UWC-ADA Compliance Committee Minutes
12/4/2008

Time: 9:00-10:00 AM
Location: Health Sciences Conference Room (158)
Type of meeting: Regular
Facilitator: Chris Raber, Chair
Attendees: Denise Brockett, Butch Kotcamp, Janet Snedegar

Agenda topics

Progress on Fall 2008 Course Syllabi Review:

Discussion: Reviews from committee members using worksheets are progression, and currently Chris has summaries from reviews of nursing, math, and natural sciences. Chris will work on organizing data from these reviews, and requested that other committee members submit their reviews by the end of the year to include them in the final review. Chris work with Lori Perry and Larry Estep to obtain Business department syllabi for Butch’s review.

Plan for Student Survey

Discussion: Chris will check availability of status of the on-line version survey created 2 years ago by Leigh Gerlach. The committee requested review of survey to add any additional information, and discussed use of Survey Monkey or Zoomerang, to increase responses and tabulation of data, as we will offer survey to entire student body, and previous method with local server required hand tabulation of results of each respondent to the survey. We will review the survey at next meeting and develop a plan for distribution spring semester.

Ideas for education projects Spring semester
 
Discussion: We discussed ideas for regular communication to remind faculty to use the ADA Statement on course syllabi, which included end of semester e-mails to academic department secretaries, Kris Liles, Deans, Chairs, and faculty. Chris will send out e-mail in the next week for Spring 2009. Denise suggested presenting ADA session to UNIV 1101, as approximately 75% of incoming students take this course, and it would provide an opportunity to educate students about ADA resources on campus. We agreed this was a positive suggestion, and will Denise will contact Dale Taylor to plan, as 6 sections will be taught spring semester. We discussed going to department meetings, as we had begun last year, to further the discussion of ADA resources for faculty. This could also help open a dialogue regarding faculty perceptions and feedback about use of the committee’s ADA statement on course syllabi. We will continue to develop plans for education blitz event, as this is planned.

Clearinghouse Issues/Discussion

Discussion: No issues were submitted to the committee this meeting.

Respectfully submitted, Chris Raber, Chair
 

UWC - ADA Compliance Committee Minutes
10/9/2008

Time: 1:00-2:00 PM
Location: Health Sciences Conference Room (158)
Type of meeting: Regular
Facilitator: Chris Raber, Chair
Attendees: Chris Meade, Katie Szczepanski, Jim Weaver

Agenda topics

Introduction of new members: Chris welcomed Chris Meade to the committee.

Review of last year’s goals/discussion of goals for this year

Discussion: Discussed last year’s goals and reviewed possible goals (below) for this year.

1. Submitting UFS resolution regarding use of ADA Statement on course syllabi;
2. Repeating student survey, including entire student body;
3. Reassessing course syllabi to look at effectiveness of this year’s education efforts;
4. Working with new director of Institutional Research, when named, to assist with planning for, and implementing a new SSU Accessibility Survey that focuses on policy and processes, as well as updating data concerning accessibility of physical facilities on campus.

Finalize goals and plans to achieve them at next meeting.

Follow up from August 25, 2008 Training Session

Discussion: Members present discussed effectiveness of the 15 session session provided during faculty training day; overall reaction was positive for this brief introduction to resources and faculty rights and responsibilities. Chris Meade suggested that we consider additional approaches to education of faculty to help increase understanding faculty rights and responsibilities regarding ADA law and higher education.

Use of ADA Statement on Course Syllabi: Plan for UFS Resolution and assessing faculty use of statement on course syllabi Chris

Discussed history of the resolution, and current responses from Clifford Poirot, UFS president, who at this point is questioning UFS’s role in passing the proposed resolution. We discussed the need to complete another survey of the course syllabi to determine how many syllabi use an ADA statement and the language being used. We discussed distinguishing statistics between full-service faculty, who are not required to use an ADA Statement, and adjunct faculty, who are required to use the ADA Statement from the ADA committee. This change to required adjuncts to use the ADA Statement was included in 2008-09 adjunct faculty handbook under “course syllabus” heading, and supported by Dr. Dave Todt, Provost. Jim volunteered to review CAS syllabi, and Chris will work with CPS syllabi. Plan to discuss specific data collection and review methods at the next meeting. We will also discuss plans to achieve Dr. Morris’ charge of engaging in educational programming to support faculty efforts to include ADA statements on course syllabi.

