Keys to Collaboration

Diversity, equity, and opportunity are core components of our College values. Access for and inclusion of students with disabilities in our classrooms is linked to these components. Reducing barriers and creating a welcoming climate for students and individuals with disabilities is an institutional commitment and responsibility. The DSS office partners with faculty to assist students with disabilities at RVC. This collaboration is imperative to a student's right to fully participate in our academic programs. The following information is provided as a guide for faculty and staff to facilitate reaching these goals.

Faculty-DSS Partnership

DSS is responsible for reviewing documentation, determining appropriateness of requests for academic adjustments, informing students and faculty members of their rights and responsibilities as they relate to the provision of accommodations, and facilitating necessary adjustments.

Students are responsible for requesting accommodations each semester, making timely requests for adjustments, following through with their personal obligations for their accommodations, discussing their specific needs with their instructors, and self-advocating when there are problems or concerns.

Faculty members are responsible for setting a welcoming tone in their classes, providing students with an opportunity to meet and discuss adjustments, and ensuring that approved accommodations are provided.

All parties are responsible for engaging in a collaborative, solution-focused approach to problem-solving if and when issues or concerns arise.

Accessibility Statements

Rock Valley College seeks to provide activities and programs that are inclusive to all participants. College course syllabi are to include a disability statement informing students of the process and location to request disability accommodations.  In addition, an accessibility statement or disclaimer should be included on all College-sponsored activity or event promotional materials (ex., program announcements, brochures, flyers, and other marketing materials). The event host and his or her contact information should be included (ex., department, location, telephone number, and E-mail). 

These statements are provided as examples.
 

Accommodation Process for Students with Disabilities

1. Students self-identify to DSS and follow the necessary procedures to request services. In order to register with DSS, students meet with the Accommodations Specialist to discuss any barriers they are experiencing as a result of their disability and provide documentation to support requests for accommodation(s).

2. Students request accommodations every semester.   Faculty will receive electronic notification once the student initiates this process.  The electronic notification will include the academic accommodations that must be provided.

3. Students are expected to engage in conversation about their need for the accommodations with each instructor. Faculty should assist students in facilitating these discussions in a confidential and welcoming manner.  Generally communications during instructor's office hours is ideal, rather than before or after class. 

4. Faculty and students decide on a plan for the semester, including how and when the accommodations will be implemented. For example, if your student receives testing accommodations, will you provide those accommodations, or will the student use the Testing Center? Will the test be taken during the regularly scheduled class time, or at an alternative time?  It is important to communicate your intentions to the student so that there are no misunderstandings. DSS staff can be involved in clarifying responsibilities, expectations, and for providing suggestions as needed.

Confidentiality

It is imperative that student's personal information is safeguarded.  All conversations with students should be held in a private setting and care should be taken to protect information relating to the student's disability. Faculty do not have the right to review specific disability-related documentation, or to ask a student for this information.  Any questions regarding the nature of a student's disability should be directed to the DSS office.

Exam Accommodations

If you have a student who receives testing accommodations, you should discuss with the student his/her preferences for taking course exams (ex., in the classroom vs. in the Testing Center, deadline for completing the exam, etc.).  All exams that are delivered to the Testing Center should be accompanied by an exam proctor sheet, which lists any accommodations that the student is entitled to use.  For questions or concerns regarding scheduling or coordinating exams with accommodations for your students, please contact the Testing Center at (815) 921-2380. Other information pertaining to students with disabilities and testing can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

As an instructor, you will most likely at one point or another, encounter a variety of students with disabilities in your classes.  Whether you are a seasoned, tenured faculty member, or a new adjunct, these frequently asked questions may provide some guidance in addressing questions you may have along the way.  Although these FAQs relate to more common situations and scenarios, you may also seek assistance and guidance from the DSS staff at any time.  Our office can be reached at (815)  921-2371 or RVC-DisabilityServices@rockvalleycollege.edu and is located on the Ground floor of the Student Center.