The OAS Office has no Director. Currently, there are two Disabilities Specialist and I would like to promote someone to a Director level.

Priority V from the 2010-2015 SUNY Orange Strategic Plan was to

“Expand and enhance programs, services and operations to ensure the College is accessible to all members of an increasingly diverse community. “ Therefore, by having a Director for OAS, we will fulfill this Strategic Priority. Furthermore, these institutional goals are also apparent in the 2016-2020 Academic Master plan under the themes of the Student Experience and Preparation and Success. As the student population of Accessibility Services and Student Support Initiatives may be considered “at risk” (1st generation, developmental, low-performance in high school), focusing on enhanced support for this population is essential for facilitating access and success.

One effective method to achieve this outcome would be expanding on the duties and promotion of the Newburgh Disability Specialist to Director of that area. It is also one of the only departments in Student Services that does not have a Director. An addition outcome may include increased trainings and awareness to ensure the College is accessible to all.

Expected outcomes are to increase student retention, completion, transfer, and employment readiness. If we do not hire a Director, it will impact student with documented disabilities readiness to graduate.