be reached at 313-577-1851 or studentdisability@wayne.edu for general inquiries. For testing related concerns or questions, you may email Kathleen Anderson at sdsexams2010@wayne.edu. You may also email your assigned Disability Specialist at the following email addresses:
If you are not registered for Student Disability Services and you have a disability that causes barriers to access at Wayne State University, please complete our online registration form.
Where can I get more information about COVID-19 and its impact on WSU?
How can I get technical assistance?
Who do I contact about Canvas issues?
- Utilize the Student Training Course within Canvas or
- Contact the C&IT Helpdesk at 313-577-4357 or helpdesk@wayne.edu.
If you have questions about our system, Accommodate, please contact us at 313-577-1851 or studentdisability@wayne.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the SDS office currently open at this time?
A: The SDS office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm. We are also still providing services remotely.
Q: How do I get my accommodation letters for the current or next semester?
A: You can contact your assigned Disability Specialist or our front desk (313-577-1851 or studentdisability@wayne.edu) to schedule an appointment to get updated accommodation letters.
Q: If I have a class on campus or a hybrid class, can I test in SDS this semester?
A: In-person testing accommodations have resumed. For online and hybrid courses, exams may be provided remotely via Canvas. Please talk to your professor to be sure.
Q: I need technology support. Who do I contact for that?
A: The Computing & Information Technology (C&IT) HelpDesk is available to assist with your technology needs. They can be reached at helpdesk@wayne.edu or 313-577-4357. In addition, you may be able to borrow a Chromebook to use for your remote classes. Contact the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) to learn more about that; doso@wayne.edu or 313-577-1010. Check out the Learn Anywhere website to get tips for successful remote learning.
Pell Grant-eligible freshmen may also qualify for a free laptop through the Warrior Laptop Program, slated to begin in November 2020.
Q: Are there study spaces available to me on campus?
A: According to the WSU Coronavirus website: "University libraries and computer labs will implement new processes for cleaning of spaces and equipment, as well as new guidelines to facilitate social distancing.
More information on the hours and operations of the libraries is available at the libraries website.
Q: How do I access campus resources remotely?
A: All support services are being provided remotely and are outlined on the WSU Coronavirus website:
"The Academic Success Center is supporting students' learning with online support through Peer Assisted Learning, the Study Skills Academy, the Learning Communities Program and Mathematics Literacy Services. Please email asc@wayne.edu if you have any questions."
The Writing Center is conducting online, real-time tutoring appointments during regular business hours. Student who require alternative options to online tutoring should contact Jule Thomas. For instructions regarding online tutoring appointments, visit The Writing Center's webpage.
CAPS staff are working remotely and ready to help. If you're experiencing fear, stress or anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can help. CAPS offers telemental health services to currently registered WSU students using the Microsoft Teams app. To work remotely with a CAPS counselor, download the Teams app to your computer or smartphone, then call 313-577-3398. CAPS counselors are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the CAPS website for more details.
A partnership between the Dean of Students Office and the College of Education's Mental Health and Wellness Clinic, Warrior Chat is a nonclinical peer counseling program staffed by graduate students in the College of Education's Counseling and School Psychology programs. Complete the Warrior Chat Request Form to share your preference for communication with the peer counselor. Your assigned peer counselor will contact you by email or phone and make further arrangements to chat.
The W Food Pantry is open Wednesdays only, from noon to 4 p.m. Bags of supplies will be packaged in advance for pickups. Please email The W with any questions."
Q: What do I do if I think I may have been exposed to or have symptoms of COVID -19?
A: According to the WSU Coronavirus website: "If you have symptoms or have been exposed, stay home: If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 (new cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, loss of taste or smell) or have been exposed to someone confirmed to have the virus, stay home. For those who experience symptoms of COVID-19, the Campus Health Center will arrange testing for you."
The Campus Health Center will be doing contact tracing for on campus exposure and will reach out to discuss with you if you were exposed to someone who is symptomatic or confirmed positive while on campus.
Visit the WSU Coronavirus Returning Guidelines site for more information.
Q: What do I do if I want to come to campus?
A: According to the WSU Coronavirus website, students should take the following steps before returning to campus:
- "Review your classes: Know which classes you are taking remotely and which classes are on campus. Check your syllabi for important safety guidelines from your instructors.
- Complete the training modules: The online Warrior Safe training provides an overview of COVID-19 and a guide to staying safe on campus.
- Fill out the Campus Daily Screener: Fill out the Campus Daily Screener available on the Wayne State website and on the Wayne State mobile app each day before coming to campus. This includes all course-related experiences, including clinical or field experiences that might be conducted in another site."
Q: What do I do if the Campus Daily Screener does not clear me to return to campus?
A: According to the WSU Coronavirus website, after students complete the Campus Daily Screener, the following will occur:
"If you are cleared to be on campus, you will receive a bar code that you may be asked to produce.
If you are not cleared to be on campus, you will be contacted by the Campus Health Center staff for further screening. You may then be cleared, or you may be referred for testing."
If you are not cleared to return to campus, please notify your professors and your SDS Disability Specialist.
Q: Who do I contact if I am concerned about the cleanliness of my classroom/campus?
A: You may report questions or concerns about COVID-19 and other related issues on the WSU Coronavirus home page by clicking Ask a question or comment button.
Q: What is the WSU policy regarding wearing a mask on campus?
A: According to the WSU Coronavirus website: "Face coverings: Until a vaccine is available, the most effective way to protect yourself and others is to be 100% consistent in wearing a face covering at all times in public spaces. Students will receive a Warrior swag bag that includes a Wayne State face covering a great way to show your Warrior pride while keeping safe or you may bring your own. Information on proper use of face coverings is available at the CDC's website."
All students, faculty, staff, and guests will be required to wear a face covering in the SDS office.
Remember: All students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct, which has been updated to include a section on COVID-19 mitigation compliance.
Q: How do I return previously borrowed books to campus?
A: Rented books can be returned to campus via USPS free of charge. You can find the instructions on the WSU Bookstore Website.
Q: I am concerned that my professor is not providing my approved accommodations. What should I do?
A: Your SDS Disability Specialist is here to support you. If you feel like your accommodations are not being adequately provided, please notify your Disability Specialist immediately.