Office of Disability Services
4400 University Drive, MS 5C9, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
P: 703.993.2474; F: 703.993.4306
Interpreter & Transliterator Policy Guidelines
Mission
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) strives to:
• Promote equal access to students with disabilities in curricular and co-curricular activities
within the university experience.
• Foster partnerships with students, faculty, and staff to create environments that are
accessible, diverse, and inclusive.
• Empower students to fully participate in the university community.
Introduction
This policy is meant to clarify the role and responsibilities of educational wage interpreters
employed by George Mason University (Mason). The interpreter’s primary function at this
institution is to facilitate communication among students, staff and faculty who are D/deaf and
Hard of Hearing with hearing members of the University community. It is each interpreter’s
responsibility to be familiar with the policies and procedures set forth in this document and to
follow them. Failure to adhere to the policies in this document can result in disciplinary action,
up to and including termination of employment.
Legal Mandates
Disability Laws in Postsecondary Education
Individuals with disabilities are entitled by law to equal access to postsecondary programs. There
are two laws that protect persons with disabilities in postsecondary education: The Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (Pub. L. No. 93-112, as amended) and The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.
The Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is generally regarded as the first civil rights legislation on the
national level for people with disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a program
access statute. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity
offered by an entity or institution receiving federal funds.
Section 504
Section 504 states (as amended) “No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United
States…shall, solely on the basis of disability, be denied access to, or the benefits of, or be
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subjected to discrimination under any program or activity provided by any institution receiving
federal financial assistance.” Under Section 504, institutions were required to appoint and
maintain at least one person to coordinate its efforts to comply with the requirements of Section
504. This individual or office has the ongoing responsibility of assuring that the institution
practices nondiscrimination on the basis of disability and should be included in any grievance
procedures developed to address possible instances of discrimination brought against the
institution. At Mason the established office for student services is the Office of Disability
Services, 4400 University Drive, Student Union Building 1, MS 5C9, Fairfax, VA 22030 (703993-2474). In addition, at Mason, a separate ADA/Section 504 coordinator has been appointed
whose duties include issues related to employees with disabilities (inquire at the ODS).
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a federal and civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against people with
disabilities, and covers the following are: employment, state, and local government activities,
public transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications. The ADA provides
additional protection for persons with disabilities in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Act of
1973. The ADA is designed to remove barriers which prevent qualified individuals with
disabilities from enjoying the same opportunities that are available to persons without
disabilities.
Objective
It is the ODS objective to support all auxiliary aid service providers to collaborate with the
department in delivering quality services for D/deaf and hard of hearing students. We believe
that a commitment to communication access, professional development, shared responsibility
and accountability will provide the opportunity for student success.
George Mason University is committed to providing equal opportunity access in higher
education. The Office of Disability Services works to ensure all programs of the University are
accessible to persons with disabilities in the university community. Interpreters and
transliterators serve as important members of the George Mason community because they
facilitate communication between D/deaf and hearing individuals. The valuable and competent
skills they provide enable D/deaf and hard of hearing members of the Mason community to
access communication in a way that would not be possible otherwise.
Access to communication is a guarantee at Mason so that it can meet its obligations under
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990. Interpreters and transliterators are expected to abide by the policies contained in this
handbook. Services to the D/deaf and hard of hearing students, faculty, and staff of Mason will
be provided by wage-earner interpreters and transliterators in an ethical and competent manner at
all times. Interpreters and transliterators are considered employees and not individual
contractors.
The intent of the Interpreter and Transliterator Policy Guidelines is to offer guidelines, clarify
expectations and responsibilities of the interpreter, and give a basic understanding of some of the
objectives, policies and procedures of the Office of Disability Services (ODS). With the general
information presented in this handbook and good judgment, interpreters should have a reliable
guide as to what is expected of them. If you do not understand any of the material or if questions
come up that are not covered here, please contact the coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of
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hearing at 703-993-3601 or 571-230-4353. Contact information for the ODS staff can be found
on the last page of this handbook.
From time to time it may be necessary to update sections of the Interpreter and Transliterator
Policy Guidelines, the ODS interpreters and transliterators will be notified of changes and
updated handbooks will be posted to the website.
