Joan Polka, PhD
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Department of Counseling and Psychological Services
Dr. Joan Polka is a psychologist and assistant professor at West
Chester University. In her role as a clinical psychologist at the
university’s counseling center, Joan is instrumental in helping
students stay in school. Many of her clients have disabilities that
impact their ability to learn. In addition to performing diagnostic
testing, Dr. Polka provides insights into the student’s learning
style and helps them address any barriers to their education. She
informs students of their eligibility for on-campus educational support
as well as identifying local resources. Dr. Polka connects students
with the help they need to be academically successful while attending
college.
Many of Dr. Polka’s students stay in touch after
graduation. Two individuals whose main diagnosis is not ADHD or LD (one
now an ordained pastor, the other a master’s level rehabilitation
counselor) utilize her as a consultant and mentor. She has
supported students during administrative appeals based on ADA
rights.
Dr. Polka’s teaching philosophy consists of
reducing barriers to education and helping students have a better
understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. She is dedicated
to inclusive education and is willing to go the extra mile to help
students who are struggling with college life.
On campus, she does not hesitate, with written permission or
release from the student, to meet with parents or guardians together
with the student (sometimes with faculty, too), or arrange phone
communication so that discussion and important decisions can be
collaborative and cultural expectations observed. In addition, Dr.
Polka:
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• Was a founding member of the Social
Equity Committee for the Association of Pennsylvania State College and
University Professors (APSCUF) on West Chester University’s campus
when these were getting started statewide.
• Is frequently consulted about how to adapt teaching to an
individual’s need; for example, the use of manipulatives in math
class, spacing of problems on a page, allowing for auditory delay, use
of oral exam vs. op-scan fill in the circle answer sheets. She can
uphold and educate about the idea, especially in a developmental
education program (ADP), that demonstration of content mastery, not test
format mastery, is our educational goal.
• As a trusted resource she receives confidential calls from
colleagues reflecting a wide range of disciplines throughout the campus
(such as Anthropology, Music, Physics, Honors Program, Kinesiology,
Education, etc.) for understanding in how to handle a particular
classroom, student, or personal issue related to disability or minority
inclusion.
She is truly an impressive, caring, knowledgeable,
person with a passion for improving lives through access to
education.
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