Transition to College (TTC)

What is Transition to College (TTC)?

TTC provides outreach and support to local high school seniors on an IEP/504 plan. TTC is designed to connect high school students with disabilities to DSP&S services. TTC services strives to make the transition from high school to college seamless for students with disabilities.  

Services may include:

  • Application assistance via AIM for DSP&S
  • Specialized academic advising
  • Priority registration assistance
  • Follow-up retention services post-high school

How to Apply 

Please complete the TTC Application on the DSP&S AIM Portal to start the process today!

IDEA vs. ADA 504

Transition out of high school to college life can be difficult for any student. It is more so for students with disabilities. The rights previously in place in the K-12 special education system under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ends abruptly with graduation or at the age of 21. A smooth transition from high school to college requires these students to understand the law and build critical self-advocacy skills. 

The new system of rights and protections under Section 504 and 508 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and Title 5 of the California Education Code differ radically from the previous system. These laws prohibit discrimination solely on the basis of disability and require a college to provide reasonable accommodations so that a student with a disability has equal opportunity and access to take part in college programs and services. In addition, this new system requires that the individual with the disability take on personal responsibility and self-advocacy to make their requests for support and services. While this is believed to be an important part of the developmental process for college students, it can lead to difficulties for students with disabilities who are used to having the bulk of the procedures related to accommodations handled for them by someone else on their behalf.

Differences between K-12 Education and College

Differences between K-12 Education and College
K-12: IEP k-12: 504 Community College Academic Accommodation Plan
Student records are accessible to student and parents Student records are accessible to student and parents Any enrolled college student’s records are only accessible to the student (not the parents)
Special consideration for behavior problem Must follow high school behavior code Must follow college code of conduct; no special consideration
District identifies disability Parent provides documentation of disability Student responsibility to provide documentation of disability and need for accommodation
Success more of a right No guarantee for student success No guarantee; student responsible for own success
Special education classes Regular class curriculum with modification No special education classes; DSP&S office’s role is to accommodate student in college level classes
Free evaluation of disability Parent responsibility Student responsibility
District develops Individual Education Plan (IEP) Services determined by 504 Plan Student initiates requests for accommodation needs
District ensures that the IEP is implemented District/parent/student responsible Student responsible for their own progress
Entitled to services identified on IEP Services determined by 504 Plan College services are not automatic; each college determines eligibility and services
Fundamental modification to the program of study permitted as identified in IEP Fundamental modification to the program of study permitted as identified in 504 Plan No Fundamental modifications allowed; Accommodations may not alter the fundamental nature of the course or impose a burden on an institution
Teacher advocate Parent/Student advocate Student advocates for self
Personal services: e.g., transportation, personal attendant, nurse No personal services provided No Personal services provided

Additional Information

Below are some resources and additional information about transitioning from a student with a disability in high school to a student with a disability in college:

  • A DSP&S counselor will schedule high school visits to help seniors on an IEP/504 plan transition to college by completing the DSP&S application for services.
  • Some accommodations or adjustments from high school may not transfer to college.
  • Course modifications/accommodations at the post-secondary level cannot fundamentally alter the nature of the course or program outcome.
  • There are no provisions for or entitlements to differential grading standards.
  • Students have the responsibility for planning, requesting accommodations each semester through their DSP&S AIM portal, and for their own success in college.
  • Students need to know what it means to be a college student (i.e., students need study skills and knowledge of how to plan study time.)
  • Students need to monitor their own progress. They need to know when and how to ask for help. Continued attendance in college depends upon GPA (grade point average) and/or successful completion of courses. If students are not making progress, they will be placed on probation and may eventually be disqualified if they do not improve.
  • The college/university does not offer personal services such as attendant care. These services are the student's responsibility.
  • Transportation to and from the college is the student's responsibility.
  • Students are responsible for college tuition and fees, purchase of textbooks, and payment of parking fees. Apply for financial aid and fee waivers, if eligible.
  • Confidentiality: Colleges and agencies cannot disclose student information to parents or others without the student's permission under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) law.
  • Students are responsible for following up with college instructors after submitting their accommodation request through their DSPS AIM portal. A Faculty Notification Letter (FNL) will be emailed to the instructor once initiated by the student. DSPS can facilitate any communication if needed per student request.
  • All students, regardless of disability, need to follow SCCCD Student Code of Conduct for behavior and maintain appropriate behavior in classes and on campus.

Tips for Success

  • Schedule an appointment to meet with your DSP&S counselor before your first college semester begins to review the accommodations you will need for classes.
  • Prepare for your first semester by getting your books and supplies before your class begins. You can view the online bookstore to search for the exact book your professor is requesting for the class. Visit the Clovis Community College Bookstore website.
  • Become familiar with the campus and resources available to you. There are other special programs students can apply for such as EOP&S, TRiO, Honors, etc.
  • CCC Library checks out laptops, calculators, books, and WiFi hot spots.
  • CCC offers tutorial services in person and online for enrolled students.
  • Students enrolled in the DSP&S program are eligible for priority registration. Priority registration months are during the months of October (for Spring registration) and March (for Summer/Fall registration).
  • Schedule an appointment each semester to review your Student Education Plan to ensure you’re on track for meeting your educational goals.
  • Visit the Adaptive Technology Center and schedule an appointment with our Alternate Media specialist to learn how to utilize accommodations such as E-text, Smart Pen, etc.
  • Meet with our certified Learning Disability Specialist who can provide LD testing and study strategies.
  • Visit the DSP&S Student Resource tab

For More Information on TTC, Please Contact:

Jackie Smith, Transition to College Counselor

Need Assistance?

For more information, please visit DSP&S’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or contact the DSP&S office by email at dsps@cloviscollege.edu or by phone at (559) 325-5050 for more information.