For the purpose of space, interpreters and transliterators will simply be referred to as
interpreters for the duration of the policy handbook.
Definitions
a.
Deaf: Deafness generally refers to a physical condition characterized by lack of
sensitivity to sound. Notated as deaf with a lowercase d, this refers to the audiological
experience of someone who is partially or wholly lacking hearing. In legal terms,
deafness is defined by degree of hearing loss. These degrees include profound or total
deafness (90dB-120dB or more of hearing loss), severe (60dB-90dB), moderate (30dB60dB), and mild deafness (10dB-30 dB) of hearing loss).
b. Hard of Hearing: Both severe and moderate deafness can be referred to as partial
deafness or as hard of hearing, while mild deafness is usually called hard of hearing.
c. Transcriber: Transcribers use either meaning-for-meaning software of word-for-word
software to facilitate communication through a computer between a person who is
hearing and a person who is deaf.
d. Sign Language: Sign Language is a language which uses manual communication, body
language, and lip patterns instead of sound to convey meaning-simultaneously combining
hand shapes, orientation and movement of the hands, arms or body, and facial
expressions to fluidly express a speaker’s thoughts.
e. Cued Speech: Visible symbols used to convey cued languages; mouthshape-handshape
pairs and mouth shape-hand placement pairs used to visually represent and distinguish
among the phonemic segments of consonant-vowel languages; These visual symbols are
assembled to form morphemes and are modulated to provide grammatical, semantic, and
prosodic information; These symbols function analogously to the acoustic symbols
(speech) used to convey spoken languages and the visible symbols (hand shape, hand
orientation, hand location, hand movement and hold parameters) used to convey signed
languages (Fleetwood & Metzger, 2010).
f. Computer Assisted Real-Time Captioning (CART): With CART, all auditory speech is
"captioned" live for D/deaf and hard of hearing clients. In fact, it can be thought of as
captioning for non-broadcast settings. The captioning may be on a small screen that can
be read only by one D/deaf person. Or the CART captions can be displayed on an
overhead (for a small group), broadcast on a large screen, on the internet, or broadcast via
satellite.
g. Notetakers: Volunteers from the class in which the student is enrolled who will write
down the major points of the class discussion or lecture.
Ethics
Interpreters employed by George Mason University will abide by the seven tenets of the National
Association of the Deaf (NAD) and Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID) code of
professional conduct as found on the RID website at http://rid.org/ethics/code/index.cfm. All
information regarding the assignment shall be kept confidential. The highest ethical conduct is
expected all times.
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Tenets
1. Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential information.
2. Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific
interpreting situation.
3. Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting
situation.
4. Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.
5. Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.
6. Interpreters maintain ethical business practices.
7. Interpreters engage in professional development.
When in doubt, interpreters should refer to the specific language of the tenets.
Interpreters are expected to adhere to the NAD-RID Code of Ethics.
If interpreters would like to refer to a more expanded explanation of the tenets, they can refer to
http://www.rid.org/UserFiles/File/NAD_RID_ETHICS.pdf on the RID website.
Certification and Qualifications
The ODS attempts to fill assignments with qualified interpreters in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Interpreters must provide the ODS with a copy of their current
credentials.
Preferred Qualifications:
• National certification from the National Association of the Deaf and the Registry of
Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (NAD-RID)
• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Five years of verifiable interpreting experience in higher education
Minimum Qualifications:
• Certification RID-NIC, or
• Attainment of Virginia State Quality Assurance Screening Level II or higher with
eligibility for certification from RID-NIC,
• Five years of verifiable and professional interpreting experience to include educational
setting,
• Diploma from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalency diploma.
• Reciprocity from state to state will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Hiring procedure
The ODS strives to provide quality access to all programs and services of the university. In the
area of communication access, we endeavor to use the most qualified interpreters. When hiring,
the ODS will conduct an in-office screening. The ODS will generally contact interpreters based
on certification and skill set, starting with those nationally certified, continuing with VQAS
levels IV-II.
Mason is an equal employment opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. It is the policy to
maintain or promote equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race,
color, sex or age (except where sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification), religion,
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disability, national origin, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or
other non-merit factors.
