One of the most important skills you need to be successful in college or university is the ability to be
your own advocate. The college and university system operates on the assumption that you are an adult.
You are responsible for your decisions, behaviour and your academic success or failure. It is up to you
to know what services and support you need and take the steps to get them.
Sound impersonal and uncaring? It can feel that way, but remember that if you take the initiative, people
are there to help you. You just have to take the first step.
Learn to be your own advocate:
- Know and understand your disability/mental illness.
- Know your own strengths and weaknesses, both personal and academic.
- Know your rights and responsibilities as a student with a disability.
- Learn to be assertive - not aggressive or passive. If you don't ask for it, you won't get it.
- Plan ahead. Talk to the Disability Services Office.
- Find a counselor or disability advisor whom you trust - someone you can go to for support and advice.
- Take responsibility for managing your illness.
- Keep a file of important information so you can find it easily when you need it. Include:
- names and telephone numbers of Disability Services staff
- copies of any documentation you supplied to the Disability Services Office
- copies of any letters requesting accommodations
- telephone numbers for other campus support services such as health services, counseling services, etc.
- contact information for your psychiatrist or doctor and a list of your medications
- your course registration and number of credits completed and required
- documentation for any student loans or other financial aid you receive
© 2004 Canadian Mental Health Association. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced
in any form without written permission of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
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