Special Needs Services Policy

The goal of Pratt Community College is to provide the best opportunity for student academic success. Therefore, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, special needs services are provided to achieve this goal. Under Section 504, a post-secondary student who is in need of academic accommodations or auxiliary aids is obligated to provide notification to the educational institution the nature of the disabling condition and the educational accommodations recommended by an evaluating professional. At PCC, the Student Success Specialist is the initial point of contact for students with special needs. Students may indicate on the admissions form that assistance with academic accommodations is needed. Documentation of disability must be provided to the Student Success Specialist, along with the student’s request for accommodations. The institution must be given a reasonable amount of time to evaluate the student’s request and determine what accommodations will be provided.

Upon receipt and assessment of the student’s documentation by the Student Success Specialist, a Student Success Team (SST), consisting of the Student Success Specialist, Director of Student Success Center, Dean of Academic Instruction, the VP of Students/Enrollment Management, and Faculty Advisor (when needed) will review each student’s documentation and request for accommodations. The objective of the SST is to increase the probability of academic success of students who have special needs and/or who possess skill levels that inhibit the achievement of their academic/career goals. The SST will approve or deny accommodations for each student requesting services and will review the progress of students regularly. The Student Success Specialist (SSS) will work intensively with each student assigned to the Student Success program. The Specialist will communicate directly with the student and instructors to monitor assigned accommodations and the student’s academic progress. Each semester, the SSS will provide a summary report to the SST outlining each special needs student’s semester progress. The SST will determine if accommodations need to be adjusted or terminated. A special needs student roster will be maintained by the Student Success Specialist and distributed to the instructors with special needs students outlining the SST approved accommodations.

A full array of services to students with disabilities may be provided, including but not limited to: materials in alternate formats; texts on audio discs; test readers; computer assisted accommodations, altered examination schedules; digital voice recorders; and alternative testing procedures. Tutoring is available to all PCC students at no charge. The institution will not provide for the personal needs of students, such as readers for personal use and study, personal care assistance, or individual study aids. Students requiring personal care assistance will be responsible for procuring those services for college sponsored events and other situations where appropriate, including additional tickets for transportation and lodging for overnight trips. Students will give the institution a reasonable amount of time to accommodate for personal care assistants when planning events.

Students requesting special needs services and not receiving the accommodations they desire may appeal the decision of the SST by submitting a written appeal to the SST, through the Student Success Specialist.

X This policy replaces one dated 04-05-2011, 06-21-04