New DSS Student Information
Step 1 - Online Intake Form
To request accommodations for the first time, students identify with DSS by completing the online intake formnew window. You may upload copies of your documentation as part of filling out the form. If you do not have an electronic copy of your documentation, you can skip that section and submit the form without it. You may bring paper copies of your documentation to the DSS office for scanning, or you can email or fax the documentation to DSS at a later time.
When DSS has received and processed your form, you will be contacted via phone to schedule an appointment. If DSS is not able to reach you by phone, we will send an email to your montgomerycollege.edu email account.
Step 2 - The Intake Appointment
Format of the Intake Appointment
DSS appointments are conducted through one or more of the following options:
- Zoom appointments: This options allows the DSS counselor to visually and verbally share information during your appointment. You will receive an email with your counselor's Zoom link prior to your appointment. It is important for this type of appointment that you be in an area where you have a reliable, stable internet connection and a minimal amount of background noise or activity. This is a great option if you would prefer a visual experience.
- Phone appointments: On the day of your appointment, your assigned DSS counselor will contact you at the phone number you provided during the appointment scheduling process.
- In-person appointments: Are available on a limited basis and must adhere to safety protocols:
- If it is necessary to bring a family member, aide, or other assistance please inform us when scheduling the appointment.
- Face coverings (masks) that cover your mouth and nose are encouraged for all individuals who visit DSS. Counselors may request that you wear a mask if meeting with them in person.
- Before coming to DSS, assess your own health for new symptoms: fever (100.4 F or higher), chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. If you feel unwell, please do not come to our office. Please contact us to reschedule the appointment.
- Remember to monitor your montgomerycollege.edu email in case we need to contact you before your appointment.
If you need an accommodation during your appointment with us (i.e., sign language interpreter, documents in braille or large print, etc.) please let us know when you schedule your appointment.
Preparing For Your Intake
Your assigned DSS counselor will assist you with initial academic planning, identify access barriers and concerns, and discuss appropriate classroom and testing accommodations at the college level. Be sure to complete initial enrollment stepsnew window to the College. To prepare for the intake, think about your goals at Montgomery College, accommodations that you have used in the past, and accommodations you may need in college. Write down any specific questions you have for your DSS counselor. If you did not upload disability documentation when completing the intake form, you can email your documentation to dss@montgomerycollege.edu.
During the Intake
The intake is our first step in getting to know you. The DSS counselor will explain their role and how they will assist you in your journey at Montgomery College. DSS counselors are trained professionals in general counseling and advising and disability concerns. They can guide you in choosing a major, developing an initial academic plan, and referring you to college and community resources. They will also play a critical role in establishing your accommodations in this setting. By the end of the intake, specific accommodations will be identified and the DSS counselor will review the process for receiving accommodations in your classes. If your appointment is in-person, you must follow the safety guidelines listed above.
After the Intake
You will receive your accommodation letter in your montgomerycollege.edu email. You must provide a copy of this letter to each instructor and discuss the accommodation arrangements with each instructor. You must request accommodations each semester by completing the Semester Requestnew window process.
It is important that you keep in contact with your DSS counselor throughout the semester. They are a resource for you through the ups and downs of the college experience. They can assist you with academic planning, accommodation concerns, and academic and personal challenges. Successful students initiate contact early and often.