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UGA Logo TEXT-ONLY VERSION THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER

Interpreter Services Policies and Guidelines

General Philosophy
It is the Disability Resource Center's (DRC) intention to respect the Deaf student's right to autonomy throughout their college career. However, in order to provide interpreter services, students must adhere to the following procedures set forth by DRC.
Student Responsibilities:
In Class Interpreter Service
  1. Register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) by following appropriate DRC procedures.
  2. Register for classes during the priority registration period and provide the DRC Coordinator of Interpreter Services with a copy of class schedule as soon as possible.
  3. Immediately notify the Coordinator of any further changes in your schedule.
  4. Call DRC (TTY: 706-542-8778) immediately if, for any reason, a class is going to be missed. Leave a message that includes student's name and which class(es) will be missed.
  5. Adhere to the following DRC policies regarding absenteeism and tardiness of interpreted classes.
    1. Absence: If a student is absent from class without notifying the DRC in advance, the student's interpreter services will be suspended for the day until the DRC is notified that subsequent activities scheduled for that day will be attended.

      NOTE: The DRC understands that it is the right of any student to miss class. However, the DRC needs prior notification so interpreter resources are not wasted.

    2. Tardiness: If a student will be late to class, they must call and inform the DRC so the interpreters can be notified in order to wait additional time. In the event that a student is late and the interpreter hasn’t been notified, the interpreter will remain in class:

      Ten (10) minutes for a fifty minute class.
      Fifteen (15) minutes for an hour and fifteen minute class.
      Twenty five (25) minutes for a two hour class.

  6. Discuss any interpreting related problems or concerns directly with the interpreter for the class. If additional assistance is needed, make an appointment with the Coordinator to discuss the situation further.
Out of Class Interpreter Service
  1. Obtain an "Interpreter Request Form" from the reception desk for any activity outside of the classroom (club meetings, lab work, meetings with instructors, etc.). Fill out the form and return it to the reception desk. If this is not possible, students can:
    • Phone requests directly to the DRC Coordinator of Interpreter Services.*
    • Email requests to the Coordinator.*
    • Fax (706-542-7719) the Interpreter Request Form to the Coordinator.

    *Phone and email requests should include the same information that is asked for on the Interpreter Request Form.

  2. Requests for interpreter services should be made as early as possible, but must be made at least three (3) days prior to the actual activity. Requests are filled on a "first-come, first-served" basis. If a student is informed that there is no interpreter available at the requested time, the student should contact the Coordinator of Interpreter Services for options including rescheduling the activity or alternative accommodations such as a notetaker or transcriptionist.
  3. Inform the Coordinator of Interpreter Services immediately if a request for an interpreter has been made for an out of class activity and that activity is canceled or changed in any way (time, location, etc.).
  4. Discuss any interpreting related problems or concerns directly with the interpreter for the assignment. If additional assistance is needed, make an appointment with the Coordinator to discuss the situation further.

    NOTE: Priority registration and early notification of Interpreter Requests are imperative for quality service. Last minute requests and schedule changes may make it impossible to provide interpreter services.

Disability Resource Center Responsibilities:
  1. Inform students of Interpreter Services offered through the DRC.
  2. Make available a copy of the Interpreter Services Procedures.
  3. Provide qualified interpreters for classes and other sponsored events
  4. Assist with problem resolution if student experiences difficulties with interpreter services.
  5. Interpreters adhere to the code of ethics set forth by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. ( RID).