<p>To offset cadmiumred’s disturbing news on the “Nightmare at AU” thread, I thought I’d report a positive experience I had today. I called American’s Academic Support Center to inquire about whether there was any flexibility in the school’s requirement that D be retested to qualify for support for her ADHD and learning disability. (Her last battery of tests was 4 years ago, and the ASC website says the school needs data that is no more than 3 years old–this is a very expensive proposition.) The person who answered the phone put me right through the ASC’s Director, who was very pleasant, informative and helpful, asking that I send in all D’s relevant documentation so she could take a look. (She also gently but firmly reminded me that D should be advocating for herself on this issue, which made me realize that we need to do some prep work to get D to that point–she’s never even read her own neuro-psych evaluations.) One of the reasons D chose American was the strong reputation of its support services for ADHD and LD’s. So far, so good!</p>
<p>Glad to hear this, that’s great news for your family. Regarding advocating for herself, I know, it doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a process and it’s great to have advance notice for this issue so that you can help her get to that point. Best of luck at AU!</p>
<p>I posted on the other thread as well.</p>
<p>I really thought at first, yea! Customer service at its best.</p>
<p>But having a student with an IEP, it took me awhile to realize, I think they were insensitive. While a goal truly is for our students to be self reliable, many need guidance. Many thrive in careers with specific step and requirements. Punch in, Punch out.</p>
<p>If she had not read your students information how does one properly advise?</p>
<p>This was our very first contact with the ASC–they had no idea till then that my daughter would need their services. The director was willing to look at D’s paperwork and consider whether any exceptions could be made on the testing requirements. I was impressed both by the fact that she took a parent call immediately–none of that “someone will get back to you” stuff–and that she didn’t give me a hard and fast “no”. I think her suggestion that D take over the process herself (with my support, of course) was wise. Once she’s there, I won’t be around to assist, and she’ll have to advocate for herself to get what she needs. I know she hasn’t always availed herself of the elements in her 504 plan, so I think she really needs to think hard about what kind of support to request.</p>
<p>But of course not everything will run smoothly at any school. D was assigned to a forced triple (on an Honors floor–one would have thought that the Honors perks would have included no forced tripling, but not so). When she contacted one of her prospective roommates, she found out the girl had deferred admission and had no idea why she was placed in a dorm at all. Can’t say I’m disappointed that her triple has already turned into a double, even if it doesn’t say much about the housing office!</p>
<p>It is so good to hear that you have had a positive experience with some of the offices at AU! As a current student I have had similar experiences. When I was first registering my freshmen year I was so nervous and wasn’t quite sure who to contact with all of my questions. Each of the offices I contacted were very patient with me and helped me make decisions. AU is a great place for students to really come into their own. While I still do get advice from my parents (I don’t think anyone ever stops getting parental advice), I have a little more independence and I have AU to thank for a lot of that. I understand the adjustment.</p>
<p>Also, not everything is perfect everywhere. There are always things that can be improved upon, and they will be. Right now I’m sure Housing and Dining is swamped with deposits and corrections. Hopefully H&D will get your student’s portal and information updated soon.</p>
<p>I would also like to say that if anyone has any questions feel free to post them. I used a site similar to this one to get a lot of info about AU before coming so I understand just how helpful it can be!</p>
<p>AUJunior I asked this in another AU thread but it never really got answered so I’m gonna ask you =] </p>
<p>Do you feel AU and GWU have the same access to internships? I’m applying to both but I’m sorta leaning toward AU</p>
<p>MommaJ
Maybe they are leaving the forced triple status in the computer for your D’s room (even though they know that the third student will not be attending). If this is the case, then they are doing you a “favor” to block anyone else from being assigned to the room.</p>
<p>I am glad you had that good experience b/c reading on the other thread was getting depressing. And you are right - D does need to start advocating for herself…and the Director, I think, was right to suggest it. It definitely represents a shift, though, since typically parents do all of this for their children…Part of that letting go and making them independent. Today I informed my college sophomore that she needed to take responsibility for her health AND dental…she is nearly 20 and can make those appointments herself! So we’ll find out…I will say she was a little suprised. I mean, Mum has been doing it for her whole life, right? :-)</p>
<p>Homeschool, I just saw your post and hope I can help!!</p>
<p>I’m a current student (guess the name sort of gives that away) at AU and have had 4 internships so far. I guess I would say that access to internships is the same at GWU and AU, but I found that AU pushes students to pursue them more than I’ve heard from friends at other schools. The career center here really helps out and gives us tons of opportunities to connect with employers for possible internships/jobs, and we have the option of getting credit for internships after freshman year. Professors are also very helpful and want to do what they can to help their students find internship positions, so they are more than happy to make suggestions. I know, for example, that the School of Communication send out a regular email that lists internship opportunities that have been sent to professors. So as students, we get updates all the time.</p>
<p>In short, the level of access is the same, but I think you’d be really amazed by AU’s drive to pursue those opportunities.</p>
<p>Hope that helps, and feel free to shoot over any other questions!!</p>
<p>Thanks AUSenior that does help alot !! I do have a few more questions … which I’ll PM you I really don’t want to hijack MommaJ’s thread ;)</p>
<p>Thanks for posting a good news thread…</p>