SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY COLLEGE
DISABLED STUDENTS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
SERVICES TO DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS
STUDENT HANDBOOK
DRAFT
SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY COLLEGE
DISABLED STUDENTS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
INFORMATION SHEET FOR HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS
As a Hard-of-Hearing student who does not use an interpreter, you have special needs that
need to be addressed. Our department is here to assist you so you can have the best
opportunity for success possible as you obtain your education. We find that many students
with a hearing impairment are not aware of the services that are available here on campus.
Therefore, we are providing you with this Handbook, which we hope will be of assistance to
you.
In addition to the services that are listed in the Handbook, we now have FM listening systems
installed in two of our large lecture halls for use by students who can benefit from them.
Please come into the Disabled Students Programs and Services office for information on how
to make use of this service. We also have Assistive Listening Devices available to check out
at D.S.P.&S., for individual use in the classroom. Someone from our department will be
happy to explain the use of these devices to you and the instructor, if you wish.
Another accommodation we have available for students who do not use interpreters is Real
Time Captioning. This involves a specially trained person coming into the classroom with a
computer and monitor setup so you can read word for word what the instructor is saying.
You are then provided with a copy of the notes provided on disk. If you use this service, you
are still expected to attend classes regularly. If you are unable to attend class, please inform
the office 24 hours in advance, if possible, so the service can be suspended until you are able
to return to class.
Closed Captioned videos are also available. We are currently in the process of making
Closed Captioning available on each videotape that is used here on campus. Please be
patient with us as we work on completing that project. You can certainly ask your instructor
if the videotapes he or she plans to use during the course of the class are Closed Captioned.
Closed Caption decoders are available through the Audio-Visual Department.
Although the Handbook has many issues related to those who use sign language interpreters,
most of the information is designed to be used by all persons with a hearing impairment.
Please do not hesitate to come into the office and discuss your needs and concerns. We are
here to assist you in any way we can.
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STUDENT HANDBOOK
Contents
Information Sheet for Hard of Hearing Students
2
Staff and Faculty List
4
Registration Checklist
5
List of Services
6
How to Get Services You Need
6
Other Campus Services
9
Student Services
10
Helpful Suggestions
10
Using the Services of an Interpreter
12
Student Responsibilities
13
Student Rights
15
College Policies
15
Student Agreement
22
Self-Knowledge is Power
23
How to Benefit From Notes
25
Test-Taking Strategies
26
How Does it Work?
28
Student Notes
29
3
San Bernardino Valley College
Disabled Students Programs and Services
Staff and Faculty
(909) 384-4443
Main Office
Extension
Rebeccah Warren-Marlatt
Department Head
8663
Michelle Crocfer
Program Assistant
8668
Marty Milligan
Learning Disability Specialist
8949
Ann Klein
Teaching Assistant, Reading
8746
Learning Disability Program
Academic Services and Accommodations
Muriel Armstead
Coordinating Assistant
8669
Reginald Metu
Alternate Media Specialist
8277
Christine Jeune
Media Aide
8818
Jim Mottl
ACT Specialist
8818
Kelly Hill
Media Aide
8818
High Tech Training Center
Deaf Services
Diana Holmes
Lead Interpreter
Deaf Services
8775
TDD 888-2357
Interpreters
Debbie Barber, Renahlee Crow, Jeff Hamm, Luz Howard, Jennifer Ingalls,
Ben Jauregui, Mary Myers, Kelly Payne, Norma Santos, Joan Sentieri,
Catherine Solorzano, Diana Stirn, Savannah VanKummer
Adapted Physical Education
Cindy Runyon
Associate Professor
4
8582
REGISTRATION CHECKLIST DSP&S CC 101
______ File SBVC Admission Application in A-106.
______ Take SBVC Assessment Test. Date_________
______ File a Fee Waiver (BOGG) application at Financial Aid in CC 211.
* Have parents complete and sign it if you live with your parents. If you
receive SSI/SSA you are called an independent student.
* Provide a copy of your parent’s tax return if they claim you as a
dependent. Otherwise, bring a copy of your own tax return.
* If you receive SSI or SSA, get a letter from Social Security to prove that
you are receiving it now. It must be dated within the last two months.
* If you receive AFDC (Welfare) or General Relief, get a letter from your
social worker to prove it.
______ File a Federal Financial Aid Application if you are taking 6 units or more.
Complete the application and send it in the envelope with the application.
______ Call your Rehabilitation counselor and discuss:
* Enrollment Fees and Textbook/Supplies Voucher.
* Parking fee (optional) $20 for semester, $35 for the year.
* Student Body Card Fee (you decide if you want), $5 for each semester.
______ Make an appointment with DSP&S for intake and advisement
Date__________ Time____________ Where______________
If possible, bring proof that you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Or, bring
the name, address, and phone number of the agency, doctor, school,
audiologist, VR counselor, or other person who can prove your disability.
This information is needed for the Consent for Release of Information form.
______ Register by telephone on or after your registration date and time. If you
need help with telephone registration, come into the office and ask for the
Lead Interpreter.
Date___________ (Class schedule books are free at the Bookstore).
IMPORTANT! After you register by telephone, you should be sure
payment or fee authorization is received at the campus within 5 working
days. If you do not do this, you will be dropped from all of your classes.
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.
WELCOME TO SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY COLLEGE!
We are here to serve you and help you succeed in college.
After you have finished with your admission to San Bernardino Valley College, you are ready to
register. Please be sure you have finished all of the list on page 4. If you need help with
registration, the Lead Interpreter or someone else can help you. Now that you are in college, you
can get services that will help you succeed. Here is a list of services for Deaf and Hard of
Hearing students here on campus:
1.
Sign language interpreters
2.
Oral interpreters
3.
NCR paper for note takers
4.
Counseling to help you with deciding which classes to take or help you with
problems
5.
Assistive Listening Devices
6.
TTY number is (909) 888-2357 to leave a message or get information
7.
Referral to the Department of Rehabilitation
8.
