Advising Students with Disabilities: Foundations

$350 member
$550 non-member

Gain essential knowledge on disability-related topics, legal frameworks, and campus resources in this 3.5-week asynchronous eTutorial designed to help academic advisors support and advocate for students with disabilities.

[All content is self-contained within the eTutorial. No additional materials are required.]

What you'll learn:

  • Classify the primary categories of student disabilities and identify appropriate college accommodations for each.
  • Describe the current landscape of US-based legal and institutional definitions of disabilities.
  • Explain key concepts related to disability topics to demonstrate increased knowledge and confidence in discussing them.
  • Construct a network of campus resources to support students and offices working with disabilities effectively.

Who this is for:

  • All levels of advising professionals
  • Those who assist, advise, and/or advocate for these student populations

About this eTutorial:

This 3.5-week asynchronous eTutorial is designed specifically for academic advisors seeking to deepen their understanding of disability-related topics in higher education.  Participants will explore the primary categories of student disabilities—physical, developmental, learning disabilities, and neurodiversity—and learn about common college accommodations. This professional development eTutorial covers topics such as the US-based legal frameworks of IDEA and ADA, the nuances of FERPA, and the transition from high school to college. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid understanding of your key resources and how to connect with campus partners such as accessibility offices, testing services, disability services, health services, counseling centers, and more. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to support students and create a collaborative team of resources to foster a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.

eTutorials are asynchronous courses, not self-paced courses. Participants can log in at any time, but the eTutorials have weekly assignment due dates. Participants will need to log in at least weekly to review the eTutorial's content and submit any assignments that are due.

May 2025 Icon

May 2025

May 7 - June 1

July 2025 Icon

July 2025

July 9 - August 3

November 2025 Icon

November 2025

November 5 - December 9

Format

Participants will complete in-depth readings, post replies to discussion boards, and complete quizzes and other assignments. Participants can work at their own pace within each week. There will be weekly assignments but no set time to be online. Participants will have the entire week to complete that week's content, which could be completed in several days or done during the week as their schedule allows. By offering this information in an online format, participants are provided a learning opportunity that can be accessed either in their own home or office, and at a time of day that works best for their schedules. Assignments, including discussion posts, quizzes, and readings will be required each week.

The eTutorial is 3.5 (3 1/2) weeks in length. Participants should expect to spend between 3 - 5 hours per week completing the reading, posts, and assignments.

This eTutorial is structured in a manner that allows the participants to develop an international network through interaction with other members of their cohort through virtual chat rooms and discussion boards.

Facilitators

Facilitators will be assigned to assist those taking the eTutorial by posing questions for discussion, sharing successful practices, and answering questions. Facilitators will grade all discussion boards and assignments, providing feedback on work completed.

Assessment

Each week will include an assessment component including questions covering material and participation in topical discussions.

Completion

Upon successful completion (80% or better within the eTutorial) of all 3.5 weeks, the participant will receive a NACADA microcredential. This will include a digital badge through the badging platform Credly which can be utlized in email signatures, LinkedIn, and other applications.

Computer Specifications

Canvas and its hosting infrastructure are designed for maximum compatibility and minimal requirements.

Visit the Instructure Community Page for current browser and computer requirements.

Transfer Policy

A transfer of registration fees to a future offering of any eTutorial offering may be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed ([email protected]) to NACADA.

The request must be received three (3) business days (Central US time) prior to the start of the eTutorial offering. There is no charge providing the written request is received three business days in advance:

  • Transfer fee – $0.00 USD*

Requests made after three (3) business days and through four (4) business days into the eTutorial offering will incur the following charge:

  • Transfer fee – $100.00 USD

*If registration fees have been transferred at least once before, any future transfer fee is $100.00 USD, at any date.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of registration fees for an eTutorial offering can be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed ([email protected]) to NACADA. Cancellations after certain dates will incur charges:

Any date ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus $50.00 USD for administrative fees

Any date between three (3) and ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus 50% for administrative fees

Any date after three (3) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • No Refund, due to faculty and technology obligations
All
General
Policies
Technical Questions
What is an eTutorial?

