As president of the University I spend a considerable amount of my time traveling around, talking to people about the University of Guelph or reconnecting with people who are past graduates or friends of the University. We often talk about areas of strength at the University, of which there are many, and it is an opportunity for me to learn how other people see the University of Guelph. For many parents, employers and recent graduates, the reputation and prowess of our Centre for Students with Disabilities and our focus on assisting people with challenges in learning often comes up. There is no doubt that from students and parents who are seeking an institution which has expertise in this area and for employers who want to be assured that students with learning disabilities have been fairly and appropriately treated and have mastered skill set necessary to the workplace, it is clear that the Centre at Guelph is held in very high regard. A couple of weekends ago, at a meeting with parents of current students, the topic arose again and there was a lively discussion about the integrity of the professionals at Guelph in judging when and how to provide support and intervene in the learning process versus making unreasonable concessions which might unfairly disadvantage one student over another. It is clear that making this judgement call is one of the strengths of the professions in the Centre at Guelph: making concessions and supporting learners can readily be misinterpreted as created an uneven playing field – it can also be seen as creating a level playing field for those who struggle with the process of learning. This is not an art or exactly a science but it is something for which we are fortunate at Guelph in having professionals who can make that judgement. And they have to make those calls in the light of some substantial pressure from those advocating for or against the concessions and a particular student.

Next time you are counting the strengths of the University, take a moment to remember the staff and professionals in the Centre for Students with Disabilities at Guelph. They are a remarkable group of people who daily make a difference in the lives of students and do so from a professional standpoint and with great integrity. It makes me proud to know that we have such a reputation.