Clearinghouse Issues/Discussion

Discussion: Chris Raber reported construction issues near ATC had intermittently limited accessible entrances to only one (west side). New sidewalk extension has been put in place to make north entrance accessible. Also discussed need for meeting with key stakeholders regarding ways to proactively address needs of students with disabilities in housing, particularly for students with Asperger’s and autism. This issue was brought to Chris R. by a faculty member in response to a request for identifying campus resources for students with Asperger’s syndrome residing in campus housing. Continue to monitor impact of construction on accessibility of ATC and surrounding areas. Set up meeting with Dr. Settle, Marcie Simms, Bill Rockwell, and Barbara Warnock to discuss proactive responses to needs of students in housing. Continue to monitor impact of construction on accessibility of ATC and surrounding areas. Set up meeting with Dr. Settle, Marcie Simms, Bill Rockwell, and Barbara Warnock to discuss proactive responses to needs of students in housing.

Respectfully submitted, Chris Raber, Chair
 

UWC-ADA Compliance Committee Minutes
04/30/2008

Time: 12:00 -1:00 PM
Location: Health Sciences Conference Room (158)
Type of meeting:Regular
Facilitator: Chris Raber, Chair
Attendees: Sean Jordan, Katie Szczepanski, Jim Weaver

Agenda topics

Review of minutes: Chris

Discussion: Minutes from April 3, 2008 to be distributed.

Review of the year

Discussion: Chris distributed last year’s annual report, and we discussed progress towards goals established for 2007-08; listed below:

2007-2008 ADA Compliance Committee GOALS:

1. Work with Institutional Research Office to develop plan for new SSU Accessibility Survey
2. In collaboration with Office of Disability Services, develop recommended Documentation Policy
3. Continue efforts to improve communication with campus community about available ADA resources (website, FAME training site, brochures, periodic communications)
4. Work with Institutional Research Office to complete student survey (conduct survey and analyze data)
5. Increase faculty use of ADA statement on course syllabi
6. Work with Randy Warman and Resource 25 to include Accessibility Guidelines for space reservation forms
7. On-going consultation re: ADA issues on campus for all stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, administration, public)

Conclusions: Overall, most goals were met, with ongoing progress for goals we have not yet met.
Action items: Draft annual report and circulate for member review; submit to Dr. Morris

Person responsible: all

Deadline: May 15

Training Session: August 25, 3008

Discussion: No coordinator for the training day has been announced yet, but the request for a 45-60 minute presentation to faculty is on the agenda. Neil and Janet will prepare and present the session, withs support from Chris. Jim will contribute statistics on needs and demographics of student population served, and will present services available for students and faculty through the Disability Services office.

Conclusions/Actions: Prepare and present training session highlighting FAME resource, as well SSU resources for faculty to increase understanding of faculty’s rights and responsibilities under ADA law.

Clearinghouse Issues/Discussion

Discussion: No specific Clearinghouse issues were noted today. Chris thanked Sean and Katie for their participation and representation of students on the committee, and requested their continued participation in the committee. Both agreed to participate next year as long as their schedules allow. In discussing progress of this year, we identified priorities for next year as:
1. Submitting UFS resolution regarding use of ADA Statement on course syllabi;
2. Repeating student survey, including entire student body;
3. Reassessing course syllabi to look at effectiveness of this year’s education efforts;
4. Working with new director of Institutional Research, when named, to assist with planning for, and implementing a new SSU Accessibility Survey that focuses on policy and processes, as well as updating data concerning accessibility of physical facilities on campus.

Conclusions: Priorities for 2008-09 established and these will be refined into goals at the first meeting in the fall.

