CAMPUS ACCESS PLAN
The campus access plan allows university community members with disabilities meaningful access to services, events, and classes.
The campus ADA coordinator is Rick Dillon, Interim Dean of Students.
The campus 504 Coordinator is Dr. Dean Turner, Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He may be reached at telephone number 1-800-344-6679, extension 5241, or by mail at Campus Box 4, P.O. Box 1000, Concord University, Athens, WV 24712.
The University Disability Coordinator is Ms. Nancy Ellison.
Services and Programs
1) The majority of campus services and programs are housed in accessible buildings.
2) The following buildings are not accessible to people with mobility impairments:
Bonner House
Maintenance Building
Woodrum (Honors) House
Sarvay Residence Hall
Wooddell Residence Hall
3) The following building is partially accessible to people with mobility impairments:
Carter Center
The elevator in the Carter Center is not ADA- compliant, therefore access to classrooms on the second floor of the building is limited to only some wheelchairs.
4) In the event a student with a mobility impairment needs to access a service housed in one of the inaccessible or
partially inaccessible buildings, the student should contact
the designated responsible person or the campus Disability
Coordinator to administer an accommodation which allows
the student meaningful access to the service.
5) For each building, the designated responsible person and
telephone extension is provided:
Maintenance Building Mark Stella, Public Safety Director 5357
Woodrum (Honors) House Dr. Carol Manzione, Honors Program Director 5262
Sarvay Residence Hall Rick Dillon, Interim Dean of Students 5231
Wooddell Residence Hall Rick Dillon, Interim Dean of
Students 5231
Carter Center Anita Conner, Administrative
Secretary Sr. 5357
6) When the designated responsible person becomes aware of or
is contacted by a student with a mobility impairment who needs access to a service housed in a building for which he or she is responsible, that person should work to provide meaningful access by offering the service to that student in an alternate, accessible, and appropriate location. If a confidential room is needed for meeting space, please contact Nancy Ellison at 6086.
7) If the student’s need for access to the services housed in one of the inaccessible buildings is frequent, regular and ongoing, serious consideration should be given to the feasibility of a physical modification.
8) Requests for access to services should be addressed immediately and a solution provided within two working days (with the exception of solutions that require physical modifications).
9) Students with mobility impairments who anticipate the need for access to services in buildings that are inaccessible or partially inaccessible should make this need known as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the designated responsible person to develop and implement a method of access.
10) Whenever the designated responsible person cannot promptly and easily identify a method of meaningful access, he or she should coordinate an appropriate response with Nancy Ellison, the campus Disability Coordinator at telephone number extension 6086, or by mail at Campus Box 86, P.O. Box 1000, Concord University, Athens, WV 24712.
Events
1) Whenever possible, events should be scheduled in rooms and buildings that are accessible to those with mobility impairments.
2) Posted or distributed notices of events should include the name and number of the campus Disability Coordinator, who can arrange accommodations for those with disabilities.
“Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, extension 6086, if special accommodations are required for this event.”
3) The Disability Coordinator will give immediate attention to request for accommodations. Events will be moved to accessible locations, preferential seating will be provided, and/or other reasonable accommodations will be made.
4) Those with disabilities who anticipate the need for accommodations at campus events should make this need known as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for an accommodation to be developed and implemented.
Classes
1) Most classes are held in buildings and areas that are handicapped accessible.
2) Students with mobility impairments should preregister or register for classes following standard university procedures.
3) If the student selects a class schedule to meet in a location that is physically inaccessible to the student, he or she should certainly register for the class.
4) After preregistration or registration, students with mobility impairments should immediately deliver a copy of Registrar’s print-out of their schedule to Linda Austin, Executive Secretary in the Associate Dean of Academic Affair’s Office, Office #A-240 on the main floor of the Administration Building. Mrs. Austin can be contacted at telephone number 304-384-5220.
5) Linda Austin, who is responsible for arranging classroom locations, will address any physical accessibility issues apparent in the student’s schedule, and if necessary, move classroom locations to accommodate the student.
