How will I be notified if I have a student with special needs in my class?
Hiring Process for a Notetaker
What if a student requires a scribe or reader for exams?
What if a student requires a sign language interpreter?
What do I do if I don’t understand how to grant an accommodation?
If I suspect that a student has a disability can I tell them to
contact the OSA?
Am I required to lower my standards to make sure the
student passes my course?
The Office of Student Affairs has created a new method for notifying you about students that are in your class(es) that are in need of special accommodations. Please follow the instructions listed below to access this information.
After evaluating our former method of “notification of accommodations” it was decided that this new procedure will improve efficiency in notifying faculty as well as eliminate a lot of paperwork.
Instructions:
Students requiring a tutor are first encouraged to utilize the services in the Student Success Center. If the tutoring lab doesn’t cover the subject that the student has reported having difficulty then the student will need to inform the OSA. At that point, the OSA will contact the instructor of the said course to see if they can recommend someone that could tutor the student. If the instructor can’t recommend anyone, the division dean will be contacted to see if they can recommend someone. It is not the instructor’s nor the division dean’s responsibility to secure the tutor but their assistance is necessary since they are the experts. In most cases, the tutor is a student. If so, they will be compensated $10 per hour and the OSA will pay them. The student will need to complete a tutor verification form and W-9 form in order to ensure payment.
Notetakers are provided as a reasonable accommodation for students with documented disabilities that interfere with the individual’s ability to take notes in class. Instructors are asked to select a student in class to serve as a notetaker for the disabled student. If the instructor has difficulty selecting a student, they may ask the class for a volunteer but must make sure the disabled student’s name is not revealed. There are three alternatives for the provision of notetaker accommodations. The instructor should meet with the disabled student to discuss the best notetaking method for them.
Click here to get a copy of Notetaker's Duties and Responsibilities.![]()
It is the student’s responsibility to inform the OSA at least a week in advance. The OSA will assignment someone to the job. Scribes/Readers are given clear instructions on their role. A scribe/reader verification form needs to be completed by the instructor and the scribe/reader needs to complete a W-9 form. Both forms need to be returned to the OSA to ensure payment.
Students are required to give the OSA at least two weeks notice when requesting an interpreter. Faculty and staff may request an interpreter for office hours, meetings, and other college-related events by contacting the Office of Student Affairs. Students that utilize interpreters are required to adhere to the policies & procedures for deaf/hearing impaired students.
If a student requires to be tested in a distraction-free setting contact the office of student affairs at least one week in advance so they can arrange for the student to be tested in a seperate room.
The general rule of thumb for extended time for exams is time and a half or double time.
Extra time must be given even if the student is taking an online course or through Blackboard. A print version of the test may be necessary.
In Blackboard, if the instructor sets a timer for the exam, the student will get a warning that the time is almost up but the test never shuts off only records the time in the grade book...always allowing the student the opportunity to complete the test.
Instructors are not expected to be experts on disabilities. For assistance or clarification contact the Office of Student Affairs. We CANNOT deny a student an approved accommodation. It’s the law.
If you have a student in your class that is having difficulty, it is suggested that you speak with them privately regarding the situation. If the student reveals to you that they have a disability, then you CAN suggest they contact the OSA to get help. You CANNOT ask or assume they have a disability. Remember, the student must self-identify.
NO, the standards should be the same for all students. By granting special accommodations, we are leveling the playing field for these students; we provide an educational opportunity. It is their responsibility at that point to successfully complete course requirements.
Students with disabilities are held to the same standards for appropriate behavior as outlined in the Wilmington University Code of Conduct located in the Student Handbook.
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