Disability Support Services

This page gives faculty resources for after classes begin.

The college complies with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and makes every effort to ensure that disabled persons admitted to the college as students or employed by the college are afforded all of the rights and privileges provided to them by state and federal law.

Contact Disability Support Services (417.447.8189) for information concerning compliance in providing reasonable accommodations and other assistance to students with documented disabilities.

DSS offers support services to students who have documented disabilities of a permanent or temporary nature. In order to qualify for support services, students must:

• Identify themselves to the Disability Support Services office and request services
• Provide current documentation (typically no more than 3 years old) that has been submitted by a qualified professional

In order to insure compliance, faculty have the following responsibilities:

• Make an announcement at the beginning of each class regarding the willingness to discuss accommodations with the students
• Include a statement in all course syllabi regarding willingness to accommodate students with disabilities
• Meet with students who provide an Accommodation Notice promptly and privately to discuss accommodations required.
• Maintain the same academic and behavior standards for all students, regardless of disability
• Insure that the proposed accommodations do not substantially alter curriculum standards
• Uphold the confidentiality of student’s disability related issues
• Contact the Disability Support Services office with questions or concerns about providing access for students with disabilities

Examples of Disabilities Served Through DSS

The majority of students served through DSS are those with specific learning disabilities. In addition, students who have had traumatic brain injuries, deafness, orthopedic or mobility impairments, visual impairments, psychological disabilities and other health impairments receive services.

Accommodations Provided

Every student who registers for services with DSS and is deemed eligible has an Accommodation Plan tailored to their specific needs, specific courses, challenges and degree plan. Examples of typical accommodations include:

• Out of class testing
• Extended time on exams and practical examinations
• Quiet space to test in
• Use of a reader or scribe on exams
• Volunteer student note-taker
• Sign language interpreter
• Preferred seating
• Print materials translated to Braille or in large print format
• Raised table
• Technology needed for access (screen reading programs, screen magnifiers, voice to text software, talking calculators, etc.)

The Balancing Act

It is the job of DSS staff to balance the request of the student, filtered by documented needs, compared to maintaining the academic integrity of the course or degree.

• Disability Support Services/ADA

Library

Students and faculty are encouraged to use the print, media and online resources of the library. The library is responsible for ensuring students have the academic resources they need to succeed. Students can search the OTC/SWAN library catalog, the MOBIUS catalog and many databases. Students can request interlibrary loans, one-on-one assistance, book renewals and more all online. A current OTC ID is required for access to the system.

The library staff is happy to provide classes or individuals with orientations to the collections and services, either in person or via online training software. Online access to resources is emphasized.

For information about services, or to schedule class orientations, please contact the LRC at 417.447.8185 or by visiting the library website.

Library

Food & Beverages in the Classroom

Please refer to the Board of Trustees policy, Food and Beverages, for complete information.

Food & Beverages in the Classroom

Crisis Plan

A crisis plan should be posted in each room. The plan includes procedures to be followed in case of earthquake, fire or explosions, serious illness or injury, suicide, telephone threats and tornadoes. The plan also includes the location of first aid kits and spill kits. For further information about the crisis plan, contact Safety and Security at 417.447.6985.

Crisis Plan

Safety & Security

If you feel threatened in class or have any medical emergencies, immediately notify the OTC Safety and Security office by calling 417.447.6911. They will notify the appropriate offices, as soon as possible, for communication throughout the campus, when appropriate.

As soon as practicable after criminal action, accident, injury or other emergency situation, employees and students shall file a written report for each incident with the Office of Safety and Security. In the event of illness or injury, they should also file an “Internal Report of Injury” with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services.

Safety and Hazardous Work Conditions

Please refer to the Board of Trustees policy, 6.16 Safety, for complete information.

Advising

For information and questions related to academic advising, please contact the Director of Student Success for your division.

Financial Aid

The college has agreed to abide by all federal regulations as outlined in Title IV.

Please note: a student’s attendance (or lack of) in your class could affect the amount of financial liability for the student and the college.

You are encouraged to visit the financial aid website. They can be contacted via Online Chat or through financialaid@otc.edu.

Student Services

For many students, the student services department is the first point of contact. They handle questions regarding registration, residency, enrollment, financial aid and more.

You are encouraged to visit the student services website. They can also be contacted via Online Chat.

Mail

Mailboxes will be supplied near your division office. Your mailbox should be checked regularly throughout the semester. Mail will be delivered to non-Springfield locations through the college’s centralized mail service.

