The Learning Commons

Guilford is proud of its support services for students with learning differences. Although we have no special program, we do have a broad system of services that many students find useful and encouraging.

Here many students do well academically in spite of frustrating "glitches." Their retention rate is about that of the college in general. Students who do best are generally those who work hard, consult with advisors to carefully plan/balance classes and schedules, and are good self-advocates (or learn to be while they are students here!). In fact, students with learning differences often know themselves well as learners and so regularly offer us new ideas and strategies, fresh insights into methods that work.

"Sure, I have a learning difference, but I get help when I need it. I talked to [LC] staff people and my professors right away, trying to explain what my gifts are as well as those areas where I'll need some help."

Guilford is a writing-intensive place. Our writing program is revision-driven (often you must submit several drafts before the final, graded one) and utilizes peer-editing and response groups. The LC offers individualized professional tutoring in writing as well as work with trained student writing tutors.

The LC offers other services as well:

Faculty tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with students in time management, study skills, test taking, reading, writing and math.
A large Student Tutoring Service offers course-specific tutoring. You request a tutor in a particular course; we attempt to locate the tutor (guided by faculty recommendations) and pay that tutor for up to eight hours of work per course per semester.
The center also sponsors classes, workshops and seminars on subjects pertaining to academic success.

Accommodations

Faculty allow the usual accommodations requested by students:

extra time
permission to use a computer for in-class work
testing in a less distracting environment
audio taping classes
and more

We encourage you to talk to your teachers early concerning particular needs you may have. Professors are usually accessible and classes are small, so you are likely to come to know them well--and vice versa.

Foreign Language

Guilford may waive the foreign language requirement if you submit appropriate data/documentation. In its place we require one additional approved intercultural/international courses.

Quantitative Literacy

Although Guilford's curriculum has a Quantitative Literacy requirement, with appropriate documentation, the requirement can be waived for students with learning differences.

Disability Services

Home

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

ADA Testing Accommodation Instructions

Disclosure and Request for Reasonable Accommodations (pdf)

Alternative Testing Agreement (pdf)

Definitions, Signs, and Detailed Accommodations

* Contact us (LC home)