Student Support

Helpful Hints

 

A. How to prepare for your appointment with a counselor

  • Plan ahead!!! Have a list of questions ready when you see your counselor.
  • If you are going to be late, or if you need to cancel and reschedule an appointment, call the front desk at 310-434-4265 and let us know right away.
  • If you are more than 10 minutes late you may lose your appointment and will need to reschedule for another time.
  • Make sure that you see a counselor every semester for academic planning and adjustments. Academic adjustments are NOT automatically renewed. Every semester you class load changes, therefore your academic adjustments may change as well.
  • Be aware of current dates and deadlines. Find them in the current print catalog or online class schedule.

B. How do I know when to register?

  • Check your Corsair Connect for your registration date.
    - Summer/Fall registration usually begins in the first week of May.
    -Winter/Spring registration usually begins the second week of November.
  • Check online for enrollment dates and other deadlines.
  • DSPS Students are eligible for priority registration. You will be able to register early, at the beginning of the registration period. This is NOT automatic. Make an EARLY appointment with your counselor to request priority registration and to plan your classes for the following term.

C. What to do before classes begin?

  • Set realistic goals and priorities in planning your schedule
  • Consider taking a reduced load of classes each semester
  • Balance your course load with easier and more difficult classes each semester
  • Give yourself extra time between classes to study or to regroup
  • Be sure to remember to pay for your classes before the deadline to avoid being dropped from your classes
  • Purchase your textbooks in advance, preferably before school begins (textbooks can be purchased online)
  • Meet with a DSPS counselor to set up your accommodations
  • Be sure to apply for financial aid
  • Familiarize yourself with the campus, especially with the buildings where your classes will be held

D. What to do once classes begin?

  • Be sure to arrive on campus early, especially if you need to find a parking space. Parking can be challenging especially at the beginning of each term. Consider parking in a shuttle lot.
  • Arrive for classes early
  • Set up your accommodations early with your DSPS counselor or LD specialist, preferably at the beginning of each term.
  • Discuss your disability related needs with your instructors
  • Be sure to read the syllabus for each class
  • Be aware of the expectations of each instructor
  • Be aware of the withdrawal deadlines
  • If you are having difficulties in classes, be sure to seek support early in the semester from your instructor, your counselor and/or your Learning Disability Specialist
  • Turn in assignments on time and attend all classes
  • Be sure to devote enough quality study time each day to avoid falling behind
  • Check in regularly with your counselor to discuss your semester progress