In addition to the pre-course survey, which opens an avenue for all students to disclose individual-level barriers to engagement, GSIs can apply Universal Design for Learning to make their lesson plans accessible and engaging for all students. Please see Module 3 of the GSI Center’s Professional Standards and Ethics Course for more information about Universal Design for Learning.

Before classes begin, it is also vital to ask your instructor of record about their process for managing and meeting Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) accommodations. In some cases, instructors may ask GSIs to implement these accommodations. In addition, we recommend that you announce—both in your first section meeting and on your section syllabus—that students with DSP accommodations need to request a Letter of Accommodation for the course. Students should also ensure that notice of the letter has been emailed to the instructor of record or made available electronically through the DSP database. While you may encourage students to share their letters at the beginning of the semester, remember that they might not be able to do so if they have just registered with DSP or if they become aware of or develop a disability during the semester.