Academic Support
Process for Receiving Accommodations
- Students calls then meets with the coordinator of the Access Services Director (ASD) to begin the interactive process and share information.
- Students either presents "current" documentation or explores resource for an educations assessment or diagnosis.
- The ASD evaluates documentation and either requests more information, further testing, or approves it. The ASD must verify that the documentation provided establishes the individual as a person with a disability and provides a rationale for reasonable accommodations.
- Once the documentation has been received, a student must request services and accommodations by meeting with the ASD. This will NOT be done automatically and must be initiated by the student.
- If the student qualifies to receive disability services he/she schedules an appointment with the coordinator early each quarter to discuss the student's learning needs and accommodations for the quarter. The ASD will not authorize accommodations without having the opportunity for discussion with the student. To process request the ASD needs at least one week although it can take up to two weeks. So the earlier the student schedules an appointment with the coordinator, the earlier services will begin. (Therefore, if a student requests accommodations for the first time in a quarter a few days before a test, it is unlikely that their needs will be met on time)
- At the individual appointment with the DSS coordinator the student completes the necessary request forms indicating the services requested for each class. The DSS coordinator makes arrangements for all approved accommodations (i.e., note-taker, alternative text, tutor, test proctoring) and completing the Disability Accommodation Notice.
- It is the student's responsibility to present the Disability Accommodations Notice to the professor and communicate their needs.
- The student is responsible for discussing with their professor if an accommodation for a particular class is not working. If a problem cannot be resolved by talking with the professor, the student should contact the ASD
- It is the student's responsibility to contact the ASD if he or she has any questions or concerns regarding academic accommodations.
Testing Accommodations
Students with disabilities are eligible for test accommodations determined on an individual basis. "Test," as used in this context, refers to quizzes and examinations taken during the quarter in conjunction with an academic class. Students should discuss their specific needs for testing accommodations (e.g., extended time, separate location, use of computer) with the Access Services Director (ASD within the first two weeks of a quarter.
If the need for accommodations is deemed appropriate, the disabilities coordinator will generate a Disability Accommodation Notice, which the student will present to the class instructor.
Student Responsibilities
- Student must provide ASD with documentation verifying the need for alteration testing.
- Meet with disabilities coordinator to verify need for testing accommodations based on documentation provided the beginning of each quarter.
- Give instructor the Disability Accommodation Notice within the first two weeks of the quarter.
- If a conflict arises due to extended time necessary to complete a test, please discuss specific needs with the instructor.
- Return signed form to the disabilities coordinator.
- Notify the disabilities coordinator of any changes in class or test schedule.
Disability Coordinator's Responsibilities
- Provide necessary information that needs to be shared with instructor on the Disability Accommodation Notice.
- As needed, the ASD is available to assist student or instructor in the test coordination process.
Instructor Responsibilities
- Complete the Disability Accommodation Notice and return to student.
- Determine where the test will be proctored, either in the department or in Graf Hall Test Proctoring Suite.
Arrange for Graf Hall Test Proctoring Suite
Reserve the number of rooms needed through the library website.
- Go to Quick Links on the right side—choose Room Reservations
- Choose Graf on the menu across the top of the page then New Reservation just above that line.
- Create an account (only for initial login) or log in to your account for this site
- After submitting login information, the New Reservation Form pops up
- Reserve the space(s) that fit your requirements:
Room 21A: small room with 1 desk for one student (plus reader as needed)
Room 21B: small room with 1 desk for one student (plus reader as needed)
A large area outside the smaller rooms is available for up to 10 students
Note-taker Accommodations
It often helps to have another student who is a good note-taker provide copies of his/her notes so that the student with a learning disability can give his/her full attention to the lecture.
Student Responsibilities
- Meet with the ASD at the beginning of each quarter and discuss the need for a note-taker. Provide relevant course information. The disabilities coordinator will search for a qualified note-taker. A student may find his/her own note-taker as long as the quality of the notes are approved by the instructor. The note-taker needs to fill out the necessary paperwork at the Student Success Center.
- Attend each class period for which note-taker is taking notes.
- Remain attentive during the lecture by writing down your own summary according to your own ability, but without distracting yourself from focusing on the instructor.
- Report any difficulties (poor notes, absences etc.) of the note-taker ASAP.
- Report to our office any changes in your need for a note-taker, such as dropping class or excessive absences.
Access Services Director's Responsibility
- Provide the note-taker with NCR (duplicate) paper if desired to write class notes Alternately the student may copy his/her notes on the Student Success Center's copy machine or email notes to Student Success Centernotes@puc.edu
- Sign up note-taker and show him/her the process for copying notes at the Student Success Center.
- Assure that the note-taker gets paid.
Text in Alternative Formats
For those who qualify, textbooks can be ordered through several different companies. The ASD can assist you with this service. It takes up to one week before the recordings arrive.
Student Responsibilities
- Show proof of purchase for requested book.
- Provide ASD with the titles of the books needed along with the ISBN number, author and edition of each book.
- Drop off flash drive so book can be downloaded.
- Return borrowed equipment to the Student Success Center at the end of the quarter.
Disabilities coordinator's Responsibilities
- Once book list from student is provided, ASD will order books.
- Office of the ASD will notify the student once the taped book has arrived.