An eTutorial is 3.5 week learning experience. Generally starting on the first Wednesday of the month and concludes on a Saturday 3.5 weeks later. Participants will have learning opportunities with their peers and experts in the filled. Additionally participants will read and watch curated content on specific topic.

Are eTutorials self-paced?

No, eTutorials are asynchronous, not self-paced. Participants can log in at any time, but the eTutorials have weekly assignment due dates. So, participants will need to log in at least weekly to review the eTutorial's content and submit any assignments that are due.

Do I need to buy a book?

It depends. The following eTutorials require the purchase of a book:

  • Advisor Training and Development: Foundations

  • Advisor Training and Development: Advanced

  • Advising LGBTQ+ Students

All other eTutorials' content are self-contained within the Canvas LMS.

Do I have to login at a specific time?

No. But... the eTutorials do have weekly assignment due dates. So participants will need to login at least weekly in order to review the content of the eTutorial and submit any assignments that are due.

How do I earn a microcredential?

Upon successful completion (80% or better within the eTutorial) of all 3.5 weeks, the participant will receive a NACADA microcredential. This will include a digital badge through the badging platform Credly, which can be utilized in email signatures, LinkedIn, and other applications.

Are there facilitators?

Yes, facilitators will be assigned to each section of an eTutorial. Facilitators are there to assist those taking the eTutorial by posing questions for discussion, sharing successful practices, and answering questions. Facilitators will grade all discussion boards and assignments, providing feedback on work completed.

What is the format of the eTutorials?

Participants will complete in-depth readings, post replies to discussion boards, and complete quizzes and other assignments. Participants can work at their own pace each week. There will be weekly assignments but no set time to be online. Participants will have the entire week to complete that week's content, which could be completed in several days or during the week as their schedule allows. By offering this information online, participants are provided a learning opportunity that can be accessed in their home or office and at a time that works best for their schedules. Assignments, including discussion posts, quizzes, and readings, will be required each week.

eTutorials are 3.5 (3 1/2) weeks in length. Participants should expect to spend between four and eight hours per week completing the reading, posts, and assignments.

This eTutorial is structured to allow the participants to develop an international network through interaction with other cohort members through Zoom-based office hours and discussion boards.

How much time/work is expected each week?

Participants should expect to spend between four-eight hours per week completing the reading/videos, posts, and assignments.

What is the transfer policy?

A transfer of registration fees to a future offering of any eTutorial offering may be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed ([email protected]) to NACADA.

The request must be received three (3) business days (Central US time) prior to the start of the eTutorial offering. There is no charge providing the written request is received three business days in advance:

  • Transfer fee – $0.00 USD*

Requests made after three (3) business days and through four (4) business days into the eTutorial offering will incur the following charge:

  • Transfer fee – $100.00 USD

*If registration fees have been transferred at least once before, any future transfer fee is $100.00 USD, at any date.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation of registration fees for an eTutorial offering can be made via request in writing and mailed or emailed ([email protected]) to NACADA. Cancellations after certain dates will incur charges:

Any date ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus $50.00 USD for administrative fees

Any date between three (3) and ten (10) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • Refund of the registration fee minus 50% for administrative fees

Any date after three (3) business days prior to the start of the eTutorial offering:

  • No Refund, due to faculty and technology obligations
When will I get my login information?

You will receive your login information 1-2 business days prior to the start of the eTutorial. FYI, the login credentials are different than your myNACADA login information. If you have any trouble logging in, please email Eilsa Shaffer at [email protected].

Where are eTutorials hosted? Where do I login?

eTutorials are hosted in NACADA's Canvas LMS at https://nacada.instructure.com/. You will need to utilize the login information provided to you.

What are the computer specifications that I need to access the eTutorial?

Canvas and its hosting infrastructure are designed for maximum compatibility and minimal requirements.

Visit the Instructure Community Page for current browser and computer requirements.