Prospective Students

An Accessibility Resource Guide For Prospective Hampshire Students

We understand the transition to college might be a difficult one; we've complied a list of resources to help prospective students plan and prepare for their life at Hampshire.

Before Meeting with us:

Learn about the difference between college and high school.

Consider these questions when visiting colleges and discussing accessibility.

Check out the other support services OARS offers.

Schedule a meeting with us:

Planning to visit campus? Schedule a prospective student meeting to learn more about OARS and support services relevant to your future Hampshire experience.

• Meet the OARS staff here
• See our offices
• Learn more about OARS support services
• Our disclosure process

Before Arriving at Hampshire:

Check out our resources available to incoming students here.

Disclose your disability (summer)

Requesting Housing: The office of accessibility resources and services (OARS) works closely with the housing operations office (HOO) to collaborate with you to identify reasonable housing-based accommodations based on your individual, disability-related need.

Requesting Academic: Students can disclose a disability and request accommodations at any point throughout their academic career at Hampshire. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively, however, so it is strongly encouraged that students engage in the disclosure and accommodation approval process well in advance of the semester to allow reasonable time to implement accommodations.

In addition to academic and housing-based accommodations OARS offers:

• 1 on 1 coaching services to students for academic planning and support.
• Consultation services throughout the year to address any barriers you encounter in coursework or on campus.

Connect outside of Hampshire

If you are taking a gap year, or looking for developmental resources to work with before coming to Hampshire:

Summer Programs: Experience Hampshire College while you're still in high school. Get a sense of our innovative approach to learning and what life is like on Hampshire's campus during our 2-week precollege sessions every summer in July. Precollege participants live in the dorms, eat in the dining commons, and are immersed in rigorous and exciting fields of study.

Led by current Hampshire faculty, recent graduates, and experienced alumni, our precollege programs are intended for rising high school juniors and seniors. Check out our Summer 2017 offerings:

• Young Feminist Collaborative is a collaboration between the Civil Liberties and Public Policy Program (CLPP) based at Hampshire College, and the Soapbox Feminist Camp. It mixes historical and political contexts of activism with exposure to real world careers in social justice and the non-profit sector.
• Meet the World of Metalworking introduces students to the world of metalworking with an emphasis on hot forging, casting, and manipulation. This multi-faceted two-week program introduces students to the world of metalworking, with an emphasis on hot forging, casting, manipulation, and jewelry making.
• Inside the Cell: Immersion into the Biology Laboratory introduces students to a wide array of skills beneficial to becoming a successful scientist and science researcher.
• Citizens United explores fundamental questions about how free speech and civic participation work according to current campaign finance laws. Using improvisation and role-play, together we'll ask: Can we imagine money in politics differently?

Landmark: The Landmark Forum is designed to bring about positive, permanent shifts in the quality of your life—in just three days. These shifts are the direct cause for a new and unique kind of freedom and power: the freedom to be at ease and the power to be effective in the areas that matter most to you: the quality of your relationships, the confidence with which you live your life, your personal productivity, your experience of the difference you make,
your enjoyment of life.

Perkins: The College Success @ Perkins program is designed to help you get the most out of college. In just one year, we’ll prepare you for everything you’re about to experience. You’ll learn how to navigate college campuses, how to join clubs and sports teams, and how to cook a meal in your own apartment.

Mass Rehab: MRC's Vocational Rehabilitation Program assists individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.