About Us
The mission of CASS is to provide equitable access to all programs, activities and services at Caltech for students with disabilities and medical conditions, including temporary conditions. We also strive to promote disability awareness and resources for the greater Caltech community.
Caltech is committed to maintaining a diverse academic community, and welcoming individuals with a broad spectrum of talents and experiences to its campus and programs. Students with disabilities, actively participating in all aspects of the Caltech experience, are an essential part of that diversity. CASS will make every reasonable effort to provide academic adjustments and other reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified students with known disabilities, consistent with Caltech's obligations under applicable law; including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Location and Hours
Center for Student Services
Room 248
By appointment
Closed on Institute Holidays
Questions?
Email: [email protected]
Meet the Team
Jocelyn Vargas
Accessibility and Neurodiversity Services Specialist
[email protected] (Room 248)
Jocelyn joined the Caltech community in 2023. As the Accessibility and Neurodiversity Specialist for CASS, her main responsibilities involve providing comprehensive, student-centered support to those with diverse abilities and needs. This encompasses meeting with students to provide reasonable accommodations, advocating for accessibility campus-wide, and creating community training sessions aimed to share knowledge and tools to effectively support neurodiverse students. Jocelyn also serves as a member of the CARE team, the Caltech ADA Committee, and an Advisor of the Accessibility Advocacy student organization.
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Education: M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of California, Los Angeles B.A. in Sociology and Ethnic Studies from Northwestern University
Professional Affiliations: Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
Hobbies/Self-Care: Loves all things Nintendo and vintage toys! Also enjoys watching animated films, hiking with her dog, Koopa, and playing Pickleball on the weekends
Wellness Tip: Prioritize self-care by establishing a routine that balances academics, social life, and personal well-being. Get adequate sleep, create a comfortable study space, and incorporate mindfulness practices to manage stress. Connect with on-campus resources like occupational therapy, tutoring programs, counseling services, or student clubs. Remember that self-care is individual, so tailor your approach to suit your needs, and don't hesitate to seek support when necessary.