Closed Captioned videos through the Audio-Visual Department
9.
Priority registration, help with registration
10.
Tutoring programs
11.
Testing accommodations
HOW TO GET SERVICES YOU NEED
INTERPRETERS
Go to the Disabled Students Programs and Services (D.S.P.&S.) office in Campus Center (CC)
101. Fill out an Interpreter Request Form and include your class schedule so an interpreter can be
scheduled for you. You may see the Lead Interpreter or the Program Assistant. If you need an
oral interpreter, you can do the same thing, but please write that you need an oral interpreter on
the form. Interpreters are available for all semesters.
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NCR PAPER
Go to the D.S.P.&S. office and ask the Program Assistant or Student Assistants for NCR paper.
The NCR paper is two papers stuck together, so when someone writes on the top paper, the
bottom paper makes a copy. You can give it to the person who will be taking notes for you. If
you run out of NCR paper, you can ask someone to make copies of the notes at the office. You
may ask for more paper when you need it. It is a good idea to have extra NCR paper with you at
all times, so you can ask for another note taker if your regular note taker is absent.
COUNSELING
You may get counseling to help you to choose your major and plan your class schedule either at
the D.S.P.&S. office or at the Counseling Center in the Administration Building. Please set up an
appointment and then fill out an Interpreter Request Form. Ask someone in the office to give it to
the Lead Interpreter. An interpreter will be scheduled for you. It is very important to get help
from a counselor to help you choose your classes, so you do not take the wrong classes, or take
too many hard classes at the same time. The counselor can help you choose the classes that will
satisfy the requirements for your goal, or major, so you do not waste your time.
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES
If you are Hard of Hearing, and you need extra amplification in the classroom, D.S.P.&S. has
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD’s) that you can use. You will need to see the Program
Assistant to borrow the ALD for your classes. If you do not know how to use one, someone will
teach you. If the batteries are dead, you can bring it back to the office to get the batteries charged.
TTY
The phone number for the TTY is (909) 888-2357. Please use the TTY number to leave a
message if you will have to be absent from your class so the interpreter can be informed. You
may call this number any time to leave a message, or use CRS to call the main office. The main
office number is (909) 384-4443. There is a public phone TTY in the breezeway of the Business
Building that you may use to make personal calls.
REFERRAL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION
If you need help with school expenses and you need a job now or when you finish school, you
can apply for services with the Department of Rehabilitation. The Department of Rehabilitation
(V.R.) is there to give you services that will help you get training for a job and then get one. If
you need to know where to find the Department of Rehabilitation, you can ask someone in the
D.S.P.&S. office. Important! Sometimes it takes many months to get services from V.R., so if
you will need services in the future, it is a good idea to sign up now.
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CLOSED CAPTION VIDEOS
The Audio-Visual Department has televisions with closed caption decoders and also some videos
with closed captioning. If you find out that your teacher will be showing a video in class, you can
ask if it is closed captioned, and ask to have the TV set up for closed caption.
PRIORITY REGISTRATION, HELP WITH REGISTRATION
D.S.P.&S. has priority registration dates before regular registration starts. That means that
students who are receiving services from the Disabled Students Programs and Services office can
register before the other students on campus. This helps you get the classes you want. If you do
not register on these special dates, and you wait until the last minute, you may not get the classes
you want, or you may have trouble getting an interpreter for your first class meeting. If you
cannot hear on the phone, you can ask for help with phone registration, or register on-line. Please
be sure you have someone in the office give a copy of your class schedule to the Lead Interpreter,
so you can have an interpreter scheduled for your classes.
TUTORING SERVICES
San Bernardino Valley College has tutoring services available for all students. If you think you
will need tutoring, you should sign up for the program that is best for you at the beginning of the
semester. If you put it off, it may be hard for you to catch up with your class. If you ask for an
interpreter for tutoring ahead of time, an interpreter will be scheduled to go with you to the
tutoring meetings.
The STAR program offers tutoring for Reading, Writing, English, and Math. The STAR Program
office is in the Liberal Arts (LA) building, room 204. At the beginning of each semester, there is
an orientation meeting, so you can go in and sign up for tutoring services for that semester. The
staff at the STAR Program can tell you if you qualify for services there.
The Learning Center at LA 206 has a tutoring program that has tutors for all levels of Math,
Accounting, American Sign Language, Biology 140, 250, 251, 260, 261, 270, Chemistry 101,
150, 151, 212, Spanish 015, 101, 102, 103, 160 A & B, Physics, and Pharmacy Calculations.
They also do limited tutoring in English. The Learning Center has computers available that you
can use to do your homework. You will need to bring your own disk and you will have to pay for
each page you print.
The Writing Center at LA 201 has tutors to help you with writing for your English, Reading, and
Writing classes.
Disabled Students Programs and Services Academic Support Services has tutors for Reading,
Writing, and Math. Please see the Academic Support Services Coordinator for tutoring
schedules. You will find the office in Campus Center 101, which is the D.S.P.&S. office. The
High Tech Center at D.S.P.&S. has assistance available for computer classes. The are special
software programs available there that are specially designed to help people with disabilities. If
you need special help, please ask the Lead Interpreter to introduce you to the technicians at the
High Tech Center.
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The Technical Building has a Learning Center for students who are enrolled in the various
technical classes, like Automotive Technology, Aeronautics, Inspection Technology, Electrical
or Electronics, Machinist Technology, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and Welding
Technology. The Technical Learning Center is located in T 100. Some tutoring is available there,
as well as software for Automotive, Air Frame and Power Plant, and Electronics. The Teaching
Assistant tutors Tecalc and Electronics, and some English.
TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have a disability that makes it hard for you to take tests in the classroom, or you need more
time to take your tests, you can go to the D.S.P.&S. office and speak with the Academic Support
Services Coordinator. You will need to fill out a Testing Accommodations Request Form before
the test and have your instructor sign it. Please do not wait until the last minute to ask for testing
accommodations. You need to have the request in the Academic Support Services office 5 days
before your test, so plans can be made to have a place for you to take your test.
