If we sent their 504 plan or IEP to Admissions,
are they automatically registered with DSS?

No. Unlike high school, each student must register separately to ensure their access to accommodations. Each student must come to DSS to begin the process of verifying their disability, and determining which accommodations may be reasonable for them to request. From there, your student will be coached on how to obtain those accommodations.

Remember, 504 Plans and IEPs from high school have no weight in higher education -- they are neither binding on a college or university, nor can they be used to verify a student's disability for civil rights purposes.

Urge your student to be active in requesting their accommodations. Do not assume the professor will take care of it, that DSS will pull your student through school, or that you will do it for them -- this is college, they are capable adults, their education is largely their own responsibility.

Also, your student's registration with Disability Services for Students is confidential. The disclosure of this information to faculty, other students, or university staff -- including their parents -- is their prerogative as an adult.