Respectfully submitted, Chris Raber, Chair
 

UWC-ADA Compliance Committee Minutes
04/03/2008

Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Health Sciences Conference Room (158)
Type of meeting: Regular
Facilitator: Chris Raber, Chair
Attendees: Butch Kotcamp, Steve Midkiff (guest), Katie Szczepanski, Bane Sylvia, Jim Weaver

Agenda topics

Review of minutes: Chris

Discussion: Minutes from Mar. 12, 2008 accepted.

ADA Student Issues Survey

Discussion: Steve Midkiff, Director of Institutional Research, presented the written summary of the ADA Issues Student Survey to the committee. Over 50 paper surveys were distributed to students using services of the Disability Services Office at the beginning of the semester. 12 surveys were returned. Overall the findings were positive, with most responses ranked as “agree” or “strongly agree”. The most positive responses were on the items addressing building accessibility, awareness of ADA services, and satisfaction with ADA services. Areas that received “disagree” or “strongly disagree” were in the areas of knowledge of how to file an ADA complaint, use of the ADA brochure to increase knowledge about ADA resources on campus, and professor’s implementation of accommodations.

Conclusions: Due to the limited sample size, which included one respondent contributing four of the eight “disagree” responses, generalization of the findings is not possible. However, the committee agreed that a process for grievances concerning services from the Disability Services Office is needed. Jim will work on implementing such a process, and having students sign documentation that indicates receipt of the grievance process. We also agreed to readminister the survey in the fall to both students receiving services, and the general student body. Katie felt that on-line format would be accepted by students. Butch suggested posting pdf file of the ADA brochure on the committee’s website to increase access to this resource for any interested party on campus.

Action items: Update ADA brochure and post on committee resource webpage; repeat survey fall 2008

Person responsible: committee

Deadline: fall 2008

Resolution for ADA Statement: Next steps

Discussion: Members present approved revised draft resolution for UFS. Since UFS elections for the next academic year are currently under way, members decided to present the resolution in the fall. We will identify a senator willing to submit the resolution early in the fall to proceed with the resolution. The ADA Statement and resource memo has been presented to CAS Dean and chairs by Jim Weaver. Dr. Scheurer supports use of the ADA Statement developed by the ADA Compliance Committee. Jim will attend next CPS chairs meeting on April 9 to present to Business and DIET chairs.

Conclusions/Actions: By the end of the semester, both Deans and all chairs will have received the resource memo and presentation requesting consistent use of the ADA Statement developed by the ADA Compliance committee. Plan to reassess use on course syllabi Fall semester 2008, as well as present UFS resolution requesting use of the ADA Statement developed by the committee.

Training session for Fall 2008/Clearinghouse Issues/Discussion

Discussion: Chris communicated with Dr. Todt regarding the faculty training session, which will be on August 25, and the need to include ADA information in the Adjunct handbook. The coordinator for the training day has not been named as yet. A 45-60 minute ADA Compliance Committee presentation is on the list of topics for the training session. Chris will work with Neil and Janet as they plan the presentation. Adjunct Faculty Handbook needs to include ADA Statement, resources for adjunct faculty regarding ADA issues and student requests for academic accommodations.

Conclusions: Prepare training session for August 25 and work with Provost’s office to make recommendations to revise Adjunct Faculty Handbook to include ADA resources and require use of ADA Statement on course syllabi.

Action items: Work with Provost’s office on the training session and adjunct faculty handbook issues.

Person responsible: all

Deadline: ongoing

Respectfully submitted, Chris Raber, Chair
 

UWC-ADA Compliance Committee Minutes
3/12/2008

Time: 4:00-5:00 PM
Location: Health Sciences Conference Room (158)
Type of meeting: Regular
Facilitator: Chris Raber, Chair
Attendees: Marc Cardinalli, Sean Jordan, Butch Kotcamp, Gay Lynn Shipley, Janet Snedegar, Bane Sylvia, Jim Weaver

Agenda topics

Review of minutes: Chris

Discussion: Minutes from Feb. 28, 2008 accepted.