Scheduling
Interpreters are assigned to classes/events or activities on the basis of area of expertise,
experience, and method of communication requested by the student/client. In order to provide
appropriate and professional interpreting services, the following guidelines have been
established:
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The ODS attempts to assign interpreters based on individual student/client needs,
language modality and availability of the appropriate resources.
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The ODS has no control over students adding, dropping, or withdrawing from classes.
Scheduled hours may change at any time.
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Students drop and add courses during the registration process. We ask that interpreters be
patient with this process. Any changes should be communicated to the coordinator as soon
as possible.
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Some classes, because of the length or other factors, may at the onset look as if they
require one interpreter. However after the first few classes, it may be obvious that support
is needed. It is the responsibility of the interpreter to inform the coordinator for the D/deaf
and hard of hearing of this situation. At this point the coordinator will determine if it
would be best to provide a team. In the event that a team is placed and it becomes obvious
that only one interpreter is needed, it is the responsibility of the interpreters to inform the
coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing of this situation. At this point the
coordinator will determine what provisions will be best.
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Although students/clients may discuss needs for services with interpreters, all requests for
interpreters must be made to and assigned by the ODS.
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If there are changes in locations, schedules (including student “no-shows”), or interpreting
demands, please notify the coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing as soon as
possible.
Team Interpreting
Due to duration or intensity, some classes may require two interpreters. The purpose of team
interpreting is to provide the consumer with quality services throughout the duration of an
assignment. Interpreters are expected to remain at and working in the assignment for the
duration. If an interpreter finds that s/he will be alone during a teamed assignment, the ODS will
pay the interpreter at a rate of time and one-half starting after the first hour of the assignment and
for the duration that is worked alone. The ODS must be notified within 24 hours that the team
interpreter did not arrive for the assignment.
The ODS is committed to ensuring a reasonable working environment for interpreters. In most
cases when there are back-to-back classes or a class that lasts longer than one and one quarter,
two qualified interpreters may be scheduled to work as a team.
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The ODS recognizes that team interpreters support one another on assignments, equally
distribute the task of interpreting between both members, and at all times are attentive and ready
to feed information to each other when needed for the duration of the assignment.
At all times, both interpreters are “on duty” and should not take care of personal business until
there is a break with the exception of an emergency. While one interpreter is signing/voicing, the
other interpreter should be attentive, supportive, and ready to feed information when needed.
Cues for requesting assistance should be agreed upon prior to the start of the assignment.
Interpreters should switch according to either an agreed upon time by the team interpreters or
natural breaks.
If a class is longer than an hour and 15 minutes and requires a team, and the ODS has not been
able to find a team interpreter, the interpreter may then request to take a break. Please clarify this
with the faculty member and the student/client as needed.
Electronic Devices
Interpreters should take care of personal business at times other than during assignments with the
ODS. Because wireless devices or electronic devices can interfere with the quality of interpreting
services and disrupt the setting, interpreters are expected to turn off their devices and set their
wireless phones to inaudible rings (or turn it off if this option is not available) during the
assignment. Interpreters may use their electronic devices during break, all other times during the
assignment is not permitted.
Assignments that Last Longer than Scheduled
The ODS coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing schedules interpreters for the entire
class period. If an instructor continues past the designated time, or if a student needs to speak to
the instructor after class, the interpreter may stay if her/his schedule allows. If the time goes over
the scheduled class time, inform the coordinator. Interpreters must notify the ODS within 24
hours so that the additional time can be verified for payroll purposes. If the interpreter’s schedule
does not permit, s/he may leave at the end of the scheduled time and should inform the
instructor, consumer and the coordinator of the situation.
Interpreter Meetings with the Coordinator
Group meetings with interpreters may be held annually. These meetings are mandatory for any
interpreter who wishes to maintain a schedule of interpreting classes. The interpreter will be
compensated for these meetings at Mason’s hourly rate. Two hour minimum does not apply in
this circumstance.
Compensation
Interpreters are paid according to wage-earner guidelines set by the director of the ODS, Human
Resources and the dean of student life. Wage-earner salary decisions are non-negotiable. Wageearner positions are considered as at-will employees.
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Timesheets
Timesheets will be completed by the interpreters in a timely fashion in accordance with Human
Resource established deadlines. Timesheets must be filled out online using the G number
assigned to the individual by Human Resources at http://patriotweb.gmu.edu .
