Scott George, adjunct program coordinator in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (CSBS), recently earned his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. He shed light on the student and faculty perceptions of disability accommodations and the processes required of students who need extra help to gain special status.
His study, completed at another mid-Atlantic university, revealed the many ways in which faculty can accommodate students with physical and psychological disabilities. The challenge, he notes, is in educating university staff on the available resources and the necessary processes.
“We found that having a conversation between students and faculty is helpful,” says Dr. George, “such as talking about sign language interpreters, accommodating seeing eye dogs, recruiting readers for students with visual limitations, allowing extended time on quizzes, and administering tests in a quiet setting, such as a tutoring center. Some instructors were not aware that they could change the timing restraints in online classes.”
Dr. Edward Guthrie, CSBS dean, says Dr. George’s findings represent important work and reflect his compassion for others. Besides his work as an adjunct program coordinator, Dr. George is the chapter advisor for Pi Gamma Mu, the honor society for the social sciences.
“Dr. Scott George is a valued member of our college,” says Dr. Guthrie. “He is dedicated, student-focused, and professional in all he does. Dr. George represents the mission and values of Wilmington University, and our college is fortunate to have him.”