What is a screening?
A screening is a one and a half hour interview
looking at a broad range of historical, academic, study habits /
skills, academic frustrations and emotional components. The
screening will not yield a diagnosis, rather, it assists in the
decision making process for recommending the next step in the
process, the Triage Committee.
Is my screening
confidential?
All information is confidential, unless you
sign a release, indicate intent of harming yourself or others,
indicate past or present child abuse, or in the case of a medical
emergency.
How do I get tested?
If you are frustrated with your learning, the
first step is to visit Learning Resource Centers to schedule a
screening appointment. You will be given a small packet of
introductory paperwork to complete and return. A screening
appointment is usually available in 1 to 2 weeks.
What happens after the
screening?
A recommendation will be made, typically for a
comprehensive diagnostic assessment (i.e. testing) at the Center
for Learning Strategies clinic, or more fully using JMU resources.
If you are not a candidate for testing, the process ends at this
point.
What do I do if I am not a candidate
for testing?
You will be encouraged to seek out and utilize
existing university resources such as Learning Resource Centers or
the Counseling and Student Development Center.
What is involved in
assessment?
Typically, testing is completed in two to
three weeks, but is dependent on the student's schedule. You will
be given tests of cognitive functioning, achievement, symptoms
check-list, processing, and personality characteristics. These are
standardized tests administered one-on-one. Cost is $350.00 for a
standard psycho educational battery and $500 for the
neuropsychological battery (only necessary for certain cases).
What can I do to prepare for the
assessment?
- Arrive for your appointment on time
- Be well-rested and comfortable
- Be ready to do your best
- Eat beforehand since testing sessions last up
to four hours
- Do not spend time studying: it is neither
recommended nor required
- If you are on prescription medication, take
or bring your medication so your condition(s) will not detract from
the session.
- If you require eyeglasses, etc., bring them
to the testing session.
- Refrain from using alcohol and/or illegal
drugs before testing sessions.
How long will I wait on the waiting
list?
Since the demand is high for assessments, you
may be placed on a waiting list. The waiting list lasts
approximately 60 days.
Can I get tested anywhere
else?
Yes. A list of local psychologists is
available by request.
When should I expect
results?
Results are typically given in three to four
weeks after the testing is completed.
What will be in the
report?
The report will include a reason for referral,
tests administered, brief background information, relevant behavior
observations, major findings, and recommendations. A diagnosis, if
given, will be in the major findings sections.
What happens if I am diagnosed with a
disability that impacts learning?
If you receive a diagnosis that substantially
impacts learning, you should contact the Disability Services to
discuss learning support services and accommodations. You
must bring a copy of your assessment report to Disability Services
prior to registering for services.
What other resources are available at
JMU?
- Career & Academic Planning - Wilson Hall
2nd Floor
- Counseling and Student Development
Center
- Learning Resource Centers Programs &
Services:
-
- Communication Resource Center
- Wilson Hall 4th Floor
- Disability Services - Wilson Hall
1st Floor
- Science and Mathematics Learning
Center - Roop Hall 2nd Floor
- University Writing Center -
Wilson Hall 4th Floor
- Learning Strategies Instruction - Roop
Hall, 2nd Floor
-
- Direct-instruction of learning strategies
that students can use in their current courses.
- Supplemental Instruction - Wilson Hall
4th Floor - peer-led academic support to help students
in historically challenging courses master course material and
develop and integrate learning and study strategies.
- First Year Involvement & Office of
Residence Life - Huffman Hall - Academic Support Instruction
-
- Study skills, reading strategies, time and
stress management, test-taking skills, and learning styles. This is
a great opportunity for First Year students to work on honing their
academic skills at the University level.
To Schedule a Screening or Request
Additional Information Please Contact:
Lucas McKittrick
Learning Resource Centers
Wilson Hall, Room 105
mckittlm@jmu.edu
Phone: 87146
