Virginia Grubaugh is the Coordinator of Learning Services in the office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). As a disability specialist, counselor, life coach, and ADHD coach, she works with any and all students registered with the SSD to improve their academic performance and quality of educational experience at the U-M. One focus is helping students effectively transition from high school to college, from other colleges to the U-M, and from undergraduate to graduate studies. Her work includes assisting students in identifying their strengths, building on these to overcome areas of weakness, and identifying effective levels of organization, time management, and study skills that will lead to academic success. Much of Virginia’s work is also done around crisis management/problem solving, helping students effectively communicate with faculty, and finding and using specific learning labs and content tutors. Virginia reminds students to work as strongly as possible with their faculty and GSIs.
Other areas of focus for Virginia are delivering workshops for students and faculty / staff and developing programs such as peer mentoring that will allow students with disabilities who have been successful at the U-M to support new or struggling students. She also works strongly with students on the autism spectrum and has sponsored a student lead group which allows students on the spectrum to learn from each other and to have an outlet for discussing difficulties and practicing social skills.
Virginia has served as President for the Michigan Association on Higher Education And Disability (MI-AHEAD) and as a board member for the international group, the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD). Both organizations provide training to support professionals working in higher education and supportive organizations in order to promote equitable policies and deliver quality services for persons with disabilities.
Fun facts on Virginia: Virginia enjoys flower arranging, jewelry making, and formerly was a dance instructor teaching Russian ballet, jazz, tap, and creative movement.
