Main Campus
R. Joe Dennis Learning Center Building
Rooms 538 and 548
Accessible entrance on south side of the building
Parking located in lot immediately west of building
Office Hours: 8:00 - 5:00 PM
Attendance during scheduled class times is a necessary part of the learning process. Disability Services may recommend flexibility in attendance requirements for some students. This is usually the case when the nature of the disability results in variable functioning levels, i.e., "good and bad days." Flexibility is negotiable, contingent upon the student and circumstance. Variables such as the course, the material and the necessity of interaction in the classroom are all considered. However, flexibility should not be interpreted as a blank check for absences.
Example: Discourse between instructors and students are a critical aspect of learning in a literature course. Thus, it would not be possible simply to read the assigned texts and copy another student's notes before an exam. Similarly, a science lab course requires students to work, often together, to observe phenomena in experiments and record findings. In other courses, such as large lecture courses, there may be more flexibility in attendance than in the previous two examples. Discussion between the student and instructor are essential. Disability Services is also willing to participate in such discussions.
It is not possible to accommodate disruptive behavior on the part of a student with a disability. Students with disabilities are expected to adhere to the Student Conduct Codes just as any other student. If disruptive behavior occurs, the instructor should give the student fair warning. Contact DS if you have any other concerns.
Classrooms may be moved if the room is inaccessible to a student registered into the course. Whenever possible, the least intrusive intervention is taken. For instance, a student may be moved to another section of the same course at the same time if that section is scheduled in an accessible location. Faculty should be advised that not all students with severe mobility limitations, who may require room changes, have visible disabilities. A hostile learning environment can be created when questions are posed regarding a room change for a student with a disability. Instructors will be notified before any classroom changes are finalized.
Elevator breakdowns or other short-term barriers may constitute temporary access barriers for students with mobility limitations. Students may miss critical course information, be unable to take scheduled exams or pop quizzes, or be unable to give required presentations. This is a no-fault situation in many respects, but the University still assumes the responsibility of equal access. In such circumstances, the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible. He or she should request some assistance in obtaining course notes or rescheduling an exam or presentation. The student should not be adversely affected in terms of attendance.
Deaf students may request the use of a sign language interpreter in order to have access to course lectures and other University activities. Sign Language interpreters are professionals employed by DS. Their job is to provide access by interpreting lecture and other spoken communication into signed communication, usually American Sign Language. Interpreters maintain a professional level of distance in the classroom when interpreting for deaf students.
Example: If a student is addressed by the instructor, the instructor should look directly at the deaf student and speak in the first, not the second, person. Likewise, if a deaf student wishes to ask a question, the interpreter will voice the student's question or comment. It is not ethical for the interpreter to carry the deaf student's part of the conversation with the instructor or other students, but simply to interpret spoken language into sign, and to voice Sign Language. The Sign Language interpreter is not responsible for the deaf students' grasp of material, homework, testing arrangements or attendance. These are the student's responsibility.
Similarly, note-takers, readers, and other auxiliary aides provide access to course lectures and other information. These services are usually provided by either student volunteers or by student employees. Again, questions or comments are meant for students with disabilities, not their aides. Students with disabilities insist on being accountable for their own academic performance, as does Disability Services.
Faculty may require students to sign an agreement not to release the recording or obstruct copyright requirements prior to audio recording classes. Releases are available at Disability Services.
Students may request an accommodation any time during the semester. However, the accommodations are not retroactive. Students are not entitled to retesting or any adjustment in grading or class requirements.
Disability Services will provide the student with his/her alternate formatted books. It is the student’s responsibility to provide Disability Services the appropriate textbook information and proof of the purchase.
