Disability Services Office
202 Sanford Hall   # 43

Phone: 218-755-3883
e-mail Khagen@bemidjistate.edu

Dear High School counselor;

Bemidji State University has developed a transitioning program for high school students with disabilities entering 10 th or 11 th grade planning on or strongly considering postsecondary education.   The program is an on-campus living experience that will simulate actual life on a university campus.

The program is scheduled for June 22-28, 2008.   Students will attend a variety of workshops during the week in the areas of academic independent living and disability management skills.   They will learn about budgeting and keeping a checkbook.

            Some of the workshops participants will attend include:

•  Note taking skills
•  Time management
•  Self-advocacy training
•  Postsecondary Accommodations vs. IDEA in k-12
•  Stress Management
•  Budgeting
•  College search skills, and much more

In addition students will evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and then set personal goals to prepare themselves for postsecondary life.

Who should attend or be referred to this program?   Students with an IEP or 504 plan; those who may have physical and mental health conditions but may not have an IEP or 504 plan;   students from either of these categories who are strongly considering postsecondary education at a community   and technical college, state university or private college; and students whose suitability for postsecondary education is uncertain.   Staff will meet with each student as part of goal development to help determine appropriate post secondary goals.

 What is the time line for the Transitioning Program?

• December 1, 2007   Applications will be mailed out and given to interested students.
• February 1, 2008 Applications are due to BSU and must be postmarked by February 1, 2008—Guidance counselors will send packets in enclosed envelope addressed to Kathi Hagen, Coordinator Disability Services.   Application and deposit fee of $75.00 must be included.
• March 1, 2008 Letters will go out to students about acceptance into the summer program.   Eligible students who are not accepted because of space may be placed on a waiting list.   Ineligible students will be notified and their $75.00 deposit fee will be returned.   Students who do not wish to remain on the waiting list may also request the return of their deposit fee.
• March 17, 2008   Students must confirm that they will be attending the summer program and return all completed paperwork from their acceptance packet, to Kathi Hagen, Coordinator Disability Services. If students who are originally accepted to the program should cancel or fail to confirm, we will keep a waiting list and students on that list will be notified of their status by April 1, 2008.   These students must mail in confirmations by April 10, 2008. Deposit fees for any students who are not admitted will be returned.
• April 1, 2008 First payment of $150.00 due from accepted participants
• May 1, 2008 Second payment of $150.00 due.
• June 1, 2008 Final payment of $150.00 due.

  All payments should be mailed to Kathi Hagen, Coordinator, Disability Services.  

We are asking guidance counselors if they will work with us by helping to identify potential program participants and getting information home to parents.   When potential participants have their application completed and release authorization signed, we will need you to send in their application packet, including your evaluation of the student, teacher evaluation forms, transcripts, most recent IEP with assessment information and recommendations, and other information as needed.   Please see the list on the Guidance Counselor Form.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 218-755-3883 or e-mail me at KHagen@bemidjistate.edu .   If you require more application packets please feel free to Xerox these or contact me and I will send more out to you.

Thank you for your time and help in providing this service to your young students with disabilities.

Sincerely,

Kathi Hagen, Coordinator
Disability Services