Interpreter Information

Getting an Interpreter

If you need to arrange an interpreter for a college-sponsored activity contact the Lead Interpreter. Interpreters often need to be reserved weeks in advance, so make arrangements as far in advance as is feasible. If you have an event that is open to the public or will have participants that you do not know, you can ask that participants inform you of any accommodation needs in advance via a registration form or RSVP process. Scheduling an interpreter in advance is always better. Scrambling to find one at the last minute can be very difficult. Many interpreters will allow you to cancel with appropriate notice.

Using a Sign Language Interpreter:

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for getting to their classes on time. Students should be aware that interpreters are required to wait 15 minutes for classes up to 90 minutes long and 30 minutes for classes longer than 90 minutes. Students are responsible for notifying the Academic Support/Student Assistance Director at least one day prior to missing the class (except in the case of an emergency). To give notification of an absence contact:

For interpreter requests outside of regularly scheduled class times, students are to submit a written request to the Lead Interpreter one week prior to the event (or as soon as they are aware of the need).

If the student has a problem with an interpreter or wants to make a complaint, the student should discuss such issues with the Director as soon as possible.

If the student is late for class and the interpreter is not there, he or she must go to the Academic Support/Student Assistance Office to see the Director or Lead Interpreter.

If the interpreter has not shown up at the start of class, the student must immediately notify the instructor and ask the instructor or someone to call the Director.

The Three Absence Rule - If a student is going to miss a class, he or she is required to notify the assigned interpreter or the Lead Interpreter. A student who accumulates three consecutive absences in a class without providing such notification may have their interpreting services suspended. The student’s services will only be reinstated after a scheduled meeting with the Director takes place. For each no-show afterwards, interpreting services will be suspended again until another scheduled meeting is held.

Students must not visit with their interpreter during class time. All questions about the course must be directed to the instructor through the interpreter.

Students may ask their instructor to have all tests interpreted/transliterated, if necessary. In addition, if students do not understand a word or a question, the interpreter will direct their question towards the teacher.

In order to receive interpreting services for supplemental activities related to a particular course (i.e., field trips, special lectures or organization meetings), the student must submit a written request to the Lead Interpreter at least a week in advance.

Students are responsible for their own studies, homework, assignments, etc. If the student is having trouble in class, he or she should see the instructor with an interpreter. If students need tutoring, note taking, or other support services, they should contact the Director for assistance.

Sign Language Interpreting Program

Program Page