What We Do
Office of Counseling & Disabilities Services

Below is a description of each of the services that the Office of Counseling and Disabilities Services provides to students:

Academic Support
Students who are having difficulties with their academics, or are unsure if they are in the right program of study are encouraged to stop by OCDS and talk about it. Although we sometimes have our hearts set on something, it isn’t always clear if it’s the best fit for us. Don’t wait until it’s too late—if you are unsure of whether or not to stay in your program of study, or are having difficulty with coursework are encouraged to call us to make an appointment so that we can talk about it! It is important to note that academic support is NOT academic advising—OCDS provides students with guidance towards ensuring they are making the right decisions for themselves as well as providing them resources within the College community to ensure academic success!

Disabilities Services/Accommodations
Students who have a disability, or require accommodations are encouraged to stop by OCDS at the beginning of every semester to meet with the Senior Counselor to review the accommodations process. All of the necessary paperwork must by submitted and on file for students with disabilities to receive the appropriate accommodations! The earlier students are able to schedule an appointment, the better! If you feel you are eligible to receive accommodations due to a documented disability, please see: Disability Services Procedures

Tips for students with disabilities as they transition from high school to college: Planning for Postsecondary Education

Comparison of Secondary and Postsecondary Laws and Settings

Please visit Syracuse University's Office of Disability Services for a comprehensive overview of services provided.

Change in Educational Plan (Withdrawal)
As we know, sometimes life’s demands put a strain on us, and we are unable to complete our tasks as originally planned! It’s ok! Life happens!

Students who need to Change an Educational Plan (withdraw) while at SUNY ESF need to schedule an appointment with the Senior Counselor to begin the process. As the paperwork for this process can sometimes be lengthy and time consuming, students are encouraged to seek out assistance as early as possible! 

Change in Educational Plan (Transfer) STUDENTS PLANNING TO TRANSFER TO ANOTHER INSTITUTION AT THE COMPLETION OF THE FALL 2009 SEMESTER MUST COMPLETE A CHANGE IN EDUCATIONAL PLAN PRIOR TO DECEMBER 2009 (Students must make an appointment with Heather Rice in 110 Bray to complete this process.)
Sometimes a particular higher education institution is simply not for us, and transferring to another institution or taking some time off is the best thing for us. Students who wish to transfer to another institution need to contact OCDS to schedule an appointment with the Senior Counselor.

Readmission

Students who have changed their educational plan, and wish to come back to the College, may apply for readmission by again contacting the Senior Counselor to file the appropriate paperwork. Readmittance does NOT go through the Office of Admissions! Students who have questions regarding the readmisson process can contact OCDS to obtain information, or to schedule an appointment with the Senior Counselor.

Personal Matters
As we know, sometimes things come up in our lives, both personal and academic, that requires us to just sit down, and let it all out! We’re here for you! If you ever feel that you are getting consumed with the stresses of coursework, or life, don’t let it build up—come in and talk about it!

Crisis Triage
In a crisis? OCDS is committed to serving students who are in a crisis, and making it a priority! Please notify our office’s receptionist if you are here for a crisis so that we can serve you better!