Procedure:     Disabilities: Determining Program Modifications for Students with Disabilities
Department:     Disability Resources
Contact:            Nancy Hart, (541) 463-3010               hartn@lanecc.edu

The following procedure has been developed by Disability Resources (DR) for Program Modification requests from students with disabilities who are attempting to complete one of Lane’s terminal degrees.
Please note:

• A degree modification typically consists of a course substitution, not a course waiver.
• This procedure does not apply to the AAOT degree or any direct transfer degree path (see CLARIFICATION below).

Although Program Modifications may be used for various situations, this procedure specifically relates to requests for math course substitutions. DR may adapt this procedure as needed for other Program Modification requests related to disability.

When the department is approached by a student majoring in one of Lane’s terminal degrees who is requesting a Program Modification related to Math, Disability Resources will perform the following steps.

STEP 1

• DR will clarify whether the student has been working with the Math Division on this issue.  If not, DR will refer the student to the Math Division Dean.
• DR will analyze the student’s disability documentation in terms of type, severity and relevance to the requested modification.
• DR will review the student's transcript to determine:
  • whether the student has attempted and not passed the course/s in question or in the general subject area, despite having used appropriate accommodations and other college resources.  (This is not a requirement for approving a program modification, but may be a factor.)
  • the student’s academic performance history and any informal/formal transcript evaluation.
• DR will clarify that the student is “otherwise qualified” according to the ADA to participate in the degree program, as specified in the degree program requirements.

STEP 2

• If pertinent, DR will explore alternatives to a program modification with the student (such as other degrees or other courses), without violating the student’s right to obtain the preferred degree.
• If needed, DR will research perspectives of other institutions/colleagues, actions creating past precedence, case law, or regional/state/national investigative decisions related to the request.

STEP 3

• DR will consult with the appropriate Lead Faculty and Division Dean in the degree program in order to consider:
  • the essential elements of the degree being sought and the performance outcomes expected as a result of receiving that degree, in relation to the course in question (e.g., if the student is obtaining a nursing degree and is expected to compute medication dosages,  s/he must be able to demonstrate that competency through coursework/fieldwork).
  • the appropriateness of a course substitution.
• If pertinent (e.g., there is conflicting information), DR will consult with the appropriate division/department for clarification (through job market surveys, etc.) that the competencies for the course in question are necessary for the degree in relation to the job market.  In that case, Lane would be remiss in granting a degree without that course or a comparable competency requirement.

STEP 4

• If a course substitution is a viable option, DR will consult with appropriate personnel (e.g., the Math Division Dean, the program Division Dean, and the Lead Faculty).  This group will determine potential courses that could be approved as course substitutions, taking into consideration courses the student has already completed.  Someone from this group will consult or follow up with the student.

STEP 5

• The DR Associate Dean will send a memo to the Enrollment Services (ES) Director that either:
• offers general support and confirmation of the disability but no recommendation, or
• provides the ES Director with a specific recommendation related to legal risks if the College chooses not to approve the request.
• The memo may include the course substitution recommendations from STEP 4. 
• The memo will request that the ES Director provide confirmation to DR about the final decision for that student's request.

For questions about this process, contact Disability Resources (Voice: (541) 463-5150, TTY: 711, FAX: (541) 463-4739, or disabilityresources@lanecc.edu)

CLARIFICATION

This procedure does not apply to degree modification requests for the Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree or any direct transfer degree paths. Those students can work directly with the transfer institution to explore options for being admitted without completing that institution’s required entry courses. (Among other issues, the transfer institution typically needs to assure that the student is not entering a degree program in their institution that requires further coursework in the problem area, such as Math, in order to graduate.) Students are welcome to consult with the Disability Resources staff, who can refer the student to the transfer institution and facilitate this communication process. However, since the AAOT degree has been developed by a statewide agreement that does not permit individual modifications, Lane will not be able to grant the AAOT degree unless all the required coursework is successfully completed.