Veterans Resource Center
The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) of West Virginia University at Parkersburg recognizes the service our veteran students have given to our country and the sacrifices made in the process. It is our goal to provide a learning environment that conveys the college’s appreciation and offers the tools and services necessary for veterans to achieve academic success. Over 200 veterans and dependents are currently taking advantage of the many degree certificates, associate and bachelor degrees, and other classes and programs to further their academic and professional interests.
Visit our Veterans Resource page for more information here
Counseling
The mission of the Counselor is to provide crisis intervention and scheduled brief supportive/problem-solving counseling services to address emotionally distressed issues that are significantly interfering with a student’s ability to function. The Counselor also provides educational services in the form of workshop, seminar, lecture, and mini-presentation on topics related to mental well being.
Resources
Crisis Intervention
Short-term Individual Counseling
Short-term Couples Counseling
Mental Health Referral Information
Mental Health Information
Problem Solving Sessions
Counseling
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Concerns
Anxiety and/or Depression
Self-confidence concerns
Stress Management
Coping with loss
Coping with trauma
Relationship concerns
Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services is committed to helping qualified students with disabilities achieve their academic goals by providing reasonable academic accommodations under appropriate circumstances. Appropriate accommodations are based upon both documentation of a disability and the significant functional limitations supported by diagnostic test data.
The following information is designed to help you to understand the policies and procedures related to obtaining disability-related accommodations at WVU Parkersburg. This information is meant to assist you in obtaining services that are available to all students at WVU Parkersburg.
All current, incoming or transfer students, in person, must:
Schedule an initial interview with a counselor to register with the Center for Student Support Services (Room 1019) — 304.424.8378
Provide documentation of your disability that meets WVU Parkersburg criteria for obtaining disability related academic accommodations; and
Request services on a semester by semester basis.
Moving From High School to College
Students having received disability-related accommodations in secondary schools will find important differences as they continue in higher education. Being aware of these differences can make the transition easier. Among the differences are:
Once a student reaches the age of 18, they will need to give written consent to the Office of Disability Services for any kind of parental involvement. Even if parents are assuming the financial responsibility for a student’s education, this release is still necessary.
Secondary schools may have provided for the financial cost of securing necessary documentation of a disability. In higher education, that cost is the responsibility of the student.
The length of time documentation is valid is substantially different in higher education.
Some types of accommodations, such as study guides, that are often used in secondary education are not available at the college or university level.
The amount and type of documentation that will be needed may be different between secondary and higher education. More detailed information about differences may be found at: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html
Assistive Technology & Services
The Office of Disability Services at West Virginia University at Parkersburg offers an array of assistive technology (AT) and services for student use or accommodation need. The Center for Student Support Services is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; with the exception of official college holidays and closings, as well as other specified times throughout the year.
Assistive technologies available for use through the Office of Disability Services include:
JAWS (Screen reader):
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is the most powerful screen reader and uses an integrated voice synthesizer and your computer’s sound card to output the content of your computer screen to speakers. More information on JAWS can be found here.
Kurzweil:
Kurzweil provides both audible and visual accessibility to word documents and web pages. The company is recognized as the leading developer of reading technology for people with learning difficulties and those who are blind or visually impaired. More information on Kurzweil can be found here.
ZoomText (Screen magnifier):
ZoomText, the world’s leading low-vision solution, is available as a screen magnifier or integrated magnifier/reader. With magnification up to 16x, ZoomText enlarges and enhances everything on the screen, making all your applications easy to see and use. More information on Zoomtext can be found here.
FM Systems (electronic amplification/hearing system):
FM systems work like a small radio transmitter and radio receiver. A parent or teacher wears the FM transmitter and microphone. The receiver picks up the signal from the microphone and routes it to a personal hearing aid, cochlear implant processor or other device.
UBI Duo (electronic communication device):
Ubi-Duo Is an electronic communication device used by individuals with hearing impairments to enable instant communication.
Sorenson Video Relay Service (SVRS)
Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®) is a free, 24-hour service that enables users to place and receive calls through a professional American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter via a videophone and a high-speed internet connection. The service is available in the Library (Room 1332). Access after normal business hours is accomplished with the assistance of Campus Security.
Enlarged Keyboards
Scanners
Text in Alternative Formats
Child Care
Food
Health Care
Housing
West Virginia’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
For more information please contact
Kurt Klettner
Executive Director
Student Support Services
Room 1019A
Sam Berg
Administrative Associate
Student Support Services
Room 1019
Pamela Santer
Program Coordinator
Student Support Services, Wellness Center
Room 1535A
Samantha Suggs
Program Coordinator
Student Support Services, Student Engagement
Room 1535A