Faculty Resource Guide
Confidentiality
Students with disabilities are protected under Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the civil rights laws. Under FERPA, student records are confidential, to be shared with others only when there is a demonstrated need. At no time should the faculty make any statements or implications that the student is different from the general student population. Understand confidentiality and do not identify the person or their disability information to other students.
Classroom behavior
All students must adhere to the CSM Student Code of Conduct. Faculty should follow procedures for reporting disruptive student behavior and direct infractions to the vice-president of student services. Include the DRC Office in efforts to resolve the problem.
Recording lectures
Students who are unable to take or read notes have the right to record class lectures only for their personal study. It is specifically addressed under Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The legal reference, found in the Code of Federal Regulation 34CFR104.44 (b) for Section 504 reads as follows:
(b) Other rules. A recipient (college) to which this subpart applies may not impose upon handicapped students other rules, such as the prohibition of tape recorders in classrooms or of guide dogs in campus buildings, that have the effect of limiting the participation of handicapped students in the recipient's education program of activity.
Lectures taped for personal study may not be shared with other people without the consent of the lecturer. Information contained in the tape-recorded lecture is protected under federal copyright laws and may not be published or quoted without the express consent of the lecturer and without giving proper identity and credit to the lecturer.
Maintaining a right to privacy of information revealed in classroom discussion, an instructor may object to the use of a tape recorder. The instructor's right to privacy, however, does not override the student's right to this accommodation. It is the responsibility of DRC to see that the instructor's concern for privacy is respected and addressed while still assuring the availability of the accommodation for the student. In many instances, this has been accomplished through a contract between the instructor and student that details the specific limited use of the tapes and makes arrangements for their disposal at the end of the semester.
Access Technology
Another service that is essential for students with disabilities is access technology. Students who are blind, have learning disabilities or physically disabilities have special needs for technology. Access to such technology is provided to the student in the most integrated setting possible. At CSM, computers labs on campus have special access technology that can be used during class and students have access to the DRC test accommodations and more extensive work.
Materials in alternate formats
DRC provides textbooks and class materials in alternate formats (Braille, electronic text, large print, audio tapes). If possible, textbooks are secured before the semester begins. Having class materials, such as handouts or tests in advance is helpful since it takes time to scan and format this information. Contact the Sue Roseberry for more information (650) 574-6698 or roseberrys@smccd.edu.
Read legislation authorizing the production of instructional materials in alternate formats.
Syllabus Statement
Add a statement to your syllabus inviting students to discuss their needs and accommodation strategies with you. Read the statement out loud in case students have problems with print format. Repeat the statement during the first two weeks.
Sample statements:
If you have a documented disability and need accommodations for this class, please see me as soon as possible or contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for assistance. DRC is located in Bldg 10 Room 120. phone: 574-6438.
Students requiring accommodations for a disability that may affect class performance are recommended to schedule an appointment with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Bldg 10 Room 120. phone: (650) 574-6438.
Classroom Accommodation
What if you do not agree with a recommended accommodation? When a dispute involves the conduct of a course or academic program, the SMCCCD Accommodations Policy provides procedures for consultation between the faculty member responsible for the course, the student and a representative from the Disability Resource Center. Read the SMCCCD's Accommodation Policy.
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