WHERE TO FIND OTHER CAMPUS SERVICES YOU MAY NEED
Admissions and Registration
A 106
Bookstore
CC 108
Cal Works
A 210
Career Center
CC 215
Counseling
A 111
EOPS/CARE
CC 201
Financial Aid
CC 203
Health Services
WG 9
Learning Center
LA 206
Police
CC 106
Records office
A 109
Student Activities
CC 201
Student Assistance Program
CC 107
Transfer Center
A 112
Work Experience
CC 215
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Student Services
Art Gallery: The art gallery has 10 to 16 exhibits each year. If you are interested in art, be sure
you visit there often. It is open from 10:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during the
Spring and Fall semesters.
Associated Students: The Associated Students is the official governance body that represents all
students at San Bernardino Valley College. If you are interested in becoming involved, you can
apply for various student government positions or run for office. Each semester during
registration, you are welcome to buy an AS card, which gives you discounts in the bookstore,
free admission to athletic events, and discounts at local businesses, or movies. The AS office is
in the Campus Center, room 202.
Athletics: Men’s teams include football, basketball, baseball, track, cross-country, golf,
swimming, wrestling, soccer and tennis. Women’s teams are basketball, volleyball, soccer,
swimming, softball, tennis, track, and cross-country. If you want to become involved, contact the
Athletic Director. For men’s sports, the Athletic Director is Steve Smith. For women, the
Director is Leslie Williams.
Bookstore: The Bookstore is on the lower level in the Campus Center. You can buy books and
supplies you will need while attending college here.
Campus Child Development Center: This is a licensed facility that serves children from 9 months
to 5 years old. The parents of children cared for here must be full-time students at SBVC. They
must also attend a Parent Education class and participate in the Center three hours a week.
Career Center: The Career Center is on the upper level of the Campus Center. They have job
announcements and they help students to find jobs either on campus or in the community. They
also have workshops to help you with job search skills. If you are a client of the Department of
Rehabilitation, you will be eligible for the services of the Workability III program, which helps
you with job development and job seeking skills. You can go into the Career Center and ask
about the program.
Clubs and Organizations: There is a wide variety of clubs and organizations on campus.
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS
 You must have a parking permit to park anywhere on campus. You can buy your parking
permit at the Campus Police office, in CC 106.
 When you get a Board of Governor’s Grant (BOGG) from Financial Aid, you still must pay a
$1.00 Student Representation fee. If you do not pay this or other fees within 5 days after you
register for classes, the computer will drop all of your classes. That means that you will have
to register again for the classes that you want.
 When you get a BOG or a Pell Grant, you only need to apply once each year, in the Fall
semester. If you start school in the Spring or Summer and you apply for financial aid then,
10
you still have to apply the next Fall. Please see the section on Financial Aid for more
information.
 If you are a new student transferring from another college, you will need to bring your
transcript from the other college with you when you enroll for the first time.
 Be sure you register before classes start. If you wait until classes have already started to
register, you may not be able to have an interpreter. Interpreter schedules are set up before
school starts, so the student will have an interpreter at the beginning of class.
 If V.R. is paying for your classes and books, you need to be sure your Rehabilitation
Counselor has sent the authorization paperwork to D.S.P.&S. to pay for your classes. Also,
V.R. requires you to fill out a Books and Supplies List with the names of the books and
supplies you will need, and the prices. Don’t forget to include the sales tax. Remember that
V.R. helps many students with school, so try to register as early as possible so the paperwork
can be done before school starts.
 If this is your first time in college, it is a good idea to get help with choosing your class
schedule by meeting with a counselor so you do not take too many classes at first. You will
find out that college is much harder than high school, and you will need time to get used to it.
Many people find that it is a challenge at first. Don’t give up! If you need help, you can ask
for it at Disabled Students Programs and Services.
 You will be required to take an assessment test before you start school so you can be placed
in the right level of classes in Reading, English, and Math. This will help you do better in
college.
 You will do best in college if you set goals at the beginning, and try to choose your major
carefully. Counselors can help you with this.
 Try to keep up with your homework every day. If you are having a hard time with your class,
start with tutoring at the beginning. If you get behind in your work, it is very hard to catch
up.
 When you get ready to graduate with your degree or certificate, you need to apply for it six
to eight months before graduation. You can ask a counselor how to apply (petition) for
graduation, or ask the Department Head of your major.
 It is very helpful if you ask someone to take notes for you in your classes. You can ask the
teacher to announce that you need a note taker, and ask for someone to volunteer. Some
students find it helpful to ask two people to write notes for them in each class.
 We have some instructors here at San Bernardino Valley College who have not worked with
Deaf or Hard of Hearing students before. If you have any problems with the instructor, you
can ask your interpreter to interpret for you to try to solve the problem. If you still have the
problem, please come to D.S.P.&S. and ask for help.
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 If you feel left out because of many hearing students and not enough Deaf friends here at
S.B.V.C., come into the Disabled Students office and see if you can meet other Deaf students
who will be happy to help you get used to college and help you with your studies. You are
welcome to come into the Deaf Services office to look at the bulletin board to see about Deaf
events. Other Deaf students will enjoy association with you. You may ask the Lead
Interpreter to introduce you to other Deaf students here on campus, too.
 When you first start college, it is a good idea to sign up for an ACAD 100 class. This will
help you learn good study habits and teach you about the services that are available here on
campus.
 It is very important to come to class the first day. If you wait until after school starts, you
will miss many things in the class. Also, if an interpreter has been assigned to work with you,
and you do not show up, the interpreter may be sent to another class. If the interpreter has
been assigned to another class, you may be stuck.
 You cannot attend classes you are not registered for. If you are interested in a class, you must
register for it. No interpreter will be provided if you are not properly registered.
 If you need help with solving registration problems, you can come to the D.S.P.&S. office
and ask someone to assist you.
USING THE SERVICES OF AN INTERPRETER
Here at San Bernardino Valley College, we try to offer the best interpreting services possible. It
will help you to know what the interpreter’s job is, and how you can use interpreting services to
help you succeed in college. It is a good idea to arrive early on the first day of class so you can
meet your interpreter and have time to get used to him or her.
What the interpreter can and will do
 Translate/interpret from voice to sign. The interpreter will sign what the instructor and
people in the class are saying.
 Translate/interpret sign to voice for the class and the teacher, so you can ask questions and
answer in class.
 Do his or her best to translate/interpret accurately, using signs that you understand and feel
comfortable with.
 Arrive on time.
 Show up for every class or ask for a substitute for that day.
 Go with you for tutoring or other needs you have on campus.
 Sit or stand where you can see him or her clearly.
 Help you understand questions on tests if you need help with that.
 Keep all interpreting assignments confidential. Follow the Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf Code of Ethics carefully.
 If you do not show up for class the interpreter will wait for you for 20 minutes, then go to the
office and inform the Lead Interpreter. The interpreter will write the “no show” in the Deaf
Services book.
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What the interpreter will not do





Do your class work for you.
Give his or her opinion in class.
Help you with answers to your tests
Counsel you about your classes or education.
Interpret for you when you are not involved with college activities. The college only pays for
college sponsored events or classes.
 Advocate for you while serving as an interpreter. Interpreting and advocacy are two different
jobs.
 Become involved in any illegal activities while on campus.
STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Arrive at class on time.

If you want to ask questions or say something in class, raise your hand. When the instructor
calls on you, the interpreter will voice for you.

It is good manners to introduce your interpreter to the professor when you go to class on the
first day. If you forget, the interpreter will introduce himself or herself.

You must do you own homework. The interpreter’s job is to interpret the class for you. If you
need help, you can ask the teacher or sign up for tutoring.

If you have to miss class for some reason, you must call and inform someone in the office, so
the interpreter can be informed. You should do this as soon as you know that you will not be
able to go to class. You can call (909) 888-2357 TTY and leave a message on the answering
machine or you can use C.R.S. and call the main office, (909) 384-4443. The extension for
Deaf Services is 8775.

If you do not go to class three times in a row and you do not call to let D.S.P.&S. know that
you will be absent, interpreting services will be canceled until you come back to the office
and ask for your interpreter to go to class with you. If it seems that you are not coming back,
the interpreter may be sent to interpret for another student, and you may be stuck.

Ask for a tutor and a note taker at the beginning of classes so you don’t get behind in the
class. When you have to miss an appointment, it is your responsibility to cancel it. The
tutoring programs have a rule that if you miss too many appointments, you may not be able
to have tutoring any more, so be careful!

If you need special arrangements for testing, it is your responsibility to fill out a Testing
Accommodations form at D.S.P.&S. five days before the test, and have your teacher sign it if
he or she has special instructions.
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
If your interpreter does not show up or is late to class, please report it to the office as soon as
possible. If there is another interpreter available, that person will be sent to class with you. If
another interpreter cannot go with you, a tape recorder or a note taker will be sent with you.
If a tape recorder is sent to your class, someone will type out the lecture for you, or an
interpreter will interpret the lecture for you later.

If you have a problem with your interpreter, please do not go and talk with other people
before you talk with the interpreter and try to solve the problem between you two. If you
cannot solve the problem, or the interpreter will not listen to you, then talk with the Lead
Interpreter. If you have a hard time understanding the interpreter, please inform the Lead
Interpreter as soon as possible, so you can get an interpreter you can understand. If you have
a problem with the Lead Interpreter, you can go and talk with the Department Head of
D.S.P.&S.

If you have to give an oral report in your class, you need to arrange a time to practice with
your interpreter so he or she can voice for you. You may come to D.S.P.&S. and make a copy
of the report so the interpreter can have a copy to practice with you. Please DO NOT WAIT
UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE to do this. It will take time to practice.

If you change your class schedule, no matter if you add or drop a class, please tell the Lead
Interpreter or the Program Assistant, so arrangements can be made with the interpreter. Also,
please inform someone in the office if there is a change in your classroom number or if the
class will meet in a different place for one day, so the interpreter will know where to go for
the class.

If you register for a class, and you are having trouble with it, try to ask for tutoring, instead
of dropping the class. If you drop the class after the third week of classes, a “W” will appear
on your transcript. Each time you drop a class, it will be put on your transcript. If you are
planning to go to a university, or you are planning a good career, the “W” does not look
good.

It is important to be sure you balance your classes so you do not have too many units or too
many hard classes at the same time. A counselor can help you choose your classes wisely.
This will help you avoid getting discouraged and want to drop out of school.

If you will need an interpreter for some campus activity that is not a class, you need to fill
out an Interpreter Request Form in the D.S.P.&S. office. You need to do this as soon as you
know about the activity, like field trips, special lectures, appointments with counselors, job
fairs, or other needs. If you need an interpreter for a field trip, you need to fill out a request at
least two weeks before you go. Sending an interpreter off campus requires special
paperwork, and time is needed to process it.
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STUDENT RIGHTS
Academic Records
Your rights:
To have your college records kept confidential at all times.
To see your records when you want to. Please see a counselor about this.
You can have any part of your record changed if you feel that something is wrong with it. You
can ask for help to do this.
If you feel that San Bernardino Valley College has not followed the requirements of the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), you can file a complaint. The address is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington. D.C. 20202-4605
College Policies You Need To Know About
Prerequisites/corequisites
Prerequisite means a skill or class that must be finished before you register for a specific class.
You must finish the prerequisite class with a grade of “C” or higher. If there is a prerequisite for
your class, it will be listed in the class schedule. If you do not see it listed with your class, you
will know that it does not have a prerequisite.
A corequisite class is a course you must take at the same time as the class you want, or you must
have already finished it before you register for the class.
A Departmental Advisory means that it is suggested that you take another class that will be
helpful to you before you register for the one you want. It means that the class will help you, but
it is not required.
Credit/No Credit
You will be allowed to take some classes for Credit/No Credit. This means that you will not get a
grade of A, B, or C, but you will either get credit or no credit for taking the class. You must have
a “C” in the class before you can get credit for taking it. Classes that are taken for Credit/No
Credit can have a maximum of 15 units that applies to your graduation. You must apply for
Credit/No Credit before 30% of the class is finished. A No Credit mark is not allowed in your
major area of study. If you change your major after you get the No Credit, you can apply to have
the No Credit rule waived. If you want to apply, go to the Admissions office in the
Administration Building, room 106 and get the form. You need your instructor’s approval before
you can ask for Credit/No Credit grading.
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Incompletes
If you have a real emergency, and your instructor accepts that it is an emergency, and you cannot
finish the class because of the emergency, you can ask for an Incomplete. The teacher must fill
out a form for you . The form explains the requirements for finishing the work before the end of
one year. If the class work is not completed before one year is finished, the “I” will be put on
your transcript. You cannot register in the same class again until the “I” is removed from your
transcript. You get the “I” removed from your transcript by finishing the class work and getting a
grade from the class.
Withdrawals
If you want to stop going to a class, you are responsible to officially drop it. You must fill out an
Add/Drop Form and take it to the Admissions office in the Administration Building, Room 106.
If you do not turn in that form, you will get an “F” on your grade record. If you fill out the form
and drop the class before the class has been meeting for three weeks, you will not get a “W” on
your transcript. If you apply to drop the class after that, the “ W” will be on your transcript. If
you are on probation with the college, or you may be dismissed for some reason, the “W” on
your transcript will be considered when decisions are being made.
Repeated Courses
Most classes can be taken only once. But, if the class is listed in the class schedule book with an
x2, x3, or x4, it can be taken 2, 3 or 4 times.
If you get a grade of D, F, W, or NC, you may take the class one more time. The units you get for
taking the class will only be counted once for your degree or certificate. This will apply no
matter if you take the class here at S.B.V.C. or at another college or university.
If you got a grade of A, B, C, or CR, and you want to take the class again, you must apply and
prove that there is a special situation that makes it necessary to take the class again. You must
receive approval from the Vice President of Student Services and the Scholastic Standards
Committee in order to retake it one time only. The new grade and the units received will not
apply to the Grade Point Average or your degree or certificate.
Final Examinations
Students are required to take the final examinations at the end of the semester in order to get
credit for taking the class. If you are purposely absent from a test or the final examination, you
give up the right to do a make-up test.
Final Grades and Transcripts
You can call for your final grades about four weeks after your class is finished. You can call
(909) 888-1996, or come into the D.S.P.&S. office and ask an interpreter to call for you. If you
owe any money to the college, you will not be able to get the grades until you pay off the money.
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If you need a transcript, you must fill out a form at the Records Office in the Administration
building, Room 109, or write a letter asking for your transcript. If you do not owe money to the
college, you will get the transcript as soon as possible. You can get the first two transcripts free.
After that, you will have to pay a small charge for each transcript.
Probation and Disqualification
Academic Probation
If your Grade Point Average (GPA) is below 2.00 in 12 or more units that you register for, you
may be placed on academic probation. The college will inform you by letter, and it will be on
your grade report. The letter will tell about some reasons why people have problems with school
and some services that can help you improve. You will not be able to register for more classes
until you see a counselor. If you meet with a counselor, he or she can allow you to register. If
your GPA goes above 2.00, the academic probation will be removed. If you want to appeal the
academic probation, you can fill out a Petition for Academic Exception and file it with the
Scholastic Standards Committee.
Progress Probation
A student can be placed on Progress Probation if he or she has registered for 12 units, but 50% of
those units finished with a W, I, or NC. You will get a letter and the information will be on your
grade report. If your Grade Point Average (GPA) is less than 2.00, you will not be able to register
for classes until you have met with a counselor. The Progress Probation will be removed if you
finish your classes with either Credit or a letter grade. If you feel that the Progress Probation is
wrong, you may appeal it by filing a form called “Petition for Academic Exception “ with the
Scholastics Standards Committee.
Academic Disqualification
If you are on Academic Probation or Progress Probation, and you have either
(1) GPA of 2.00 or less in each of three semesters you attend classes,
(2) You have W, I, or NC in 50% or more units you have enrolled in for three semesters,
(3) You have both of the problems in (1) and (2) in three semesters, you may be dismissed for
one semester. If you do not agree with this, you can fill out the form called “Petition for
Academic Exception” and file it with the Academic Standards Committee.
Re-admission After Disqualification (or dismissal)
When you come back to college after you were dismissed for one semester, you can enroll again.
When you register for classes, you will be on probation for one semester. If you finish one
semester and you must stay at a probationary level, (this means if your grades do not improve, or
you drop out of classes again) you could be dismissed for one year.
Academic Renewal
If your grades have not been good for two semesters, but you have worked hard to improve your
grades, you may see a counselor about Academic Renewal. This means that you can apply to
have the poor grades removed from your GPA. This cannot apply to more than 30 semester units.
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The counselor can explain how you can do this. The original classes and grades will not be
removed from your permanent record.
Non-Discrimination Policy
San Bernardino Valley College does not discriminate against any people, no matter what race,
sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability, at any
time. This non-discrimination policy applies to admission, access and treatment in college
programs and activities, including academic admissions, financial aid, educational services and
athletics. This policy applies to applications for employment and employment with the college.
Each person has the right to attend any class he or she chooses, if he or she meets the
requirements for that class. The college does not allow sexual discrimination or sexual
stereotyping in vocational education programs.
If you want to file a discrimination complaint because of race, color, national origin, religion,
sexual orientation, or physical/mental disability, you may contact the Vice President of Student
Services in the Administration Building.
Attendance
You are expected to go to class regularly. It is very important to go to class on the first day. If
you must miss the first week of school, you need to call the college and inform the instructor that
you cannot attend classes, and explain why. If you do not show up for the class, you could be
dropped.
The instructor has the right to drop you if you are absent more than two times for each unit you
are getting for the class. For example: if you are taking a class worth 3 units, and you miss more
than 6 days of classes, the instructor can drop you from the class. He or she is not required to
inform you that you are being dropped from the class.
Financial Aid
You can apply for Financial Aid to help you pay for your classes. It is important to apply for
Financial Aid at least six to eight weeks before classes start. You can apply any time during the
year. The forms for Financial Aid called Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are
available each year in January. You can get the forms from the Financial Aid Office or from the
D.S.P.&S. Office. You need to fill out a new form each year.
Eligibility
You must have either a high school diploma or a GED, or pass a test here at the college. You
must live in the state of California. If you file for Federal Financial Aid or work programs, you
must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
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Financial Aid Programs
* Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOG)
This program is for people who live in California who have a financial need. You will
need a letter from SSI, AFDC, or other proof of income when you apply for a BOG. The letter
has to be from the most recent two months. You will need to fill out a form for the Board Of
Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver or a Free Application for Federal Student Aid application.
* Cal Grant
Cal Grant B: This program is for students entering college, who have not finished more than 16
units or one semester before the time limit. This program is for low income families.
Cal Grant C: Helps pay for vocational training for students from low and middle-income
families. Grades, vocational interests, and ability are considered when a person is chosen for this
grant. If you are planning to go to a four-year college, you cannot get this grant. The deadline for
application for all Cal Grants is March 2 of each year, so a person can get it for the next year.
* Federal Pell Grant Program
This program gives students who are eligible federal grants up to a maximum of $3,125 each
year. How much you get depends on your ability to help pay for your education. There is a
federal formula that they use to decide how much a person gets each year.
* Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This program provides federal grants to people who qualify, up to a maximum of $2,500 each
year. SBVC students who qualify usually get about $500.
* Federal Work Study
This program gives students an opportunity to work part-time during the school year to earn part
of their school expenses.
A Grant is money that is given to you by a government program. You do not have to pay it back
when you finish college.
Progress Requirement
Each student who receives Financial Aid is required to make satisfactory progress in his or her
college classes. At the end of each Spring semester, the Financial Aid office will review all
grades of students who receive Financial Aid, to see if they are making progress in their studies.
If you have any questions, you can ask at the Financial Aid Office.
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CAMPUS SAFETY
College Police and Safety Services
San Bernardino Valley College has police and safety services 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. If
you need to report any serious crimes or illegal activity, you can go to the Campus Police office
in Campus Center 106, or have someone call extension 1222 to report it. While classes are
meeting, the Campus Police Office is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday,
and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. After office hours, you can call the San Bernardino City School
Police at (909) 388-6130, or call (909) 384-4400, extension 1222, and an officer will be sent out
to help you. For life-threatening emergencies, you can pick up the emergency phone in any
building on campus. It is hooked up with the college police. Or, you can ask someone to call
(909) 384-4400, extension 1222.
Parking Rules
You must have a parking permit or daily pass to park in all parking lots on campus. To park in
disabled parking spaces, you must have a Handicapped parking permit from the Department of
Motor Vehicles, and your college parking permit. If you need a daily parking permit, you may get
them from the machines in parking lots #6, #8, and on College Drive. Be sure you lock your car
when you park!
Cost of parking permits:
Annual (includes Fall, Spring, Summer)
One Semester (Fall or Spring)
Summer Session
Daily Pass
$35.00
$20.00
$15.00
$ 1.00
You must obey the parking rules here on campus. If you get a ticket, it is a real ticket. You must
pay for it the same as you would have to for a ticket anywhere else. Do not ignore it!
If you want to know more about parking and other rules here at San Bernardino Valley College,
you can go to the College Police office and get an information brochure.
No drugs or alcohol will be permitted here at SBVC. People under the influence of these
substances can be arrested. Illegal activities like selling drugs are not allowed.
Animals on Campus
No animals are allowed on campus, except “seeing eye” or “hearing ear” dogs, and animals used
for instruction.
Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating on tests or other schoolwork is not allowed. Plagiarism (it means that you copy things
other people wrote and say you wrote it) is not honest. Each instructor has the authority and
responsibility to deal with these things in his or her classes. A hearing may be held by a
grievance committee about this matter, if you are involved in cheating or plagiarism.
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Children on Campus and in the Classroom
Children must have an adult with them at all times while they are on campus. They are not to be
left alone anywhere. Children will not be allowed in the classrooms at any time.
Complaints
If you have a complaint about an instructor, a grade, or what is taught in class, you have a right to
complain, or file a grievance. Other reasons for filing a grievance can be:
Any action or danger of harassment, discrimination, or physical aggression.
Any action taken without a good reason and not obeying college policy.
Anything done against student rights.
How to File a Grievance (complaint)
First, you must go and talk with the instructor or other person you have a problem with. If you
cannot solve the problem, then go to the instructor’s supervisor and ask for a meeting to discuss
it. First, you would talk with the Department Head, then the Division Dean. If the problem is still
not solved, you can speak to the Vice President of Instruction. The last step is to arrange a formal
hearing with the Vice President of Student Services in the Administration Building.
Financial Obligations
If you owe money to the college, you will not be allowed to register for classes, receive grades,
transcripts, certificates, or diplomas, or get any other services until you pay the money you owe.
Examples: returned checks, unpaid loans, library fines, or equipment breakage. After you pay the
money you owe, you can get services again.
Standards of Conduct
If a student’s behavior interrupts classes or college activities, or causes danger to others on
campus, disciplinary action may be taken. Here are some things that may cause disciplinary
action to be taken:
Behavior that continues to bother other people here on campus.
Hitting or beating up other people or threatening them.
Use, sale or possession of illegal drugs or substances.
Use or possession of alcoholic beverages on college property or at a collegesponsored event.
Smoking in “no smoking” areas.
Dishonest actions, like cheating. plagiarizing, or giving false information.
Forgery, changing, or wrong use of college documents.
Breaking rules set up for student organizations.
Possession of any guns, things that can explode, or dangerous chemicals.
Driving motorcycles or off-road vehicles on college property.
Blocking people walking or vehicles driving on college property.
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SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY COLLEGE
DISABLED STUDENTS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
DEAF SERVICES STUDENT AGREEMENT
STUDENT NO-SHOW POLICY
 Interpreters are required to wait 20 minutes for students
 If you miss a tutoring appointment without informing D.S.P.&S., interpreting service will be
canceled until you ask for the interpreter to come back.
 If you miss a class 3 times without informing someone in the D.S.P.&S. office, interpreter
services will be canceled until you have a conference with the D.S.P.&S. Coordinator. If
another student needs an interpreter, your interpreter can be reassigned to another student. It
may be hard to find another interpreter for you.
 If you have to miss a class you must call the office so someone can inform the interpreter.
Office number is (909) 384-4443, voice. You may use C.R.S. to call this number. TTY 24
hour phone number is (909) 888-2357.
________________________________________________________________________
I have read the San Bernardino Valley College Policies and Procedures for Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Students and the Student No-Show Policy and I agree to follow these guidelines while I
am a student here at SBVC.
______________________________________________ _______________________
Student’s Signature
Date
______________________________________________ ________________________
Coordinator’s Signature
Date
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Self -Knowledge is Power
By Cheryl Davis
From WROCC EXPRESS NEWSLETTER – Spring 2000
Self-determination is often thought of as the ability to advocate for your needs. People who
are self-determined take responsibility for getting their needs met. People often find that
when they take the initiative to get their needs met, their problem-solving and decisionmaking skills increase, and their stress is reduced. For those in the workforce or in
educational settings, this kind of proactive behavior can be the key to success.
How do we help students improve their self-determination skills and become better selfadvocates? Learning these new behaviors involves a four-step process. The first step involves
understanding: knowing yourself and recognizing your needs. Next, you must be prepared.
Think about the logistics of the situation and determine what you will need. The third step is
to manage; to work to get the logistics in place. Finally, evaluate the success of your strategy.
What worked and why? What didn’t work and why? Where did the plan fall apart? What can
you do differently the next time to be successful?
The following are several tips to help students develop a better sense of self-determination.
1. Understand your hearing loss.
This means knowing how your hearing aids work, what a telecoil is used for, and
how to effectively use assistive listening equipment, interpreters or even hearing
assistance dogs. It is not enough to say that you want a particular accommodation.
You need to be able to state why you prefer one accommodation to another, to
describe why one accommodation will meet your needs better than other
accommodations. In addition, to be open to learning about the pros and cons of each
accommodation, and evaluate each one in terms of the communication requirements
of the specific situation. Test yourself by describing this to a friend, a child, an
instructor, a disability services provider, or an employer. How would you change
your description for each person?
2. Be able to describe the impact of your hearing loss.
Many times students are only able to communicate that they are deaf of hard of
hearing, or that they use (or don’t use) sign language. This information alone is not
very helpful to others who are trying to engage in communication with the individual,
or in trying to develop appropriate accommodations.
Use situation-specific examples. If you are talking to a new dorm room partner,
explain that you may not hear the phone ring. If you are talking with a professor, let
her know that you need to see her face when she talks to you. Think about what that
person (e.g. friends, family, roommates, faculty, disability staff) need to know how to
interact with you best in that situation.
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3. What are problem situations for you?
Identifying problems is the first step in solving them. Start thinking about different
situations where you had problems communicating and others that went smoothly.
Can you identify why one interaction was successful and the other was not? You may
begin a pattern (e.g. you have difficulty communicating in noisy or group settings)
that you will not be able to address proactively.
4. Become aware of the coping skills you use.
Don’t stop your self-evaluation with just getting by okay. We all use a variety of
coping skills to make it through various situations. Sometimes we aren’t even aware
of what we do unless someone else points it out to us. Some coping skills work well
in some situations, and not so well in others. See if you can identify behaviors you
use in different situations and which ones serve you the best. Work on replacing
behaviors that no longer serve you well with new ones.
5.
Identify new skills.
Ask others what they do in your situation. If you are the only student who is deaf or
hard of hearing on your campus, try joining an internet group, such as Deaf-L or
Beyond-Hearing, to find out what other people do. Find out about other resources to
help you accomplish your goals.
PEPNeT has many materials available that can help students in their self-discovery. Check
out the PEPNeT Resource Center website under the PEPNeT Products for information on a
variety of accommodations, and the pros and cons of each. There are also Tip Sheets
available that students can read for their own understanding or what they can pass on to
others to help them understand the student’s needs. There are also several videos available to
help students in the decision making process about attending college. “College…Now
What?” addresses the questions students should be asking themselves about choosing a
postsecondary program. “Pah! I’m in college…Now What?” addresses the differences
students will face in receiving accommodations in college programs that they may not have
faced in their secondary settings. “Look out World-Here I come!” is the story of a young
woman describing her experiences in a mainstream college program and how they differered
from her previous residential school background. These materials, and many more, can be
found at www.pepnet.org under “Resource Center”.
The Northwest Outreach web page also includes helpful information on understanding the
ins and outs of using assistive listening devices (Demystifying Assistive Listening Devices),
and how to connect with others through the internet e-mail lists (Internet Resources Related
to Hearing Loss). These can be found at http://www.wou.edu/NWOC.
Finally, don’t forget that WROCC/PEPNeT has trainers available to present on this and a
variety of other topics to your program. Contact the WROCC/PEPNeT center serving your
area for more information.
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GETTING THE MOST BENEFIT FROM YOUR NOTES
HINT: Be sure you ask someone to take notes for you in all of your classes at the
beginning of the class! Having more than one note taker may be helpful.
1.
When you get your notes, try to review them within one hour after the class. Add
words or illustrations that will help you remember things that the note taker left
out.
2.
