At the start of this semester, as Waynesburg University welcomed the incoming class, the school also welcomed some new faculty members. One of these new members is Sarah Feldberg, who is the new Disability Services Coordinator. 

Formerly, Feldberg worked at Wilson College in central Pennsylvania. There, she was the Director of the Academic Resource Center and helped manage accessibility services for the school. 

“I actually have a degree that wouldn’t necessarily be associated with this path.” Feldberg said, “I have both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in English.” 

She first started working in writing centers which led her to work in other areas of student success and disability services. 

“I found that I really liked disability services,” said Feldberg. “It’s interestingly complex every day, provides new, novel, and interesting situations.” 

I found that I really liked disability services… It’s interestingly complex every day, provides new, novel, and interesting situations.”

Sarah Feldberg, disability services coordinator

Feldberg’s approach to her job is by using the interactive process. 

“I would like to emphasize something called the interactive process a little bit more in my work with students. So to really stress in our policies and in my practice meeting with every student who has a request so that not only am I getting their documentation but, I also have the opportunity for that rich interaction with them.” Feldberg said. “Because the documentation can be so flat and one-dimensional, it’s always really really helpful to talk with the student about their needs. That also lets me provide important education about how accommodations differ from high school and then in college.” 

Feldberg would also like to let students know to not hesitate if they think they need some type of accommodation. She says being proactive is always the best way to do things, she knows each student has a complex case. She would also like to let students know they are always welcome to reach out.

As she has been settling in, Feldberg said she is starting to connect with students and coworkers.

“I’ve enjoyed the students, they’ve been really refreshing and really lovely to engage with. And I’ve enjoyed my colleagues. They have been kind too, overall it’s been a kind and welcoming atmosphere.” 

I’ve enjoyed the students, they’ve been really refreshing and really lovely to engage with. And I’ve enjoyed my colleagues. They have been kind too, overall it’s been a kind and welcoming atmosphere.”

Sarah Feldberg, disability services coordinator

She also is planning for the future.

“Long term I’d like to do more work with onboarding students and their families when their transition from k-12 to that college environment. I’d also like to do some faculty training but, those are like long range missions.” 

Another thing to add to Feldberg’s string of accomplishments is that she is currently taking counseling courses here at Waynesburg. Feldberg also talked about the Pathways Center as a whole.

“Everyone in the Pathways Center is really committed to student success. These services are here to support students you know whether it’s working with my office, attending tutoring in the Knox learning center, or working with Sarah Bell in Career development. Students should use these resources, their tuition pays for them. Don’t be shy, don’t have any kind of anxiety or stigma about using these resources.” 

There are plenty of resources for students to utilize on campus. If you have any questions about these resources or the Pathways Center you can reach out to Sarah Bell at sbell@waynesburg.edu. Disability services can be contacted by calling 724-852-7727.