A hallmark of the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities is establishment of collaborative partnerships that help disabled students and employees meet their academic, career, and life goals. The following partnerships are vital in our outreach efforts.
RCPD teams with the state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, Michigan Rehabilitation Service (MRS), Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP), and Disability Network, to provide or enhance academic and employment support services to individuals with disabilities. An active case with either of the state vocational rehabilitation programs is a valuable layer of support that extends beyond the classroom and campus.
These agencies support disabled people with services and resources that increase the potential for employment. As education is an important tool for increasing the likelihood of employment, costs related to attending college may be partially supported by one of these agencies if college attendance is included as part of a vocational plan.
Interested in connecting with MRS? Check out our Careers Collaborative Program.
Choose your program by scheduling with or visiting the Education Abroad Advising Center to discuss your interests with an Education Abroad Advisor or peer advisor.
Want some advice from a peer? Check out Carly's Study Abroad Travel Guide for tips!
Accommodations for Education Abroad:
- As early as possible, meet with your RCPD specialist to discuss your accommodation needs.
- You and your RCPD specialist will fill an Education Abroad Accommodations Request Form that will be shared with your program coordinators. *Whenever possible, this should be completed a semester in advance of your program!
Consider applying for RCPD's Education Abroad Scholarship. There are numerous other opportunities for scholarships, resources, and education abroad programs. On MSU's campus, visit your college or the Office for Education Abroad. Outside organizations such as Mobility International also work with students to create abroad experiences.
Michigan State University's Tower Guard is distinguished as one of the oldest active MSU-based student organization and has remained continuously active since 1934. Membership in Tower Guard is founded upon four pillars: leadership, service, scholarship, and character. Each member upholds this tradition by dedicating a total of 120 hours of support through the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.
The organization has an extensive list of traditions that have evolved over the years. Tower Guard remains active on campus through annual Homecoming tours of Beaumont Tower and the Shamrock 5K Run/Walk/Roll.Tower Guard is the only student organization that holds the key to Beaumont Tower.
RCPD -affiliated students can make requests for peer tutoring, organizational support, and more through Tower Guard.
Michigan State University’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides preparation, orientation, and academic support programming for first-generation students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities.
The Student Veterans Resource Center supports our MSU veterans. For students, faculty, and staff returning from military service, Team RCPD can support the accommodations process if disability needs are present. If you are not yet admitted to Michigan State University, please visit the Office of Admissions for application assistance.
CSD is an organization for students with disabilities and their supporters in the MSU community who want to focus on awareness, advocacy, support and removing barriers to full participation on MSU's campus.
Get involved with CSD! Join CSD on Instagram: @msucsd
Dating back to the early years of Tower Guard, the MSU Library has served as an important place of accessibility partnership. The RCPD was housed in the Main Library until 1994 until relocating to Bessey Hall. Today, the Library remains committed to full inclusion through media accessibility, from an Assistive Technology Center to a staff dedicated to working individually to address access needs.
For more information, visit the MSU Library's Guide to the Library for RCPD Students.