UFS Resolution for ADA Statement

Discussion: Discussed the revised draft resolution and process to present to UFS. Members present agreed with moving forward with UFS resolution to help promote use of consistent language in ADA Statement on course syllabi as an example of best practices for ADA compliance in higher education. The ADA Statement and resource member has been presented to Health Science chairs, and will be presented to CAS chairs next week.

Conclusions: Committee members present agreed with presenting revised resolution to UFS. Continue education efforts (ie, FAME website) to increase faculty use of ADA Statement on course syllabi.

Action items: Present to UFS.

Person responsible: TBA

Deadline: ongoing

Review of SSU ADA Policy

Discussion: Members presented discussed ADA issues as experienced by this committee currently and historically with Marc Cardinalli, and he provided feedback and suggestions regarding these issues. For increased use of ADA Statement, we discussed sending reminders to faculty every semester, use of flyers in classrooms, UFS resolution as proposed, and incentives such as measuring compliance with use by department, as has been done with non-attendance reports. ADA education sessions for faculty were also discussed, including the use of in-service day for this purpose. Overall, Mr. Cardinalli reinforced the need to evaluate processes for students and employees (faculty/staff) that address compliance with all sections of ADA law. A review of objectives and processes to meet these objectives is needed in the three main areas that address ADA issues on campus: Disability Services, Human Resources, and Facilities. The committee supports this work by providing input and feedback regarding the processes. Examples of processes to review include web site accessibility, access to resources, mechanisms for appeal of decisions regarding requests for accommodations, and ensuring public events on campus have accessibility resources available and that these are communicated to public (i.e, use of interpreters, referral to community resource for wheelchairs for large events such as graduation, etc).

Conclusions/Actions: Continue to review processes for ADA compliance across campus for all stakeholders. Work with Office of Institutional Resources to determine best practices at similar institutions.


Clearinghouse Issues/Discussion

Discussion: Regarding our education efforts, Adjunct Faculty Handbook needs to include ADA Statement, resources for adjunct faculty regarding ADA issues and student requests for academic accommodations.

Conclusions: Work with Provost’s office to make recommendations to revise Adjunct Faculty Handbook to include ADA resources and require use of ADA Statement on course syllabi.

Action items: Contact Dave Todt to discuss adjunct faculty handbook issues.

Person responsible: all

Deadline: ongoing

Respectfully submitted, Chris Raber, Chair
 

UWC-ADA Compliance Committee Minutes
2/28/2008

Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Health Sciences Conference Room (158)
Type of meeting: Regular
Facilitator: Chris Raber, Chair
Attendees: Neil Evans, Sean Jordan, Butch Kotcamp, Janet Snedegar, Bane Sylvia, Katie Szczepanski, Jim Weaver

Agenda topics

Review of minutes: Chris

Discussion: Minutes from Jan. 24 and Feb. 6, 2008 accepted.

UFS Resolution for ADA Statement

Discussion: Chris distributed a draft resolution for review. We discussed wording to improve the resolution to state the problem, then the need, and finally request for UFS endorsement of the use of ADA Compliance Committee ADA Statement. Committee members present agreed with resolution with minor wording changes.

Conclusions: Committee members present agreed with presenting revised resolution to UFS. Continue education efforts (ie, FAME website) to increase faculty use of ADA Statement on course syllabi.

Action items: Distribute resolution to entire committee; revise with input; committee to review prior to presenting to UFS.

Person responsible: committee; Scott volunteered to present

Deadline: ongoing

Update on fall in-service

Discussion: Chris updated committee that per Larry Lonney of SEA, faculty in-service day should occur this fall semester, however, no further information is available about the details of when the training will be held, or who is coordinating it. Bane stated he would investigate further and bring information to next meeting. Chris will ask Dr. Todt about in-service plans as well. Neil and Janet volunteered to plan the ADA training session (45-60 minutes), with committee’s input and assistance.

