Welcome to the final newsletter of the semester. We hope the few bits of information we have shared over the Fall Semester has been helpful or encouraging or got you to have some fun. As finals bear down on us, please make sure you are getting all of your finals requested by the deadline -- seven business days! -- as the Testing Center fills up and there is no guarantee of getting in if you miss it.

As far as Finals go, our main item this month will hopefully share some tips to get you through the studying and the late nights, and hopefully make the actual exam(s) just that little bit easier to tackle.
This month's DRS Staff Spotlight is on one of the longest-serving disability specialists in the department: Chad Jurica. There are also some Peer Mentoring updates.

Along with that, 62 students were inducted into Delta Alpha Pi -- academic honor society founded to recognize high-achieving students with disabilities -- on November 1, 2022. They held elections for officer positions over the past weeks and the newly elected leadership will be meeting soon to start discussions on projects, fun events, fundraising, etc. for next semester.

Here's hoping you all well over finals and the holiday break. Please feel free to reach out to your specialists, or the DRS office, with any questions or concerns and we'll see you in the Spring!

Please remember to log in to the Student Portal to request accommodations, exams, and appointments with your disability specialist. (Remember you have to do this each semester, so be prepared for the Spring semester!)

Alternative Testing Requests For Finals: All exam requests must be submitted at a minimum of Seven [7] business days before the exam. (This means, if you're reading this on December 1, TODAY at 5:00 PM is the deadline to submit a request for a final on Monday, December 12!) Business days exclude weekends and University observed holidays. Please note the Alternative Testing process is for in-person on paper exams. See: Alternative Testing Request Instructions for Students. And if you have any questions, please contact DRS!

Dec. 1: World AIDS Day

Dec. 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Dec. 9: Last day of Classes!

Dec. 10-11: Reading Days

Dec. 12-16: FINALS!

Dec. 23 - Jan. 2: Winter Recess - University is Closed

Please remember to reach out to your mentee’s and offer support, and encouragement, as they begin to prepare and study for their first semester of college exams!

Be on the lookout in January for upcoming activities and events that you can attend with your mentor/mentee!

Eye to Eye is a national mentoring program that pairs college students who have learning disabilities/ADHD with middle school students who have learning disabilities, and uses an art-based curriculum to create a safe space to facilitate discussions about skills such as metacognition, self-advocacy, and to celebrate our unique strengths as people who learn differently. On campus, Eye to Eye is also a way for students and their allies to connect as a community and raise awareness about learning with a LD or ADHD by hosting events and fundraisers. If you would like to request additional information, please email eye2eyepitt@gmail.com or reach out directly to Meera Shamiyeh and Lydia Blazey. H2P!

Name and title:
Chad Jurica, Ed.D. Disability Specialist

How long have you worked in Disability Services (at Pitt and beyond):
I have worked with individuals with disabilities for the past 24 years. I found my passion working with individuals with disabilities when I was a member of the Y.E.S program in 8th grade. The Y.E.S (You're Extra Special) was a program designed to improve diversity, acceptance and inclusion through multicultural programming. The program consisted of individuals with mild to severe disabilities from Clelian Heights, which is a school for exceptional children and adults. The program allowed me to understand the importance of bringing awareness to those with disabilities and non-disabled individuals. I have worked at Pitt for the past four years.

What drew you to DRS?
DRS is a place of acceptance and the fact that I can assist with aiding and mentoring students is a true blessing. In addition, DRS is a place that promotes opportunities for individuals with disabilities. I encourage all my students to believe in themselves and they can accomplish their goals. It might not be easy, but it is achievable with the necessary tools, guidance, and support from DRS.

What’s your top tip for students requesting accommodations?
Plan accordingly and make sure your mental health is your number one priority and above all, DRS is here to support you!

How many pets do you have and what are their names? (This is most important!)
1 dog, his name is Max!  He is a German Shepherd and Black Labrador Retriever mix.

by DRS Staff

Finals week can be the most stressful time of the year. Ensure you're prepared for your exams with these helpful study tips! 

1. Create a finals game plan:
If you plan out your study sessions (for ALL your finals), you’ll get a better handle on how much work you’re facing. Set important reminders in your phone and in your personal planner and stick to those guidelines. Make sure any exam that will be taken in the testing center is requested by that day's deadline!

2. Ask questions and start planning early:
Start studying for finals now and figure out how much time to set aside each day for each class. Be realistic about how long it will take. Ask your instructors to clarify anything you might not understand. Do this in class or during office hours. Remember to fit in brain breaks, too!

3. Know what to study:
Don’t start from the beginning of your notes and try to cram everything into your brain. Think about what you know for sure will be on each test and review that material first. Then move on to studying what will probably be on the test, finally go over anything else that might be covered. That way, if you run out of time, you know you at least have the basics nailed.

4.Time management:
Give yourself more time to study for your toughest classes. By starting with the toughest content first, you have time to ask your instructors questions or get tutoring before the exam. 

5. Organize a study group/sessions:
It can be beneficial to study in groups. Make a plan with friends/peers to review the class material, compare notes, or work together to understand complex content. Take turns trying to explain concepts, it's a great way to really let ideas stick in your head.

6. Recreate your notes:
Outline your class notes for review. Create reference guides and flashcards to help review before the exam. Refresh your mind by taking in the information in a new way.

7. Create a study schedule - and STICK to it:
Splitting the material into smaller chunks can be very beneficial. “Chunking” allows you to look at the smaller picture, instead of getting overwhelmed when looking at all the content at one time. 

8. Study for the style of exam:
If the instructor has provided you with the type of exam use it to your advantage. If it's multiple choice, you'll need to know definitions and concepts. For essay exams, focus on your understanding of all the concepts covered by learning examples! 

9. Take five and pace yourself:
Take breaks to improve your concentration when you return to studying. Make sure you stay focused and don't burn yourself out. Pace yourself rather than opting for the dreaded all-nighter. All-nighters do not work! They can cause more harm than good.

10. Brain food is real:
Eat healthy and drink plenty of water to keep your brain firing on all cylinders. Stop by the De-Stress with DRS event for snacks, activities, and general time away from studying that will allow your brain to absorb all the information your loading it up with.

Good luck!

Sources (A version of this article was originally published in the April 2019 DRS newsletter. That article used the following sources.):
     Hoyt, E. (2018, September 6). 20 Study Strategies for Finals Week. Retrieved from https://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/the-20-study-tips-for-finals
     How to Study for Finals. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/how-to-study-for-finals

That's all for this month!