Technology and Operations Management

Interview with Xiomara Tapia

Xiomara Tapia. Cal Poly Pomona Staff Spotlight

August 2022

My name is Xiomara (Xio) Tapia. I currently serve as an Access Specialist for the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at CPP. I’ve been a staff member at CPP since 2015 in various roles including disability services, student employment, career services, and academic affairs. Fun fact: My first role at CPP was in the TOM/EBZ Department as the Administrative Support Coordinator (2015-2019). I have a Masters degree in Public Administration and Bachelors degree in Communications. I also teach for a College Preparation Program at San Bernardino County high schools. My goal as a higher education professional is to empower and educate students through various support programs and career readiness.

 

What services does your department provide?

The DRC provides accommodations for students with disabilities. Our goal is to remove barriers to access for students with disabilities to have equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of the university experience. If you are registered with the DRC, other services are available such as academic advising, student success coaching, ARCHES, and soon career readiness resources.

What are the most common questions students come to your department for?

  • Q: What disabilities qualify for accommodation services?

    A: Academic accommodations and support services are available to students who have mobility, visual, or hearing impairments; chronic health conditions; and/or attention, learning or psychological disorders.  If you have a temporary disability (e.g., broken arm, sprained ankle) you may also be eligible for services.

  • Q: How do I receive accommodations?

    A: There is a short application available online for students to complete in 10 minutes or less. Within 5 business days your application will be reviewed, and DRC will contact you to schedule an appointment. You will complete an intake meeting with an Access Specialist to determine reasonable accommodations. You should not delay meeting with us out of concern for not having disability documentation. As needed, we will discuss specific documentation needs during your Intake appointment.

  • Q: Are my accommodations, diagnosis, and registration with the DRC confidential? Who will know this information?

    A: All academic, personal, and medical information is kept confidential and only DRC staff will have access to student’s information. Only a student’s name and accommodations are shared with instructors once a student makes their accommodation request through myDRC, no disability information is shared outside of DRC staff.

  • Q: I think I have a disability but have not been tested, can I still apply for accommodations? Does CPP have disability testing?

    A: Students who believe they have a disability but have not been test should complete a DRC application to meet with an Access Specialist who can make referrals for testing locations off campus. CPP does not have testing for mental health or learning disabilities.

Advice

Get involved and build experience! In addition to excelling in your academics, it’s important to also focus on developing your professional skills. If you want to go into the workforce after graduation, employers are looking at your resume for education and experience. Take advantage of resources that will polish your professional skills and build your resume during college:

  • Get involved with OMS club
  • The best way to find a job after graduation is to have a network. Start building your network today!
    • Meet employers and network with professionals who are hiring in your industry (hosted by the TOM/EBZ Department, Career Center, Alumni Services, etc.)
    • Get involved in a professional organizations to stay current with trends in SCM/OM (APICS, CSCMP, DMA… just to name a few)
    • Find an internship or part-time job in your industry. Use resources like Handshake, LinkedIn, and this newsletter to help you search for opportunities.
  • Volunteer for department activities like case competitions, research studies, and projects
  • Use the Career Center resources to help you develop a resume, prepare for an interview, search for a job, etc.
  • Don’t be a stranger—stop by the TOM/EBZ Department, say hi and get to know your department!