Conclusions/Actions: We will plan a session for faculty regarding ADA rights and responsibilities, using the FAME training modules, for the in-service day fall semester 2007.

Review of SSU ADA Policy

Discussion: Currently no specific policy exists with the exception of BOT 4.0-4.1, which addresses support for students with disabilities. Marc Cardinalli will discuss with us at March 12 meeting.

Conclusion/Action items: Consult with Marc Cardinalli for further review of ADA policies. Continue to communicate with various groups (students, faculty, and staff) about ADA resources

Person responsible: All

Deadline: ongoing

Clearinghouse Issues/Discussion

Discussion: Butch provided report from Facilities on ADA work orders. From July 2007-present, 10 ADA work orders were received, and they were primarily (7/10) addressing functioning of automatic door openers in buildings across campus. Two work orders were requests for adjustable desks to classrooms, and one was to tighten toilet seat in an accessible restroom. All issues were addressed in a timely manner. He noted that Facilities continues to work on improving snow removal around handicapped parking spaces to ensure access onto campus sidewalks as well as the parking lot.
Regarding our education efforts, Chris received Adjunct Faculty Handbook and it does not require adjunct faculty to include ADA Statement, nor does it include any resources or information for adjunct faculty regarding ADA issues and student requests for academic accommodations. Chris is also working with CAS and CPS Deans to attend department chairs meeting to share information about use of ADA Statement on course syllabi.

Conclusions: Continue to track work orders. Work with Provost’s office to make recommendations to revise Adjunct Faculty Handbook to include ADA resources and require use of ADA Statement on course syllabi.

Action items: Attend Dean/Department Chair meetings to communicate ADA Statement. Contact Dave Todt to discuss adjunct faculty handbook issues.

Person responsible: all

Deadline: ongoing

Respectfully submitted, Chris Raber, Chair

UWC-ADA Compliance Committee Minutes
2/6/2008

Time: 4:00-5:00 PM
Location: Health Sciences Conference Room (158)
Type of meeting: Regular
Facilitator: Chris Raber, Chair
Attendees: Denise Brockett, Scott Douthat, Butch Kotcamp, Janet Snedegar, Gay Lynn Shipley, Janet Snedegar, Bane Sylvia, Katie Szczepanski

Agenda topics

Review of minutes: Chris

Discussion: Minutes from Jan. 24, 2008 completed but not available for distribution at meeting.

Conclusions: Review minutes by next meeting.

Plans for facilitating increased use of ADA Statement on course syllabi

Discussion: Chris reviewed options, which include: meeting with Deans and department chairs, UFS resolution, faculty training at beginning of fall semester, and continued education. Committee members present agreed on proposing UFS resolution stating “Best Practices” include use of the ADA Statement on course syllabi. Marc Cardinalli has been invited to attend committee meetings, and will review ADA Statement.

Conclusions: Develop resolution for UFS; Continue education efforts (ie, FAME website) to increase faculty use of ADA Statement on course syllabi.

Action items: Write resolution; committee review prior to presenting to UFS.

Person responsible: committee; Scott volunteered to present

Deadline: ongoing

Project: Documentation Policy

Discussion: Jim was not present, but we continued discussion regarding committee’s review of Best Practices and ideas for guidelines for documentation.

Conclusions: The committee will work with Marc Cardinelli to gather input to draft guidelines.

Action items: Use AHEAD Best Practices on Disability Documentation in Higher Education as sample (www.ahead.org)

Person responsible: All

Deadline: ongoing

Review of SSU ADA Policy

Discussion: Currently no specific policy exists with the exception of BOT 4.0-4.1, which addresses support for students with disabilities. The need for education continues. Katie noted that SGA is reorganizing orientation, which will provide opportunity for increased communication with students about disability resources on campus.

Conclusion/Action items: Consult with Marc Cardinelli for further review of ADA policies; invite him to attend upcoming meeting(s). Continue to communicate with various groups (students, faculty, and staff) about ADA resources

Person responsible: All

Deadline: ongoing

Clearinghouse Issues/Discussion

Discussion: No clearinghouse items were presented. Butch noted that Facilities continues to track work orders that involve ADA concerns, and he will compile this information and present at an upcoming meeting.

