Trails and Tribulations (Part 16)- Student Support Services Intake Interview

After careful thought and deliberation, I thought others would find this interesting about our battle with Asperger Syndrome. If anyone would like to post about their trials and tribulations, please leave a link so we can read your story. :)

This is written in the third person.


To begin M’s registration process for Student Support Services, his mother contact the SSS office via email and requested the Student Support Services Request for Services Form (the form is also available on the SSS website). Eligibility for SSS must be established before services can be provided at UMBC.

M and his parents then completed the Request for Services Form and returned it to the SSS office with a copy of his medical documentations. When the intake form and documentation are received, they will be reviewed by the Disabilities Specialist to see if he qualifies for services.

When M’s eligibility to receive services was finally “approved,” he received via registered letter a Welcome Letter with instructions on how to make an Intake Interview appointment. M emailed the Disability Specialist at UMBC and notified her that he would be at UMBC for Orientation on June 11th and would be spending the night at a nearby hotel June 10th and 11th. He asked if they could schedule a meeting with SSS sometime in the morning of June 12th before he drives back home. M was later notified by the Disability Specialist via email when his Intake Interview would take place.



Prior to the interview M’s parents prepared him of what to expect. They had M visit and review the SSS website at UMBC. The website details the services provided by SSS and the expectations for the students who participate in the program.

His parents also discussed the following with M:

During this meeting SSS would explain what services they can and cannot do at UMBC. They will also discuss other aspects of the educational experience a student may expect to encounter while attending UMBC and what help the student may or not need.

At the Intake Interview they will also discuss:

• Accommodations and services

• Campus and local resources

• Policies and procedures

• Responsibilities



During the Intake Interview, students will probably be expected to (1) describe the specific program services they may benefit from, (2) identify their short term and long term goals and, (3) prepare questions to ask the interviewer.

General tips which may be useful in your preparation for the Intake Interview.

1. Be Prepared: Do your homework! Research SSS materials, speak with current participants, and be prepared to discuss how SSS may be able to help you and how you will contribute to the growth of their program.

2. Dress Appropriately: Ties and dresses are not necessary. However, presenting yourself in a professional and respectful manner is important in any type of interview setting.

3. Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. This strategy engages your interviewer and through non-verbal communication, shows your interest.

4. Be Positive: Avoid negative comments about others and playing the blame game. Don't be afraid to admit personal mistakes, but focus on your successes and future goals.

5. Engage: Encourage the interviewer to discuss, in depth, the services which you identify as particularly important to your success at UMBC. It is also important that you share information about yourself and articulate the strengths you would bring to the SSS program.


Common interview questions which may be ask during your interview.

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What do you know about SSS?

3. Why should we select you for the program?

4. What brought you to UMBC?

5. What would your current instructors say about you as a student?

6. What is your greatest accomplishment?

7. What is your ultimate career/education goal(s)?

8. How do you overcome obstacles?

9. Who is your strongest supporter?

10. Describe your ideal learning environment.



Not sure what to ask the interviewer? Here are some suggestions that M wrote down to ask:

1. What are the benefits of your program?

2. Describe your advising style.

3. What expectations do you have of me as a potential participant?

4. What would former participants say about your program?

5. If I don't do well in my classes, what are the consequences?

6. Does the program have evidence of success you may share?

7. What are common barriers facing students at UMBC?

8. How do you evaluate existing participants?

9. Does the program offer financial support?

10. How often will my advisor change?



After reviewing material and practicing an Intake Interview with his parents, M felt he was ready. On Thursday, June 12th at 10:00 AM, M met with the Disability Specialist. Since M’s parents reviewed with him what to expect at an Intake Interview he was calm and relaxed. Having practice what he was going to do and activities in advance provided security and kept inappropriate behavior down to a minimum. It also enabled him to stay focused so he could obtain vital information of what SSS was going to provide and what was expected of him to participate in the program.

During the Intake Interview M learned that as a Student Support Services participant, he is eligible to receive:

1. Academic Advising

2. Academic Counseling

3. Personal/Career Counseling

4. Financial Aid Counseling

5. Tutorial Services

6. Assistance with Course Selection & Registration

7. Special Topics Workshops

8. Protection from Academic Dismissal during his first two years at UMBC, provided that he participates as required in the SSS.


He was also told that the Student Support Services staff can assist him in achieving his academic career goal only if he fulfills his obligations. Failure to meet his responsibilities as required can result in suspension or termination from Student Support Services. Participants must also complete an accommodations card with his schedule at the beginning of each semester at UMBC and submitted via, mail, in person or by email to SSS.



During future sessions at SSS the following will be addressed:

• Each semester a student must request accommodations, generally immediately after registration for the upcoming semester.

• Academic progress will be reviewed.

• Appropriate referrals will be made.

• Issues regarding accommodations will be addressed.

• Other issues or needs as defined by the student will be discussed.