Access Services
For students with disabilities, the academic environment in college can be especially challenging. Access Services helps qualified students overcome barriers to graduation by providing academic accommodations and additional resources.
Examples of academic accommodations include but are not limited to:
- extended time on exams
- low distraction test environment
- alternate format textbooks
The Access Services main office is housed on the Winona campus. WSU-Rochester students have the same opportunity to receive accommodations and other support services.
If you feel you need this type of support, you can pick up an information packet in the Student & Campus Services Office (SS 128). You can also learn more about Access Services on the WSU website.
How do I register with Access Services?
- Apply and be accepted to Winona State University.
- Complete the online Access Services Registration Form. Students should use their personal StarID followed by "@go.minnstate.edu" to log in.
- Schedule a Welcome Meeting with Access Services to identify disability-related barriers and appropriate access solutions.
- Submit Supporting Documentation (PDF) with registration form or bring to the welcome meeting.
Will my accommodations be the same as at RCTC?
In most cases, yes. Please give written permission to the RCTC Disability Services staff to release your records to us. They will then fax a list of your previous accommodations to WSU Access Services at 507.457.2957. We will mirror the accommodations that you were given there, if reasonable.
How do I sign up for an exam?
Use the Access Services Student Dashboard to schedule every exam that you plan to take with accommodations through Access Services at least 3 business days in advance.
We strongly recommend that you sign up for all exams listed on your syllabi at the beginning of the semester to avoid the stress of missing deadlines.
Where will I take my exams?
Your professors may choose to provide accommodations for your exams in a quiet area near the classroom or in their department.
What other resources are available for support?
Because college can be very stressful, you may need extra support to work through a difficult time.
Counselors are available to help you with a wide range of difficulties, ranging from sexual assault, depression, and grief after the loss of a loved one to stress management, anxiety, general adjustment to college, and many other issues.
To make an initial appointment to meet with a WSU counselor over the phone, please stop by the WSU-R Students and Campus Services office, Student Services (SS) 128 or call us at 507.285.7100.
RCTC Health Services has partnered with Zumbro Valley Health Center to provide mental health services by licensed mental health providers for both RCTC and WSU-Rochester students. If students have health insurance coverage, ZVHC will bill the insurance company for these services. Students are never denied services if unable to pay or are unable/unwilling to use their health insurance. Students can make an appointment by calling 507.285.7261 or stopping by the RCTC Health Services location in the Health Science building, (HS) 140.
Counseling and Wellness Services on the Winona campus are located in the Integrated Wellness Complex 222 and they can be reached at 507.457.5330.
Tutoring is available from the RCTC Learning Center on the third floor of the Atrium building in (AT) 306. Contact 507.285.7182 for more information on the Learning Center and specific hours of tutoring services or visit the Learning Center webpage.
The Learning Center also works in collaboration with the WSU Tutoring Center (located in Winona). WSU students with specific tutoring needs or who are interested in becoming a tutor should contact the WSU Tutoring Coordinator at 800.342.5978 ext. 5680 or 507.457.5680. Visit Winona's online tutoring resources for remote tutoring.
TRIO Student Support Services provides support for first-generation, low-income, and students with documented disabilities on both the Rochester and Winona campuses. They are dedicated to providing individualized academic and personal assistance to facilitate lifelong learning and development and to help students achieve their goals of graduation.
