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Supported Education Services

Supported Education is individualized, practical assistance that helps students with psychological disabilities to achieve their goals in college. SES services promote the skills and support necessary for students to be successful and satisfied in their educational pursuits. Services build upon the Choose-Get-Keep model developed at the Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation:
  • Choose
    • Classes
    • School or college
    • Major or Program of study
  • Get
    • Accommodations
      • classroom
      • examination
      • other
    • Skills
      • time management
      • planning and organization
      • interpersonal skills
      • study and test taking
    • Supports
      • advocacy
      • peer and staff support
      • professional referrals
  • Keep
    • Help maintain active enrollment.
    • Coordinate with other offices and services.
    • Facilitate leaves of absence if necessary.

What Does SES Do?

  • SES provides individualized one-to-one and small group support.
  • SES works with students to determine and access reasonable and appropriate accommodations.
  • SES coordinates with Learning Disabilities Services to provide academic strategy tutoring.
  • SES refers students to other resources on campus and in the community and coordinates with other Boston University offices.

Questions and Answers

What sort of psychological conditions does SES help with?
Psychological conditions that might continue to affect your studies include mood disorders (depression, mania, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (OCD, PTSD, panic and phobic disorders), eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia), psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. If you have any questions about whether you might benefit from SES, you or your mental health professional can contact us directly.

How do I get services?
To initiate services, you must meet with a senior staff member in the Office of Disability Services. You will be asked to provide medical documentation of your disability. All material provided to the Office of Disability Services remains strictly confidential. Once it is determined that your disability qualifies you, accommodations will be determined and, if appropriate, you will be referred for individual services at SES.

Will my professors have access to my medical records?
No. If approved for accommodations, you will be given a letter that informs your professors that you have a disability and have been approved for the specific accommodations. Your medical information, including the nature of your disability, remains confidential.

Am I obligated to disclose my disability to my professors?
No. The accommodation letter is all they are entitled to. You will need to speak with your professor to arrange the actual accommodations, but you do not need to reveal the specific disability.

I need to take a leave of absence. Can you help?
Yes. We can help you coordinate the necessary steps to take a medical leave of absence so that you will be able to preserve your right to return when you are ready.

Is there a charge for SES?
No. Supported Education Services are provided free of charge to eligible Boston University students.

Does SES provide counseling?
No. We are not a clinical or counseling service. However, we can make referrals to the Counseling and Wellness Center or Student Mental Health Services if appropriate. I already see a therapist or psychiatrist.

Would I benefit from your services?
Yes. SES is specific to academic life and helps you acquire the skills you need to succeed in school. Our services complement other services and support you may already have.

My therapist or parent thinks I would benefit from services, but I don’t think I would. What should I do?
Services are provided solely at the request of the student. Key values of the SES program are student choice and self-determination. The student is an active participant in all phases of services including initiation, structure, frequency, and termination.

Do I have to come in at the beginning of the semester?
No. If you believe services may benefit you at any time during your attendance at Boston University, you can come to SES for assistance.

Will my disabled status be recorded on my academic record?
No. Other than accommodation letters to your professors, the Office of Disability Services maintains all of your records apart from all other academic and administrative departments. None of these records can be released without your permission.

What if I think I have a disability, but I’m not sure?
If you think you may have a disability, you can make an appointment with a member of the SES staff to discuss your concerns. If appropriate, referrals can be made to other services on campus to provide additional help.

We Look Forward to Hearing From You

To request any of the services described in this brochure or if you have any questions, please contact:

Lorraine E. Wolf, Ph.D.
Clinical Director Office of Disability Services
(617) 353-3658 (v/tty)
lwolf@bu.edu

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November 30, 2004