The Department of Supportive Programs & Services (DSPS) at Hartnell College has continued to serve students during online instruction.
In fact, its services for students with physical disabilities and learning challenges are more crucial than ever, said Michelle Peters, director of student affairs and supportive programs and services.
“DSPS continues to be here to support our students as they navigate classes and programs,” Peters said. “Whether via website, email or phone, we are happy to connect with them.”
The sudden move to all-online learning in late March gave DSPS staff an opportunity
to rethink how and why they provide services to students, while at the same time maximizing
access and success, she said. Providing seamless services under dramatically different
circumstances required creativity, flexibility and a commitment. 
“I am proud and appreciate my staff and counselors who collaborate and put extra effort to work together to provide seamless services for and about students with disabilities,” Peters said. “Weekly meetings allow us to be prepared to provide the best service possible.”
Through it all, the DSPS office is keeping students involved and engaged by sending positive messages to inspire them to stay on course, she said, as well as through coaching and leading by example.
Those extra efforts are greatly appreciated and essential, said Aurelio Salazar Jr., president of the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board.
“As a former student diagnosed with ADHD, I fully support and understand the impact DSPS staff have on our students’ success,” Salazar said. “Academic accommodations provide our students the resources to learn according to their particular learning strengths.”
However, not everything can be replicated online, Peters said.
“Due to the technical nature of the psycho-educational tools used in the assessment of learning disabilities, we aren't able to offer this service online, although there may be temporary services available at Hartnell,” she said. “Students should contact DSPS for further information.”
The DSPS team has been working remotely to support students with additional resources and tools, such as laptops, iPads and other electronic devices available on loan for the students, to support them in fully participating in online classes and student services.
“Our model is, we will work through this together,” Peters said.
For the DSPS office, daily operations involve serving three main groups: continuing students who are already registered, new students or those looking to become students, and faculty/staff seeking help in supporting students.
“We message DSPS students who are active and inactive with DSPS, to ensure they have information on how DSPS is available to support them,” Peters said. “We have shared that DSPS team members are continuing to work remotely, to provide accommodation eligibility and counseling services, as well as note-taking, and alternative media for their books.”
DSPS students have a new set of challenges with online learning that requires new types of support and accommodation. For example, they may need additional time to complete exams and quizzes.
College staff also are reaching out to meet the specific needs of incoming students who will be taking college-level courses in an online-only environment.
“We have been working with high schools and community agencies to prep the incoming students for fall semester,” Peters said. “At the same time, the DSPS team is promoting success and retention, helping to design a well-balanced coursework for each student.”
During the 2020-21 academic year, DSPS will offer its own learning-skills classes, designed for students with disabilities that focus on learning strategies, memory skill building and awareness of how emotions can impact decision-making.
DSPS also is working with College Readiness staff and area high schools to support students participating in dual enrollment. This collaboration is intended to promote a smoother transition to college, when students graduate and decide to enroll at Hartnell. DSPS is also collaborating with Cal State Monterey Bay, in support of DSPS students completing their Hartnell degrees and transferring to the four-year university on the former Fort Ord Army Base.
Recently, a student sent this note of appreciation to the DSPS staff: “Thank you so much, DSPS team. You are always there for us. Please take care of yourselves."
To reach DSPS counselors, visit hartnell.edu and click on Support Services. Students may also call (831) 755-6760 for an appointment or for inquiries.