The study sought to determine whether students with disabilities are disadvantaged because of state and institutional performance-based policies providing incentives for 4-year graduation. In a longitudinal study of 32,187 students at a Midwestern Research University, the retention and graduation rates, and mean years to graduation, of students with disabilities were compared with students without disabilities. This study demonstrated that the presence of a disability does not negatively influence eventual graduation, but that it does influence the amount of time to degree completion. However, as the transition to college for students with disabilities can be more difficult, it is important that the institution has interventions in place to assist students with disabilities to assimilate into college. The discussion focuses on policy and practice implications linked to performance-based outcomes related to students with disabilities.

concern over The TransiTion to postsecondary education for students with disabilities led ball state university personnel to create the Faculty mentorship program (Fmp) in the summer of 2006. The purpose of the Fmp is to connect new students with disabilities at ball state with a faculty member in the student's prospective major or area of interest. completing its fifth year, the Fmp has produced positive results for students and faculty members who are participating and has assisted disability services staff in promoting awareness of the role of the disability services office and the services it provides. in addition, the Fmp was the impetus for the university receiving a three-year grant from the us department of education's office of postsecondary education. students who interact with faculty members get better grades, are more satisfied with their education, and are more likely to stay in school, according to the 2006 national survey of student engagement. many researchers, such as richard light; lee noel, randi levitz, and diana saluri; and edward Webb have demonstrated that establishing a bond early in the student's freshman year gives the student a sense of belonging to the university community and a better understanding of the academic expectations of the university.Additionally, the transition to college can be especially difficult for students with disabilities. joseph madaus suggests that many students with disabilities come to college less prepared for the rigors of college. sheila smith, ron english, and dae vasek have found that students with disabilities are often "over-accommodated" in high school. Taking these factors into account, staff at ball state university developed the Fmp for students with disabilities. The program is a model for collaboration between the disability services office, the faculty members of ball state, and the learning center.in prAcTice