North Dakota State University
Disability Services

Statement of policy for students using sign language interpreting services

1. Confidentiality: Sign language interpreters contracted by North Dakota State University to provide interpreting services are expected to follow the professional standards set by the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID) Code of Ethics. Code of Professional Conduct. These include, but are not limited to, the ability to maintain confidentiality, render the message faithfully, refrain from interjecting personal opinions, and function in a manner appropriate to the situation.

Interpreters may need to share classroom accommodation information with necessary campus staff. This will be done on a "need to know" basis.

2. Request for interpreters: It is imperative students request classroom interpreting immediately after registering for classes. This provides an adequate time to ensure the services will begin the first day of class.

Students needing an interpreter for any other meeting (meeting with faculty during office hours, class-related activity, etc) will complete the Request for Interpreter/RTC Service at NDSU form. The student will submit the form to the Disability Services Director two (2) working days in advance so an interpreter can be secured. This form can be obtained by emailing disability services at ndsu.disability.services@ndsu.edu. For non-academic interpreting requests (extra-curricular), the student needs to complete the same form and submit to the Disability Services Director within the two day time frame.

3. First day of class: On the first day of class, plan to arrive a few minutes before the class begins to introduce yourself to the interpreter. Preferential seating will be included in your Disability Services (DS) Accommodation Plan to ensure you have a seat that is right for you. Be sure your seating will allow you a direct line of vision to the instructor, the board/screen and the interpreter.

Let the interpreter know if you will be voicing for yourself or if you prefer him/her to voice for you.

4. Interpreter wait time: The interpreter will wait 10 minutes for you in a 50 minute class and 15 minutes for classes longer than an hour. The interpreter will leave if you do not arrive to your class within these timelines.

5. Communicating with your interpreter: It is the student's responsibility to inform the interpreter of any problems with understanding the signs used or any other concerns. Be sure to let the interpreter knows your sign preference (ASL, PSE, SE). Communicate with the interpreter your seating preference and any other concerns. If you have concerns that do not get resolved after talking with the interpreter, contact your Disability Services case manager or the Disability Services Director.

6. Course syllabus: It is the student's responsibility to secure a course syllabus for each enrolled course. The syllabus contains an outline of what will be covered in the course throughout the semester, including reading assignments, exams, presentations and final exam dates. It also contains contact information for contacting the instructor.

7. Questions about class information: It is the student's responsibility to ask the instructor if he/she has questions about the class or information in the class. The interpreter's responsibility is to assist in signing your question(s) to the instructor. It is not the responsibility of the interpreter to answer questions you have about the class or information presented in the class. It can be beneficial to meet with the instructor outside of class time. That time can be scheduled during the instructor's office hours or by making an appointment with the instructor. It is the student's responsibility to ask the interpreter to arrive early or stay after class if you want to talk with the instructor or teaching assistance immediately preceding or following the class.


8. Schedule changes: The student is responsible to notify the Disability Services Case Manager or Director if a change is made in the class schedule by adding or dropping a class. This contact should be made immediately or as soon as possible.


9. Academic advisor: It is the responsibility of the student to establish an on-going relationship with his/her academic advisor. It is important for the student to make this connection the first semester of attendance at the university to ensure access to information for appropriate course selection during his/her academic career at NDSU. Disability Services will assist you with accommodation-related issues but does not assist you with choosing your classes. If you have need of an interpreter to meet with your advisor, it is your responsibility to complete the Request for Interpreter/RTC form and submit it to Disability Services two (2) working days before your meeting.

10. Interpreter no-show: It is the student's responsibility to contact Disability Services immediately @ 231-8463 (V) or 800-366-6889 (Relay ND) if your interpreter does not come to class. To ensure access to the class lecture, an audiocassette tape recorder is available to tape the lecture and arrangements can be made for the audiocassette to be interpreted for you as soon as possible.

11. Appeals process: For students who are denied support services, such as a student's request for interpreter is denied, an appeal process can be initiated. The appeal process can be explained by the Disability Services case manager or located on the DS website under Problem/Complaint Procedure.


12. Questions: Disability Services is here to ensure your access to the educational environment at NDSU. If you have special needs or concerns, please contact the Disability Services Director, Bunnie Johnson-Messelt at 231-7198 (v), 800-366-6889 (Relay ND), or e-mail Bunnie.Johnson-Messelt@ndsu.edu, Ceres Hall 212.