Faculty Resources
Questions and Answers for Faculty
Are all students with disabilities registered with DSPS?
No, there are students who choose not to disclose their disability or register with the DSPS office. Since the program is voluntary, students who choose to utilize accommodations in the classroom will notify DSPS and design an accommodation plan specific to their learning needs.
What is the correct way to refer a student to DSPS?
If you suspect a student may have a disability, please refer the student to the DSPS office. It is always a good idea to refer the student to multiple resources on campus to avoid an uncomfortable situation and any legal complications. If you are unsure how to approach the situation, please visit the DSPS office and meet with the DSPS Coordinator.
If the student appears to have a disability, can the instructor ask them about it?
No, it is not advised to ask a student about his or her disability. It is best to let all your students know about the different support services on campus and where they are located. If you suspect a student has a disability and you are unsure about how to approach the situation, please contact the DSPS offices.
Do I need to make exceptions for students with disabilities when it comes to coursework, attendance, and due dates?
DSPS does not make fundamental course curriculum changes or ask instructors to make unreasonable accommodations. Required accommodations are not meant to lower course standards or compromise the integrity of the course.
Many DSPS students receive extended time for tests. How is the accommodation determined?
Extended time for a student is determined by the DSPS Coordinator and/or Counselor and is based on the student's educational limitations related to his or her disability. The standard extended times for testing are either time-and-a-half or double time.
Can an instructor deny an accommodation? Can an instructor appeal an accommodation he or she feels is unreasonable?
Under the law, accommodations must be provided for a student with disabilities. But, if an instructor feels that the accommodation is in direct conflict with course objectives, the instructor is free to discuss this with the DSPS office.
What paperwork will the student bring when meeting with his or her instructor? If the student does not have paperwork, is the student still entitled to receive accommodations?
DSPS encourages and interactive process between the student and the instructor when it comes to discussing a student's disability and accommodations. The student is provided an Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) and a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) prepared by the DSPS Coordinator and/or Counselor that details the accommodations the student is referred for. We encourage the instructor to read and discuss these documents with the student in a confidential setting.
Are faculty required to accommodate disruptive behavior?
No. Students who are registered with DSPS are still expected to follow the Columbia College Student Code of Conduct and any college policies and procedures.
Does the instructor need to allow for make-up exams if the student does poorly on an exam?
DSPS does not make fundamental curriculum changes, so students registered with DSPS are expected to follow all course policies and procedures. If the missed exam is because of a DSPS related emergency with verified documentation, the instructor may consider a make-up exam.
What rights do faculty members have regarding accommodating students with disabilities?
Instructors have the right to expect students with disabilities to behave according with the Student Code of Conduct. Faculty members also have the right to protect their academic freedom and the quality of their academic standards.
What services can DSPS help faculty members with?
DSPS can act as a liaison between faculty members and their students and assists faulty members with issues that may arise regarding students with disabilities.
Can students receive testing for a learning disability on campus?
At some community colleges, DSPS Learning Disability Specialists test students for learning disabilities. At the current time, Columbia College does not test students for learning disabilities, but DSPS can refer students to outside testing agencies. Additionally, our Learning Disabilities Specialist can evaluate outside agency test results.
What is the difference between a Service Animal and an Emotional Support Animal?
According to the YCCD Policy 3440, in compliance with state and federal laws, a student with a disability is allowed to use an animal that is individually trained to do work or perform a task. Staff are able to ask the following questions: (1) is the service animal required because of a disability? AND (2) what work or task has the animal been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the animal, require that the animal demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability. An emotional support animal is NOT considered a service animal since it is not trained to perform a specific task. Instead, emotional support animals provide companionship and therapeutic support for an individual. Students with emotional support animals are encouraged to register with DSPS and meet with the DSPS Coordinator.
Please feel free to contact the DSPS Office @ 209-588-5130 with any questions.
