Even before it was law

Ramapo College of New Jersey demonstrated a strong commitment to providing equal access to all students  through the removal of architectural and attitudinal barriers.  Integration of qualified students with disabilities into the college community has been the Ramapo way since the College opened in 1971.

Guided by that mission, the College established the Office of Specialized Services (OSS) to facilitate equal access and to offer optional academic support for students with documented physical, sensory, learning, or psychological disabilities.  The office has also been partially funded by federal and state grants and has been the recipient of numerous corporate and private contributions for special projects.

TRIO - U.S. Department of Education Student Support Services Project

Since 1976, Ramapo College of NJ has been the recipient of a US Department of Education grant designed to provide academic and other support services that promote the academic achievement, retention, and graduation of matriculated students with disabilities. Housed within the Office of Specialized Services, this Student Support Services Project makes available at no cost to eligible students the following services:

• Academic advisement and counseling
• Peer tutoring
• Professional tutoring - writing and mathematics
• Computer instruction
• Independent living counseling
• Career development counseling
• Graduate school counseling
• Financial aid counseling

Policy Statement

The Office of Specialized Services facilitates equal access to the programs and activities at Ramapo College for students with documented physical, sensory, learning, or psychological disabilities. 

Students must initiate contact with this office in order to receive services or to arrange appropriate accommodations and/or academic adjustments.  Comprehensive documentation of a disability from a licensed physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or certified learning disabilities specialist must be submitted in order to establish eligibility and to  determine which accommodations and/or adjustments are appropriate for each student. 

Any student with a disability who believes that he or she has been discriminated against should refer to the Ramapo College Anti-Discrimination Policy Statement and Discrimination Complaint Procedures published in the Student Handbook for resolution of the grievance.

Staff