The first time that the user logs into Patriot Web the user must enter his/her G number (including
the G) and their six digit date of birth (MM-DD-YY). The user will be prompted to create a
password and will be provided with a user ID which also serves as the Mason e-mail address.
Subsequent visits to the Patriot Web site will require only the new User ID and the user created
password. Problems with logging onto the system should be resolved by contacting the ITU
Support Center. Their number is 703-993-8870.
Other problems with payment can be resolved by calling Mason’s Human Resource Department
at 703-993-2600.
It is the interpreter’s responsibility to fill out the timesheets correctly. If there are any questions,
the interpreter should feel free to contact the coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing at
703-993-3601. Submitting timesheets filled out incorrectly or turned in late might result in a
delay in remittance of payment.
Mason pays via direct deposit only.
Late Timesheets
Late timesheet submissions are strongly discouraged because they require the coordination of
several departments to remit payment. Late timesheet submissions require that the interpreter fill
out a paper timesheet which can be found at http://hr.gmu.edu/forms/CorrectedTimeWage.pdf. If
the interpreter does not meet the established deadline, there is a possibility that the employee
may not be paid on time.
The form must be faxed, emailed, mailed or dropped off at the Office of Disability Services
located in the Student Union Building I, Suite 2500. The fax number is 703-993-4306. This
timesheet must be approved by either the coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing or the
director of the ODS prior to processing.
Reporting Hours
The interpreter may only bill for the actual time s/he was present on an assignment. If the
interpreter arrived to the assignment late, the interpreter must document his/her actual arrival
time and deduct this time accordingly on the timesheet.
Arranging with a team member to leave early or arrive late and billing for the time in its entirety
is unacceptable. Upon doing so without approval from the ODS, the interpreter will not be
allowed to bill for the full amount of time for that assignment.
As an interpreter, the university has reserved time for the minimum of two hours. There may be
questions or discussion after class/events which students/clients may need access. Interpreters are
required to stay on assignment until the end of two hours or until dismissed by the student/client.
For example, if the interpreter is scheduled for a class running from 3:00 -4:15, the interpreter is
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required to stay past 4:15 and until 5:00 p.m. if needed. Interpreters should not make other
commitments that would force them to leave Mason assignments early, or accept an assignment
if they know they must leave early. This is not applicable for those scheduled for back to back
Mason classes.
After the two hour minimum, the interpreter may bill to the half-hour; however upon instances
when must deductions must be made, the interpreter may do so in quarter hour increments. For
example, if the assignment runs from 3:00 pm - 5:15 the interpreter may bill 2.5 hours. If the
interpreter accepts an assignment running from 9:00 – 4:00 but arrived at 9:15, s/he will bill for
6.75 hours instead of 7 hours. In the event an assignment is cancelled with less than 24 hours’
notice, the interpreter may still bill for the hours originally accepted but did not work due to the
cancellation.
Announcements in class are considered notice. Interpreters should also ask the professor for a
class syllabus, and any classes noted in the syllabus as canceled should be considered as notice.
All cancellations must be reported to the coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing. Failure
to report class cancellations may result in termination of job duties.
If 24 hours’ notice of a class cancellation is not possible, the interpreter will be paid for the
assignment; however, if a documented good faith effort to contact the interpreter at least 24
hours in advance is made and the ODS is still unable to contact her/him; the interpreter will not
be paid for the assignment.
If the interpreter is working consecutive assignments, the interpreter may bill for the time on
campus if it is an hour or less from the ending time of the first assignment to the starting time of
the second assignment, and so on. There may be extenuating circumstances when this may be
amended by the coordinator and will require approval upon change.
Misrepresenting time worked is considered stealing and will result in immediate action,
possibly suspension or termination of services.
Inclement weather
Occasionally Mason may be closed due to weather conditions. Communication regarding
inclement weather closing can be obtained by calling 703-993-1000 or by text message if
enrolled in alert.gmu.edu. In this situation, interpreters will be paid their rate as long as the
cancellation occurred less than 24 hours prior to the assignment.