6) Ms. Austin will also flag the student’s courses on her listing, so that any later changes in the classroom locations will not be made without considering the presence of a student with a physical disability.
7) The student’s timely registration, prompt delivery of the schedule to Linda Austin, and notification of any apparent accessibility issues should allow sufficient time for the necessary accommodations to be arranged and also prevent later classroom changes that would impede the student’s access to class.
Handicap-Access Map
For information referencing accessible pathways and entrances, please consult the Concord University Campus Handicap-Access Map, located in the Concord University Student Handbook, the main campus sign located in front of the Student Center and on the Concord University web page, http://www.concord.edu/Pages/resources/Pages/ADA/ADA.html
A map detailing pathways of accessibility can be obtained from the Student Center Main Office or the Office of Admissions.
CONCORD UNIVERSITY
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES COVERED UNDER SECTION 504/ADA
An internal grievance procedure provides for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging an action prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and by the Department of Education regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S. 794). Section 504 states, in part, that “no otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance...”
Campus Process
Student-related 504/ADA complaints should be addressed to Dr. Dean Turner, Vice President and Academic Dean, P.O. Box 1000, Concord University, Athens, West Virginia, 24712-1000 (304-384-5241), who has been designated administrative responsibility for student-related 504/ADA compliance efforts.
1. A complaint should be filed in writing or verbally, contain the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation of the regulations.
2. A complaint should be filed within 30 working days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. (Processing allegations of discrimination that occurred before this grievance procedure was in place will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
3. An investigation, as may be appropriate, will follow a filing of complaint. The investigation will be conducted by the Vice President and Academic Dean or his designee(s). These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.
4. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, will be issued by the investigator and a copy forwarded to the complainant within 30 working days after its filing, unless the investigation is delayed by special circumstances beyond the University’s control.
5. The Vice President and Academic Dean will maintain the files and records of Concord University relating to the complaints filed.
6. The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration should be made within 20 working days to Dr. Jerry Beasley, President of Concord University.
7. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder will not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of a Section 504 or ADA complaint with a federal or state department or agency. Using this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies, although complainants are encouraged to make
use of internal resolution processes at the campus level.
8. These rules will be construed to protect the substantive rights of the interested persons, meet appropriate due process standards and assure that Concord University complies with the ADA, Section 504 and their implementing regulations.
External Process
The United States Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the federal agency responsible for addressing complaints related to discrimination on the basis of disability. Complaints must be filed in a timely manner with OCR. The U.S. Office for Civil Rights can be reached by phone at (215) 596-6772 (Voice) or 596-6794 (TTY). OCR’s policies and procedures may change over time, so please contact the regional office directly with questions and for deadlines for filing.
Helpful Techniques
Effective techniques to problem resolution involve clearly stating the problem and expected outcomes and identifying those who can assist with the issue. Be certain that you have focused your concerns around issues that can be addressed. Furthermore analyze alternative solutions to determine those that are acceptable and unacceptable. Articulate reasons for the choices you make. In situations that are heavy with emotion, it is often helpful to write an outline of concerns so that you have clear focus of the issues you are trying to resolve. Keep summary notes on your interactions in order to more accurately recall the sequence of events related to the situation.
CONCORD UNIVERSITY
TITLE IX GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
An internal grievance procedure provides for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited
by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which states, in part, that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance....”
Campus Process
Title IX complaints should be address to Mr. Rick Dillon, Interim Dean of Students & Director of Housing & Residence Life, P.O. Box 1000, Concord University, Athens, West Virginia 24712-1000 (304-384-5231), who has been designated administrative responsibility for Title IX compliance efforts.
1. A complaint should be filed in writing or verbally, contain the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation of the regulations.
2. A complaint should be filed within 30 working days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. (Processing allegations of discrimination that occurred before this grievance procedure was in place will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
3. An investigation, as may be appropriate, will follow a filing of complaint. The investigation will be conducted by the Vice President for Staff and Student Affairs or her designee(s). These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.
4. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, will be issued by the investigator and a copy forwarded to the complainant within 30 working days after its filing, unless the investigation is delayed by special circumstances beyond the University’s control.
5. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, will be issued by the
investigator and a copy forwarded to the complainant within 30 working days after its filing, unless the investigation is delayed by special circumstances beyond the University’s control.
6. The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration should be made within 20 working days to Dr. Jerry Beasley, President of Concord University.
7. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder will not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of Title IX complaint with a federal or state department or agency. Using this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies, although complainants are encouraged to make use of internal resolution processes at the campus level.
8. These rules will be construed to protect the substantive rights of the interested persons, meet appropriate due process standards and assure that Concord University complies with Title IX of the Educational Amendments and its implementing regulations.
External Process
The United States Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the federal agency responsible for addressing complaints related to discrimination on the basis of sex. Complaints must be filed in a timely manner with OCR. The U.S. Office for Civil Rights can be reached by phone at (215) 596-6772 (Voice) or 596-6794 (TTY). OCR’s policies and procedures may change over time, so please contact the regional office directly with questions and for deadlines for filing.
Helpful Techniques
Effective techniques to problem resolution involve clearly stating the problem and expected outcomes and identifying those who
can assist with the issue. Be certain that you have focused your concerns around issues that can be addressed. Furthermore analyze alternative solutions to determine those that are acceptable and unacceptable. Articulate reasons for the choices you make. In situations that are heavy with emotion, it is often helpful to write an outline of concerns so that you have clear focus of the issues you are trying to resolve. Keep summary notes on your interactions in order to more accurately recall the sequence of events related to the situation.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND
PRIVACY ACT
Annual Notification
Each year Concord University is required to give notice of the various rights accorded to parents and students pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In accordance with FERPA, you are notified of the following:
1. RIGHT TO INSPECT: You have the right to review and inspect substantially all of your education records maintained by Concord University.
2. RIGHT TO PREVENT DISCLOSURES: You have the right to prevent disclosure of education records to third parties, with certain limited exceptions. It is the intent of this institution to limit disclosure of information contained in your education records to those instances when prior written consent has been given to the disclosure, as an item of directory information which you have not refused to permit disclosure, or under the provisions of FERPA which allow disclosure without prior written consent.
3. RIGHT TO REQUEST AMENDMENT: You have the right to seek to have corrected any parts of an education record which you believe to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of your rights. This includes the right to a hearing to present evidence that the record should be changed if Concord University decides not to alter the education records according to your request.
4. RIGHT TO COMPLAIN TO FERPA OFFICE: You have the right to file a complaint with the Family Policy and Regulations Office, Department of Education, Room 1087, FB-6, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605, concerning this institution’s failure to comply with FERPA; Phone (202) 732-2057.
5. RIGHT TO OBTAIN POLICY: You have the right to obtain a copy of the written institutional policy adopted by Concord University in compliance with FERPA. A copy may be obtained in person or by mail from the Concord University Human Resource Office, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712; Phone (304) 384-5276.
Notice of Designation of Directory Information
Concord University has designated certain information contained in the education records of its students as directory information for purposes of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
The following information regarding students is considered directory information: (1) name, (2) address, (3) telephone number, (4) date and place of birth, (5) major field of study, (6) educational level and/or credits earned, (7) participation in officially recognized activities and sports, (8) weight and height of members of athletic teams, (9) dates of attendance, (10) degrees and awards received, (11) the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and (12) a photograph.
Directory information may be disclosed by this institution for any purpose in its discretion, without the consent of a parent of a student or an eligible student. Parents of students and eligible students have the right, however, to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the above information as directory information. In that case, the information will not be disclosed except with the consent of a parent or student, or as otherwise allowed by FERPA.
Any parent or student refusing to have any or all of the designated directory information disclosed must file written notification to
the effect with this institution at the Registrar’s Office, Marsh
Hall, on or before the last day of regular registration each semester. Forms for this purpose are available at that office.
In the event a refusal is not filed, this institution assumes that neither a parent of a student or eligible student objects to the release of designated directory information.
For additional information, contact the Registrar’s Office at (304) 384-5236.