Policy for Classroom Assistants
If you are using a classroom assistant:
- When choosing to use your accommodations, you must make an appointment with each of your instructors to discuss your needs. If you do not meet with your instructors, you run the risk of not having some or all of your accommodations provided in a timely manner.
- Be sure to notify your Coordinator in Disability Services as soon as you are aware of the need for a classroom assistant or reader.
- If you are unsure whether you will need a classroom assistant for a specific class, you are encouraged to contact the professor before the start of class. You and your professor are in the best position to determine if an assistant will be needed.
- Please be sure to notify your professor at the start of the semester that you will have an assistant in class. This will be included in your letter regarding accommodations, but it helps to discuss this personally with the professor as well. Do not leave this responsibility to the classroom assistant.
- You are expected to attend class regularly. If you are unable to attend class and you know in advance, please notify your Coordinator. You should notify your classroom assistant yourself, but please be sure to still inform your Coordinator.
- Your classroom assistant is there to insure that you have access to all of the assignments and activities associated with the class. Do not ask your assistant to serve as a tutor, or to assist you in working through the substance of an assignment. We ask classroom assistants to be "invisible" - to not participate in class discussions, or otherwise engage as if he or she is taking the class.
- Be sure to exchange phone numbers, e-mail addresses or other contact information with your classroom assistant. This will make it easier to connect if for some reason either you, or your assistant cannot make it to class. If your classroom assistant is unable to attend class, he or she is responsible to notify your Coordinator so a substitute can be provided. However, you are encouraged to also communicate with your Coordinator if you are aware of a need for a substitute.
- Any concerns or problems you have with your classroom assistant should be brought to the attention of your Coordinator.
- Classroom assistants are not required to remain in class if you do not attend (e.g. to take notes). If you do not arrive for class within 15 minutes of the start time, the classroom assistant is free to leave.
- Be sure to register with Disability Services each semester to insure that your accommodations are in place when you need them! And remember, the earlier, the better!
