Chapter 1: Rights and Responsibilities

Rock Valley College (RVC) is committed to following Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended in 2008 (ADAAA), and other applicable federal and state regulations and College policies which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Under these laws, eligible students with a documented disability have a right to receive reasonable accommodations. Students also have responsibilities under these laws.

Rock Valley College (RVC) is committed to student success; however, we do not require students to use accommodations, nor will we provide them unless they have been requested by the student. The student, as a legal adult, is responsible to request appropriate  accommodations. The student must take the lead in applying to Disability Support Services (DSS) and submitting requests for accommodations each term through the DSS Accommodations Portal.

Ensuring equal access requires collaboration. Students are expected to work in concert with DSS to specify, arrange, and follow through on accommodations. Should problems occur, students should alert DSS in a timely fashion so that together we can address the problem(s).

Student’s Rights – Students with disabilities who attend RVC have the right to:

1. An equal opportunity to learn. If the location, delivery system, or instructional methodology limits access, participation, or ability to benefit, students have a right to reasonable alterations in those aspects of the course (or program) to accommodate a disability. The accommodation may not fundamentally alter the nature of the program or activity, lower academic standards, present an undue financial or administrative burden on the university, or pose a threat to others or public safety.

2. An equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the academic community. This includes access to services, extra-curricular activities and events, and transportation at a comparable level as that provided to any student.

Student’s Responsibilities – Students with disabilities shall be responsible for:

1. Self-identifying and registering with DSS for services.
    
2. Submitting documentation of a disability from a qualified and appropriate professional that demonstrates how the disability affects/impacts a particular delivery system, instructional method, or evaluation criteria when requesting accommodations.
    
3. Following the appropriate procedures and requesting accommodations through the DSS Accommodations Portal each semester in a timely manner. Please review the DSS service request timeline in Chapter 6 in the DSS Student Handbook for requesting accommodations.
    
4. Meeting with faculty and other service providers to discuss accommodations as needed. Information about the disability is confidential; anonymity is not guaranteed. Students are expected to take an active role in communicating and arranging appointments with faculty to discuss their accommodation needs.
    
5. Notifying DSS of any issues, concerns or delays in receiving requested accommodations in a timely manner.
    
6. Meeting and maintaining the college’s fundamental academic and technical standards. Students with disabilities are held to the same standards as all other students, including adherence to the college’s Student Code of Conduct.

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