Inter-campus mail will be delivered by placing the material in an interoffice envelope and addressing the outside of the envelope.

College Address

Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802

Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate serves as a liaison between the faculty and administration of the college. Although voting rights extend only to full-time faculty members, OTC still encourages adjunct faculty to participate.

Faculty should contact their department chair or program director for more information.

Inclement Weather Policy & Procedures

Extreme weather conditions may require OTC to cancel or delay the start of classes. If OTC makes no announcement, classes will operate on a regular schedule.

OTC posts the cancellation notice on the OTC website, through the emergency text-messaging system and on Springfield-area radio and television stations. The college makes every attempt to announce a decision to close the college or operate on a delayed schedule as early as feasibly possible.

Wireless Internet Access

Wireless Internet access is available in the common areas of classroom buildings throughout campus. Staff, faculty and current OTC students can access wireless from personal laptops or other wireless devices. Note: Wireless Internet does not include access to OTC’s internal network.

Please refer to the instructions on helpdesk.otc.edu or visit the Student Helpdesk for more information.

Helpdesk

The OTC Help Desk can help with a variety of technology-related issues, including: instructional equipment, computer and laptop problems, employee and student account issues, network access, software, etc.

If you have questions or are experiencing problems, email helpdesk@otc.edu or call 417.447.7548. When reporting a problem, please include: office location, computer (or equipment) number, a detailed account of the problem and the content of error messages.

Student Computer Help Desk

The Student Computer Help Desk is located in the Information Commons building near the main entrance. Students can find assistance with technology issues such as wireless internet access, locations of computer kiosks, online registration and student account support. For hours of operation, visit the IT Helpdesk Page.

Adjunct Assignment Letters

Adjunct assignment letters are typically not available until after the second full week of classes have been completed. OTC emails assignment letters to the adjunct’s OTC email address.

If you have questions or concerns about your assignment letter, please contact Dr. Gavin O’Connor at 417-447-8241.

Administrative Withdrawal

Please refer to Board of Trustees Policy, Administrative Withdrawal from a Course, for complete information.

OTC will charge a $10 withdrawal fee to students who undergo administrative withdrawal.

For more information, contact Dr. Gavin O’Connor at 417-447-8241

Note: Students should be aware that administrative withdrawal for lack of attendance or nonparticipation may reduce the amount of financial aid they receive, delay their graduation, or necessitate repayment of aid already received and does not relieve their obligation to pay all tuition and fees due to the college.

Course Evaluations

Student course evaluations are an additional source of information and feedback regarding teaching, learning and curriculum effectiveness. The primary purpose for the course evaluation is to improve teaching and learning. It is a tool to provide feedback to instructors and administration concerning student perceptions of the effectiveness of instructional methods and procedures used in the course. Each semester, students have the opportunity to evaluate each course they took. Most of the survey items employ a five-point scale of strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree or strongly disagree. Some of the items require choosing outstanding, average, below average or poor as the answer. Students may also add comments regarding the most and least effective elements of the course.

OTC tabulates survey responses prepares a summary report for each course section. After the semester ends, each instructor receives their report and feedback for their review via a Canvas link. The department chairs and deans monitor the reports in an effort to determine if there are issues that need to be addressed.

The college also complies with Missouri Senate Bill 389 (2007), which states, “…each public higher education institution makes pertinent information regarding course offerings and instructors on its Internet website.” Questions included on the course evaluations are used to fulfill this mandate. OTC posts results before registration begins for the next semester. As students review the semester schedule for classes, they are able to view the results.

Mid-Term Grades Submission

Each semester instructors must submit a mid-term grade through MyOTC by the required deadline for each of their students. Instructors should continuously keep students informed of their progress; however those students that are receiving a “D” or “F” at mid-term will be sent a notice from the college via email.

OTC encourages students to contact their instructor to see what can be done to improve their standing. Students may also want to discuss their progress with a counselor, their advisor or learning specialist.

Mid-term grade submission dates are listed on the college’s Academic Calendar.

Excellence in Education Awards

The college requests nominations each spring for the Excellence in Education Awards. Then, OTC announces recipients the following fall. The categories include full-time instructor, adjunct instructor, administrative, professional support staff and general institutional support staff. The awards carry a monetary stipend. Individuals should direct questions to the Office of Human Resources at 417-447-2632

Final Grades Submission

Each semester instructors must submit final grades through MyOTC by the required deadline for each of their students.

Final grade submission dates are listed on the college’s Academic Calendar.