Messages/Exchange of Information
It is the responsibility of interpreters who work for Mason to provide updated contact
information to the coordinator to facilitate communication. If your email address, pager, home,
or wireless number changes in the interim, please notify the coordinator.
Student tardiness, cancellations and “no-shows”:
Interpreters are required to wait 20 minutes. After waiting the allotted time, interpreters should
immediately notify the coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing of student “no show,”
class cancellations or persistent tardiness.
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If the interpreter is directly notified by the student of an imminent absent, the interpreter must
report this to the coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing immediately. Failure to do so in
a timely manner may result in a non-payment for the assignment.
Interpreters working evenings and weekends may consider exchanging contact information with
students (if mutually agreed upon) so that students may also notify interpreters of an absence
prior to class.
Interpreter Absences, Interpreter Substitutions and Class Cancellation
Although interpreters will be expected to fill every assignment consistently throughout the
semester to which they have committed, occasionally situations may warrant the need for
cancellation due to issues that arise out of their control. When these situations occur, it is
required that the interpreter contact the coordinator immediately. For emergencies, notify the
coordinator as soon as possible at 571-230-4353. Texts can also be sent. When leaving a
message please specify interpreter and student name, date and all pertinent class information.
When a substitute is needed, the interpreter is responsible for making a formal request via email.
The ODS office needs to receive notice at least 48 hours in advance.
The ODS will be responsible for finding all substitutes.
As interpreters know, it is critical to provide services in a professional manner, which includes,
but is not limited to, maintaining a commitment to accepted assignments. If an interpreter
consistently cancels assignments, is tardy, absent, or has interpersonal conflicts with the student,
it can have an adverse effect on the student’s educational performance. Nonetheless, the ODS
realizes that sometimes changes are necessary to accommodate emergencies or other related
complications and is willing to work with interpreters through situations. The ODS coordinator
for D/deaf and hard of hearing, however, reserves the right to remove an interpreter from any
assignment at any time.
Interpreter/Student Interaction
As an ODS interpreter, interaction will take place with students, faculty, staff and the
community. Relationships with a variety of people will inevitably develop, and positive
professional relationships and networking within the profession are strongly encouraged;
however, certain personal relationships with students are unacceptable within the context of a
working relationship.
Interpreters will not be placed in assignments that could threaten to compromise their
commitment to the Code of Professional Conduct. Examples of this include, but are not limited
to, interpreting for family members and romantic interests. Interpreters should not have
conversations with D/deaf students or other students during class time. Visitation should be done
before and after the class. If another student in the class asks for information about what the
interpreter is doing, the interpreter should politely inform the student that s/he is not able to
discuss it during class, but could answer before or after the class. When answering questions
from faculty and other students about interpreting, the interpreter should provide only general
information, keeping in mind the importance of confidentiality regarding the student who is
D/deaf. Always refer faculty to the ODS for further information.
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Interpreters should be careful when talking with students (both D/deaf and hearing) before and
after class. Interpreters should not discuss anything related to class. Comments made may
influence the students’ class work and/or their original ideas. As a result, the work the students
provide may not be 100% their own.
Interpreting Videos
The ODS is making every effort to ensure that increasing numbers of videos on campus are
captioned. If a video is captioned the interpreter is not responsible for interpreting the video. If
the video is not captioned, the interpreter is responsible for interpreting the video to the best of
her/his ability.
The interpreter should refer the professor to the ODS for information on accommodations for
videos. Captioning films on campus is a very lengthy process. Interpreters should not give the
impression that a video can be captioned in a short amount of time. Interpreters should inform
the ODS of any concerns related to videos in the classroom as soon as possible.
Preparation
Interpreters are expected to prepare for assignments as part of their professional responsibility.
Professors may have access to PowerPoint, Blackboard or notes prior to class. The interpreter is
asked to procure such documents by pro-actively communicating with the professor. Mason does
not offer compensation for prep-time.
Dress Code
As employees of Mason, interpreters are expected to dress in a manner fit with an institution of
higher learning. Business casual is the expected style of dress for interpretation assignments.
Although there is no formal dress code at Mason, the ODS supports the NAD-RID code of ethics
regarding appropriate and professional dress. This does not include sweats, shirts with holes,
miniskirts, mini shorts, spaghetti straps, or jeans that are worn out, have holes, or are frayed in
any manner. Interpreters should wear clothing that contrast with skin color and is not distracting.
