Interpreter Services Guidelines
Butler University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations including excellent and timely interpreter services.
The individual requiring the interpreter is responsible for making the interpreter request; two weeks advance notice is needed so the necessary arrangements can be made. Although attempts will be made to honor requests on short notice, requests which do not allow two weeks advance notice increase the possibility that interpreter services will be unavailable.
Student Disability Services (SDS) is the department on campus that assists the Butler campus community in facilitating interpreter services. Departments are required to contact SDS for consultation whenever an interpreter request or question is raised so as to determine what is required, remain in compliance, and receive guidance about how to appropriately address the situation. Ordinarily, it is expected that the department hosting the event will cover costs for interpreter services other than academic coursework. If a department wishes to be considered for University reimbursement for interpreter services, please complete a Butler Event Accommodation Request Form. The final decision regarding reimbursement lies with the Butler University Vice President of Finance.
Interpreter services are provided for individuals who are participating in Butler sponsored events, as well as for Butler students who are enrolled in academic coursework.
Interpreters are often provided for off-campus events that are part of coursework requirements and for many, but not necessarily all, co-curricular activities. These situations require a discussion with SDS so that they can be individually considered.
ASL interpreter requests for Butler University-sponsored events being held in Clowes Memorial Hall, Schrott Center for the Arts, and Hinkle Fieldhouse should be placed directly with the venue. This is applicable to both Butler and non-Butler students. If there are concerns or questions, please immediately contact SDS at 317-940-9308.
For all other university-sponsored events, requests for interpreter services are to be made by completing and submitting a Butler Event Accommodation Request Form.
Student-athletes who wish to request interpreter services for athletic practices, games, and activities should make their interpreter request by submitting a Butler Event Accommodation Request Form. SDS will forward the request directly to the appropriate athletics department, which will then take responsibility for handling and funding interpreter services. SDS is available for consultation as noted above.
Butler University does not provide interpreters for events or circumstances that are personal in nature.
Butler students who wish to request interpreter services should:
- immediately register with Student Disability Services by submitting the necessary documentation and by 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. In addition, 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 for Academic Coursework.
- 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.
Students who expect to be absent from class should notify SDS at sds@butler.edu 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 do 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 who become ill and are unable to go to class must report the absence to SDS at sds@butler.edu immediately (before 5:00 p.m. for evening classes, if possible) so the interpreter can be notified.
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.
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.
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 document, “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 Student Disability Services in Jordan Hall 136, by phone at 317-940-9308, or by email at sds@butler.edu.