By Hiba Ali
Senior Reporter

There are many programs on campus that helps students to become better in the classroom and assist them in graduating with the degree that they desire. One of those programs is Services for Students with Disabilities.
“My staff and I were very concerned that many of our students with disabilities were not graduating, and we explored ways that we could help,” said Janice Clausen director of the SSD.
The SSD aims to connect students with disability to the CSU Bakersfield campus and make their academic year easier for them. Research found that when students feel connected to the university in various ways, they do better. The successful they are, the longer they stay.
“We have received continued support from Dr. Thomas Wallace, Dr. James Drnek, and our Student Affairs colleagues,” said Clausen.
“The activities are designed to educate and support students with disabilities. Specifically, Anchor offers students one-on-one peer counseling; priority access to educational workshop, monthly support groups, and opportunities to develop leadership skills,” said Clausen.
Anchor program is few months old. It has been growing in an amazing way under the guidance of Jason Watkins, accommodation specialist,
“We want to provide anchor for our students to sort of connect them to our campus through our department,” said Watkins.
Beside the Anchor program, there is a class called Memory class, which is listed as General Studies 172.
“The idea of it is to give students strategies that it’s going to help students with other classes. It is hard for students to remember everything when they have so much going on, they tend to forget things,” said Watkins.
He continues with how it will give improve a student’s outlook on their classes.
“It looks at it from a psychological perspective about having a better mind set, kind of an outlook of our memories, and techniques to implement in your studying.”
Watkins also explains that there is more assistance for these students in need.
“There is also a support group where four mentors help new students around the campus, give them general guides about campus policies, how to get around, how things work, and how to interact with instructors.” said Watkins.
There are a couple of workshops that helps students with disabilities with their study skills and many more, as Watkins explained that they are trying to raise awareness for disabilities. It can be a conversation that people can have and educate others about these programs.
The SSD office is located at SADM 140 and is open Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM.