Guidelines For Students Requesting Interpreter Services
Butler University is committed to providing excellent and timely
interpreter services to eligible Butler Students. Student
Disability Services (SDS) is the department on campus that
facilitates interpreter services for Butler students for academic
coursework in which they are enrolled. Interpreter services are
provided by the University and facilitated by SDS for some, but not
all, types of co-curricular activities. Students are advised that
requests for interpreter services for co-curricular activities
generally require a discussion with Student Disability Services so
that they can be individually determined on a case-by-case basis.
Off campus events that are required as part of an academic course
also require a discussion with the Student Disability Services so
that they can be individually considered. For ticket sales events,
such as those sponsored by Hinkle Fieldhouse, Clowes Memorial Hall,
etc, students should make interpreter requests directly to the
venue or department hosting the event. Student athletes who wish to
request interpreter services for activities associated with the
athletic sport in which they are participating should submit their
interpreter requests to SDS using the on-line Request for
Interpreter form. SDS will forward the request directly to the
appropriate athletic department which will then take responsibility
for handling and funding interpreter requests. SDS is available for
consultation as needed. In every case, it is the student's
responsibility to initiate requests for interpreter services.
Butler University does not provide interpreters for circumstances
or events that are of a personal nature.
Butler students who wish to request interpreter services
should:
- immediately register with Student Disability Services by
submitting the necessary documentation and by also participating in
an initial intake interview in order to discuss current levels of
functioning, accommodation needs, and policies and procedures.
- utilize, every semester, the priority registration system
offered to students registered with Student Disability Services.
Further to this, students should meet with SDS, every semester, as
soon as they have completed their course schedule for the upcoming
semester so that interpreter requests can be discussed and
determined. Early discussion helps to ensure plenty of time for
scheduling interpreters; at least two weeks advance notice is
needed when making an interpreter request. Although attempts will
be made to honor requests made on short notice, requests which do
not allow two weeks advance notice increase the possibility that
interpreter services will be unavailable.
- inform SDS, upon receipt of the course syllabus or immediately
upon determination of need, as to any additional course related
requirements that will require interpreter services.
- make requests for interpreter services by utilizing the
Interpreter Request Form available at www.butler.edu/disability or in Jordan Hall
(JH) 136. The completed form should be returned to sds@butler.edu or to JH 136.
- inform SDS immediately about any course schedule changes.
Adherence to this practice will help to ensure consistent and
timely services.
- notify SDS immediately if a class has been cancelled by an
instructor.
- contact SDS immediately if an interpreter does not show up for
an assignment or for any problems or concerns. This will help
ensure that the matter is addressed quickly and properly.
Absence From Class
Students who expect to be absent from class should notify SDS as
soon as possible (at least 24 hours in advance) so that the
interpreter can be notified. Without 24 hours advance notice, the
interpreter may still charge the University for the assignment.
Students who did not give 24 hours notice regarding a planned
absence will receive an unexcused absence. After three unexcused
absences, interpreting services will be suspended until the student
has a discussion with Student Disability Services. Students should
either report an absence by email at sds@butler.edu or by phone at
940-9308. In the event a staff member does not answer the phone,
students should report an absence by voicemail message both during
and after office hours. Students who become ill and are unable to
go to class must report the absence to SDS immediately (before 5:00
p.m. for evening classes) so the interpreter can be notified.
Student No-Show Policy
Butler University has adopted the no-show policy which is
commonly used by colleges and universities. That is, a student who
is absent on three occasions without informing SDS according to the
guidelines stated above in ABSENCE FROM CLASS will be subject to
suspension of services until they initiate and follow through on a
discussion about this with SDS.
Late Arrival To Class
If a student is more than fifteen minutes late to class, it will
be considered an unexcused absence. The interpreter will leave
class and report the unexcused absence to SDS; the student will
then be issued an unexcused absence.
Interpreter Expectations
Instructors/facilitators are informed, prior to the first day of
class, that there will be an interpreter in the classroom or
meeting. Instructors are provided a copy of the written document
called Information Regarding Interpreters on Campus which provides
information as to how to work with an interpreter. In every case,
interpreters are expected to conduct themselves in a professional
manner and to abide by the Code of Ethics developed by the Registry
for the Deaf. Students should immediately report interpreter
no-shows or any other interpreter concerns to Student Disability
Services in JH 136. Alternatively, students should be aware that
interpreters are required to report student no-shows and tardiness
to SDS.
For further information please contact the Office of Student
Disability Services in Jordan Hall 136, by phone (317) 940-9308, or
by email at sds@butler.edu