Students of Concern
Occasionally an interpreter might interpret for students who pose a danger to themselves or
others. Interpreters, as employees of the university, are required to report this student to the
coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing services so that the proper procedures can be
handled.
Faculty and staff members who are concerned about a student may feel comfortable talking with
the interpreter about their concerns. Interpreters are to remain in their role and suggest that the
faculty and/or staff member report the student according to the university’s normal protocol.
Occasionally, an interpreter may feel uncomfortable interpreting for a particular student. Please
bring all such concerns to the coordinator for D/deaf and hard of hearing services as soon as
possible so that the situation can be resolved.
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First Day of Class
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It is important to start out the semester in an appropriate manner. Here are some
recommendations for the first day of class.
Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early to introduce yourself to the instructor and student.
Ask the student his/her preferred mode of communication.
Use the team approach to best establish preferred placement within the classroom (i.e.
standing by the board, sitting near the desk).
Obtain a syllabus in order to be better prepared.
Solicit feedback from the instructor after the class has been dismissed. Encourage
continued open communication throughout the semester.
Ask for access to Blackboard if applicable.
Communicate any changes in room or instructor to the coordinator promptly.
Interpreter Observations
Interpreters may be observed by the coordinator as needed.
Random observations of each interpreter may take place at various times throughout the course
of the semester. Observations may or may not be announced in advance. The main purpose of
these observations is to observe the classroom dynamics as it pertains to the D/deaf students as
well as to document the interpreter’s attendance, promptness, professionalism, appropriate
placement of assignment and whether the interpreter is staying in his/her role while in the
classroom setting.
Student Grieving Procedure
Students are encouraged to meet with the interpreter and advocate for a positive change before
alerting the coordinator. If this is not successful, the following steps should be taken as soon as
possible by the student.
1. Contact the coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing and explain the grievance.
2. After meeting with the student and going over the complaint, the coordinator for the
D/deaf and hard of hearing will meet with the interpreter to discuss the complaint. The
coordinator will also observe the interpretation. The in-class observations will be
collected to address the complaint. In the event that the coordinator for the D/deaf and
hard of hearing is unable to observe and assess the process, a qualified representative will
be assigned.
3. After the results are collected, the coordinator for the D/deaf and hard of hearing will
meet with the D/deaf student and interpreter separately to inform him or her about the
results.
4. If the findings support the student's grievance, the interpreter will be removed as soon as
is reasonable. If the findings differ from the student's complaint and resolution is not
immediate, the interpreter will remain and proceed as the process continues.
Interpreter abuse
The ODS respects our interpreters and does not tolerate abuse towards an interpreter while they
are interpreting at Mason. If a client or consumer treats an interpreter in a way that makes
him/her uncomfortable, please contact the ODS as soon as possible so this problem can be
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resolved. In the same way, the ODS expects professional and ethical behavior from our
interpreters and tolerates no unethical or unprofessional behavior from the ODS’s interpreters.
Sometimes personalities conflict and the ODS understands this and does our best to not match
interpreters with consumers or other interpreters they have conflicts with, if we are made aware
of them. We also have an expectation of professionalism from our consumers, clients and
interpreters. If there is a personality conflict on an assignment, please attempt to resolve the
conflict or work through it and inform the ODS as soon as possible. The ODS will do our best to
resolve it in a professional manner while remaining non-bias. If the conflict is with a student,
faculty or staff member, the ODS expects to be informed immediately so that we can be aware of
the concerns and work with all parties involved to resolve them in a professional manner.
Consumer Relations (Interpreter issues with Students)
If issues arise, interpreters should share their concerns directly with the student. If the issues are
significant, such as the ability to meet the requirements of the assignment or the assignment
presents unusual demands, please notify the coordinator immediately. The ODS will attempt to
resolve the problem with as little interference to the assignment as possible.
Problem Resolution Procedure
Employees who believe they have a valid work-related problem or who would like advice and
counsel are encouraged to discuss problems with the ODS coordinator without fear of reprisal. It
is company policy that no employee will be penalized for submitting a complaint or problem. If
the coordinator cannot resolve the situation, interpreters should request a meeting with the
associate director of the ODS. Every reasonable effort should be made to resolve the matter at
the coordinator level before escalating to the next level of management.
