By Aleksei Pavloff, Sports Editor
The new school year always brings new faces to campus.
Ohio Wesleyan University recently appointed Stephanie Rowland as the new disability services coordinator.
“Stephanie Rowland brings outstanding experience and expertise to this position and is a tremendous addition to the OWU community,” President Rock Jones said.
Rowland is originally from the Central Ohio area and previously worked with Adrienne Luke, the former coordinator at OWU. They worked together on projects over the past years. Luke contacted Rowland and told her about the available position.
Rowland came to OWU with a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University.
“What I like about OWU is the small school and personal one-on-one interactions I get to have with students,” Rowland said.
Her job at the university is not just to serve as the disability services coordinator, but also the testing center coordinator, which is located in University Hall.
Students who have documentation of a certain disability go to Rowland. Her main focus is to provide testing accommodations.
She also said she helps process school material and with scheduling exams while still working with students in and outside of the classroom so they can have support. She deals with students on a confidential basis so they feel comfortable and get the assistance they need.
Students who have ADHD, learning disabilities, hearing disabilities, or who are on the spectrum can go to her with documentation for assistance.
Some of the accommodations include a testing area where students can go and take exams given by the professor. Other services are also designed to help students with assignments, note-taking and books. This department deals with around 200 students, according to Rowland.
“All student accommodations differ based on need,” Rowland said. “If students have a disability that impacts their college experience, they can register with the office.”
President Jones spoke about the Disability Services Center and how it is a very important part of OWU.
“OWU is committed to the success of every student on our campus and to ensuring that each student has the resources necessary to achieve that success,” Jones said. “We are particularly concerned that students with disabilities receive support that allows them to thrive in our educational environment and that prepares them for success at OWU and beyond.”
The school year brings different types of challenges to different types of people. Jones said he is confident in the center’s efforts to help students deal with the stress of school, work and much more.
“The Disability Services Center plays a key role in assisting the entire campus in meeting these objectives as well as working directly with individual students with various diagnosed disabilities,” Jones said.
Students can call 740-368-3857 or email slrowland@owu.edu with any questions or inquiries.