Conclusions: Continue to monitor and track Clearinghouse issues.

Action items:

Person responsible: all

Deadline: ongoing


Respectfully submitted, Chris Raber, Chair
 

UWC-ADA Compliance Committee Minutes
1/24/2008

Time: 9:00-10:00 AM
Location: Health Sciences Conference Room (158)
Type of meeting: Regular
Facilitator: Chris Raber, Chair
Attendees: Jim Weaver, Butch Kotcamp

Agenda topics

Review of minutes: Chris

Discussion: Members present reviewed minutes from Dec. 6, 2007 meeting.

Conclusions: Minutes accepted.

Options to increase faculty use of ADA Statement on course syllabi

Discussion: Chris reviewed input on this issue from Ken Warfield, discussed at last meeting. All present felt that education is the best approach at this point, although we will continue to elicit all committee members’ input on this issue. We discussed need for new counsel, Marc Cardinalli, to review ADA Statement. Butch suggested inviting Mr. Cardinalli to future meeting to seek his input. It was also felt that increased communication with Deans regarding use of ADA Statement would be appropriate.

Conclusions: Continue education efforts to increase faculty use of ADA Statement on course syllabi.

Action items: Discuss use of ADA Statement and resources with Deans, and initiate meetings with department chairs.

Person responsible: Chris, committee

Deadline: ongoing

Project: Documentation Policy

Discussion: We discussed the committee’s role in contributing to the development of guidelines regarding disability documentation for students. Jim would like input from committee by the end of this semester, including feedback from Mr. Cardinalli and review of existing policy. Input from Office of Institutional Research from comparable institutions will help with this process.

Conclusions: The committee will provide input in drafting guidelines.

Action items: Use AHEAD Best Practices on Disability Documentation in Higher Education as sample (www.ahead.org)

Person responsible: All

Deadline: ongoing

Update from USA meeting

Discussion: Jim attended Jan. 15, 2008 USA meeting and reviewed the December memo regarding ADA resources, and answered questions. He reported that secretaries at the meeting had received the memo and appreciated the resources. We discussed the importance of face-to-face meetings with faculty and staff regarding the resources available about ADA in higher education.
 
Action items: Continue to communicate with various groups about ADA resources (FAME website) for faculty and staff

Person responsible: All

Deadline: ongoing

Student Survey Update

Clearinghouse Issues/Discussion

Discussion: Jim reported that hard copy surveys have been distributed to students registered in Disability Services this semester, and that Steve Midkiff in the Institutional Research Office is working with him to collect and analyze the data. Jim will share the findings from the survey when they are available.

Clearinghouse Items:
1. Two emergency evacuation chairs have been ordered for use on campus. Joe VanDuesen is drafting procedures for use of the chairs. We would like to review these procedures as they are being developed, and Butch offered to work with Joe to obtain the procedures and share them with the ADA Compliance Committee.
2. We discussed a recent situation in which the closure of the Massie elevator left a student with mobility impairments stranded on an upper floor of Massie for a short period of time. Jim was aware of the situation and worked with the student. We discussed the importance of ensuring that Jim be alerted to such situations, and reiterated the importance of campus communication, which is occurring via e-mail, when elevator issues occur that may impact any individual with mobility impairments on campus.
3. Jim fielded a request for presentations to the campus community about specific disabilities. We discussed the request and concluded that a more effective approach may be to plan education events and resources that address disability etiquette.
Conclusions: Student survey in progress; committee will review with Jim and determine plan for surveying entire student body. Continue to communicate about and monitor facilities issues that impact access for mobility impaired students. Explore disability etiquette education sessions on campus, possibly making it a part of disability awareness event.
 
Action items: Continue to monitor and track Clearinghouse issues.

Person responsible: all

Deadline: ongoing

Respectfully submitted, Chris Raber, Chair