If the employee believes that the problem has not been resolved at this level, the problem may be
addressed at the next level of management. This should be done in writing and should include
the employee's name, work address, a summary of the problem, the date(s) of occurrence, the
name(s) of individual(s) involved (if any), and the names and titles of witnesses, if any. The
director will then repeat the process above. Should an interpreter continue to be dissatisfied with
the outcome, s/he may refer to http://hr.gmu.edu/handbook/grievance/resolving.php for
procedures on dealing with workplace conflicts.
Problems involving issues of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, or marital status
should be resolved by including Human Resources (hr@gmu.edu) and/or the Office of Equity
and Diversity (703) 993-8730.
Due Process
If the ODS receives a complaint about an interpreting situation from students, faculty or staff, the
coordinator will meet with the interpreter involved. If a complaint about the same problem is
reported more than once, the interpreter involved will meet with the coordinator and the
associate director. If this specific complaint continues, the decision may be made to terminate the
interpreter’s services. Depending on the nature or seriousness of the complaint, a decision may
be made to terminate services at an earlier stage in this process.
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Termination
Interpreters who do not adhere to the standards of the profession and/or university policies are
subject to termination. In cases of termination, the ODS is obligated to pay the interpreter for
work performed only up to the date of termination.
Employment as an interpreter at Mason is “at will”. Interpreters can be released from the employ
of Mason without notice.
Parking
Parking for Mason employees is done on a system of parking passes which can be purchased
from the parking office. All employees of Mason are responsible for the cost of parking. Further
information on parking at Mason can be found at parking.gmu.edu. Public transportation is also
available from the Vienna metro station and a transfer to a CUE bus or George Mason University
shuttle.
George Mason University will not absorb the cost or reimburse in part for parking fees or
mileage. This includes time for traveling portal to portal.
References
Fleetwood, Earl, M.A. & Melanie Metzger, Ph.D. “In No Uncertain Terms, You Saw It Here
First.” http://www.language-matters.com/first.php3. Web. 30 April 2010.
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Office of Disabilities Services Contact Information
Linn Jorgenson, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean of Students/Director, Office of Disability Services
4400 University Drive, MS 5C9
Student Union Building I, Suite 2500
Fairfax VA 22030
Office Hours: Vary according to appointment schedule
O: 703.993.2474
F: 703.993.4306
E: ljorgen2@gmu.edu
Jane Bennett, M.A.
Associate Director
4400 University Drive, MS 5C9
Student Union Building I, Suite 2500
Fairfax VA 22030
Office Hours: Vary according to appointment schedule
O: 703.993.2474
F: 703.993.4306
E: jbenne15@gmu.edu
Aja Puopolo
Coordinator, Deaf & Hard of Hearing
4400 University Drive, MS 5C9
Student Union Building I, Suite 2500
Fairfax VA 22030
Office Hours: Vary according to interpreting needs
O: 703.993.3601
F: 703.993.4306
C: 571.230.4353 (Voice and text-24 hours)
E: apuopolo@gmu.edu
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This interpreter handbook has been prepared for your information and understanding of
the policies, philosophies, and practices and benefits of the ODS. Please read it carefully. Upon
completion of your review of this handbook, sign the statement below, and return it to your
supervisor.
I, ______________________________, have received and read a copy of Interpreter &
Transliterator Policy Guidelines which outlines the goals, policies, procedures and expectations
of George Mason University, as well as my responsibilities as an at-will employee.
I have familiarized myself with the contents of the Interpreter & Transliterator Policy
Guidelines. By my signature below, I acknowledge, understand, accept and agree to comply with
the information contained in the Interpreter & Transliterator Policy Guidelines provided to me by
The Office of Disability Services at George Mason University. I understand this is not intended
to cover every situation which may arise during my employment, but is simply a general guide to
the goals, policies, procedures, practices and expectations of the ODS.
Employee Signature: __________________________________________________________
Employee Printed Name: _______________________________________________________
G#__________________________________ Date: _________________________________
Revised: 06/2013
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