Within 24 hours, review them again. It is best to do it before you go to bed the
same night that you had the class.
3.
If you have a lot of facts you have to memorize, make flash cards to help you
study.
4.
Try to relate new facts to the facts you already know.
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TEST TAKING STRATEGIES
Taking Tests is always hard for people in college. How can you succeed in passing your
tests? Here are some suggestions given by experts:
WHEN DO YOU START PREPARING?
When the class starts, note the test dates on the syllabus.
Do your reading and homework. Don’t get behind!
Take good notes.
Review your notes as you go along.
BEFORE YOU TAKE THE TEST
Don’t stay up all night the night before trying to study at the last minute. It does not help
you remember everything. The last minute is TOO LATE!
Do get a good night’s sleep, so your brain will work the day of the test.
Eat a well-balanced breakfast, but not too much food.
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at class on time, so you do not rush and feel
pressured.
TAKING THE TEST
Arrive early so you have time to get ready, and relax a few minutes before you start.
Look over the whole test before you start, so you know what kind of questions you will
need to answer, and how many you have to do in the time you have.
Read the questions carefully and completely before you write or mark your answers. Be
sure you understand what the instructor is asking. If you don’t understand the question,
ask the teacher to explain what he or she is asking.
Do the easy questions first. Do not waste time thinking about the hard ones until you
have finished all of the easy ones. After the easy ones are finished, then go back and
work on the hard questions.
TRUE/FALSE, MULTIPLE CHOICE
Read the questions and answers carefully before you answer.
Eliminate the answers you know are wrong first.
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If you don’t know the answer and you have to guess, many times the answer with the
most words or the most specific information is the right one.
Answers that have words like, “always”, “never”, “all of the time”, “absolutely true (or
false)”, “must”, etc., are probably wrong.
If you have two right answers that are very similar in the middle of the list of answers,
the right answer is probably one of those two.
If you have a choice of “all of the above” or “none of the above”, check the list of
answers to be sure that there are no answers in the list you can eliminate. If you can
eliminate one answer, then the “all” or “none “ answer is not right.
ESSSAY QUESTIONS
Be sure you understand the question and answer only that question. Do not add
information that does not match the question.
If you don’t know the answer, do not write, “I don’t know”. If you paid attention in class
and reviewed your notes, you can think of something to write. Give the teacher
something to give you some points for. You may want to leave that question until the
last.
Try to think of some important words that relate to the subject you are writing about. Try
to give examples and details that make the subject clear.
Do use your best English. Read your answer after you finish writing it to be sure it makes
sense.
Be sure you know how to spell the technical or important words for that subject
WHEN THE TEST IS FINISHED, BE SURE YOU CHECK IT AGAIN BEFORE YOU
TURN IT IN. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO CATCH SOME MISTAKES.
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HOW DOES IT WORK?
Assistive Listening Device: Students can borrow these units from D.S.P.&S. They are
simple to operate. An Assistive Listening Device (ALD) consists of a transmitter, worn
by the speaker, and a receiver, worn by the listener. Both units are small, battery
operated, and the microphone can be attached to clothing close to the speaker’s mouth.,
so that environmental noises are reduced. The receiver has a small earphone, which
usually fits into one ear. We do have headphones available, if that works better for you.
You can use the headphones with your hearing aid on the T-switch, if you wish, or use
the ALD without your hearing aid. You can come into D.S.P.&S. office for a
demonstration any time, if you want to know if it will work for you. If you would like to
use the ALD, someone from our office can demonstrate its use for your instructor.
FM System: FM systems are often used in large lecture rooms, or where there are several
students in a classroom who need amplification. Currently, we have FM systems
installed in LA 100 and the Auditorium. An FM system has the same basic parts as the
ALD. A transmitter is worn by the speaker, or placed very near the person. The
receiver(s) can be either attached to a hearing aid, or used with a hearing aid with the Tswitch on and headphones, or without hearing aids. Each individual must find out what is
the best way to use this system. Some new hearing aids are made with the receiver for an
FM system built in. Another way the system can be used is with a wire from the receiver
directly connected to the hearing aid. FM systems can be connected to the public address
system, as well, so many people can benefit. In addition, the FM system can be used
inside or outside. We have two that can be ordered and used in any classroom as needed.
Real Time Captioning: This service is provided by a specially trained operator, who
brings a special computer into the classroom. This system is closely related to a court
reporting system. The operator takes notes word-for-word as the instructor is speaking.
The notes are frequently emailed to the student, if possible, or the disk can be given to
you as soon as the class is finished. Some Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf students prefer to
use this service, because the Assistive Listening Devices do not work for them. Please be
aware that providing this service requires that another person be in the classroom for
you. If you are unable to attend class on a certain day, please call the D.S.P.&S. office at
(909) 384-4443 or 384-8668 and inform someone that you will not need this service on
that specific date. The office staff can then inform the operator.
Oral Interpreting: Some Hard-of-Hearing people who are skilled speech readers have
successfully used the services of an oral interpreter. The oral interpreter will sit directly
across from you, and using appropriate gestures and facial expressions, will silently
repeat everything the instructor says. It is important for the interpreter to have training,
so he or she can be aware of the nuances of speech reading, and the specific needs of the
speech reader. If you feel that you can benefit from this service, see the Lead Interpreter
at the Disabled Students Programs and Services office.
Closed Captioned Videotapes: D.S.P.&S. has recently purchased equipment which can
be used to caption any videotapes that instructors may use during the course of the
semester. Some of the videos used by the instructors are already closed-captioned, but
we may have videotapes that still need to be captioned. If you learn that your professor is
28
intending to show videos during the semester, you may request that he or she contact the
D.S.P.&S. office, so we can be sure they are captioned before they are shown in class.
Also, we are trying to purchase versions that are already captioned, so all students can
have equal access to these teaching materials. It is important for you to know that we
cannot caption videotapes that are property of the instructors. We are working closely
with the Audio-Visual Department to be sure we are providing the best possible services
to our students.
STUDENT NOTES
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