Student Handbook

Students with disabilities have access to a range of accommodation designed to support academic success. The College is guided by Section 405 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 in providing students equal access to all of its programs and services by providing reasonable accommodations. These Accommodations are tailored to individual needs once necessary documentation is submitted outlining those needs. For more detailed information about testing and non-testing accommodations, please refer to Appendix B, or email studentassist@sunyopt.edu Tutoring Students who require assistance in one or more courses are encouraged to contact their instructor(s) as the initial step. Instructors can offer clarification, guidance, and additional resources to support academic success. Collaborating with classmates through study groups can also enhance understanding and engagement. Peer tutoring is offered at no cost and can be a valuable academic resource; however, availability may vary depending on the ability to recruit qualified tutors from the student body. In all cases, it is important to seek support promptly, as soon as a need is identified. Students may request tutoring services by emailing tutoring@sunyopt.edu. Academic Advising The SUNY Academic Advising Program was implemented to enhance the didactic and clinical success of SUNY Optometry students through coaching, mentoring, tutoring and advising. Students who are identified as requiring additional support at any time in their SUNY careers are offered the opportunity to become part of the academic advising program. Students will be assigned a member of the faculty as their advisor with whom they will meet one-on-one. Advisors and advisees will work together to identify areas to focus on to achieve academic success, which will include but may not be limited to concrete suggestions about time management and strategies for improving study skills. NBEO Support The Office of Accessibility & Enrichment Services works closely with faculty to ensure students receive the academic support they need to succeed. This collaboration includes providing tailored resources and materials designed to help students effectively prepare for the National Board Exams (NBEO). By aligning support services with academic requirements, the office helps create a more accessible and supportive learning environment for all students. Clinical Enhancement Program The Clinical Enhancement Program at the SUNY College of Optometry takes an early, individualized, and structured approach to help interns reach their goals of becoming skilled and effective eye care providers upon graduation. The program usually begins during the intern's 3rd year (but can begin in the pre-clinical years) when insufficient clinical progress is identified

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