Faculty Responsibilities and Information

Responsibilities

1. Include the following "Disability Statement" on all course syllabi:
   Students desiring accommodations on the basis of physical, learning or psychological disability for this class are to contact the Disability and learning Resource Center (DLRC). The DLRC is located in Suite 114 on the 1st floor of the Administration Building. You can reach the DLRC by dialing extension 3039 or calling (949) 214-3039.
2. Faculty are encouraged to make an announcement at the beginning of each semester encouraging students with disabilities who need accommodations to identify themselves to the instructor (not during class time). It is suggested that faculty provide time during office hours or in a private setting to protect student confidentiality. Questions regarding a student’s disability-related accommodation(s) should be directed to a professional staff member at the DLRC in a private setting which protects confidentiality.
3. Meet with students requesting accommodations and discuss and sign the Accommodations Agreement that the student presents at the beginning of each semester.
4. Provide reasonable accommodations that have been approved by the DLRC and are requested by the student for that class. Student accommodation needs will vary from class to class.
5. Review, complete, and sign the Exam Accommodations Checklist so that the student can return the form to the DLRC 3 days prior to the exam.
6. Assist students with note takers as an approved accommodation by reading the provided script verbatim without disclosing the student’s name.
7. Provide a classroom atmosphere that is harassment-free in nature and nondiscriminatory for students with disabilities.
8. Clients of the DLRC who qualify for the accommodation of recording class lectures shall be allowed the use of recorders, but will first require a Recording Lecture Agreement signed by the instructor, DLRC staff, and the student before allowing recording (Federal 504 Regs).
9. Encourage students to use the Writing Center and DLRC when needed.
10. Each instructor has the authority to set attendance regulations for his/her class. The DLRC does not determine attendance policies for faculty. It is a student’s obligation to attend class regularly and is responsible for all the work, including assignments, projects, papers, quizzes, and tests. Medical conditions that may require extended absences from class cannot be reasonably accommodated if participation in the class is expected. The DLRC cannot excuse absences from class, as this is a faculty responsibility. The DLRC can provide to faculty written verification of a disability/medical condition that might cause a student to miss class. The DLRC can assist faculty regarding class absences and make-up work, but the final decision as to what is reasonable is that of the faculty.

Helpful Information

Many teaching strategies that assist students with disabilities are known also to benefit non-disabled students. Instruction that is provided in an array of approaches will reach more students than instruction using one method. The following are teaching strategies that will benefit all students in the academic setting and are considered “best practices.”

Before the Lecture

1. Write key terms or an outline on the board, or prepare a lecture handout
2. Prepare, print, and give students PowerPoint lecture handouts
3. Assign advance readings before the topic is due in the class session
4. Give students questions that they should be able to answer by the end of each lecture

During the Lecture

1. Briefly review the previous lecture
2. Use visual aids such as overheads, diagrams, charts, graphs, and PowerPoint presentations
3. Allow the use of audio recorders
4. Emphasize important points, main ideas, and key concepts
5. Face the class when speaking
6. Explain technical language and terminology
7. Give assignments in writing, as well as orally
8. Speak distinctly, loudly, and at a relaxed rate, pausing to allow students time for note taking

Grading and Evaluation

1. Consider alternative test formats and multiple grades for various tasks