Faculty Frequently Asked Questions

From the DSPS Website, select the DSPS Portal button. On the DSPS Portal homepage, click "Instructors Log-In" which will take you to your DSPS page.

Follow the above instructions to log into your DSPS instructor's portal. Click the "Show Term" dropdown to view the needed term's accommodation letters. At the top of the page is a black bar, select the "Courses" tab on this bar to view a list of the courses that you are assigned to teach. You will be able to access the student letters of accommodation for each course on the right side of the page in the "Options" menu.

Click here for an infographic with screenshots.

To set up testing within the DSPS (Disabled Students Programs and Services) portal, please follow the steps outlined in the Instructional Guide and video below. 

No, there are students who choose not to disclose their disability or register with the DSPS office. Since the program is voluntary, students who choose to utilize accommodations in the classroom will notify DSPS and design an accommodation plan specific to their learning needs.

If you suspect a student may have a disability, please refer the student to the DSPS office. It is always a good idea to refer the student to multiple resources on campus to avoid an uncomfortable situation and any legal complications. If you are unsure how to approach the situation, please visit the DSPS office and meet with the DSPS Coordinator. 

The student is provided a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) prepared with the DSPS Counselor that details the accommodations that the student is referred for. You will receive an email prompting you to log into the DSPS faculty portal to view these letters. We encourage the instructor to read these carefully, and discuss these documents with the students only if needed and in a confidential setting.

Under the law, accommodations must be provided for a student with disabilities. But, if an instructor feels that the accommodation is in direct conflict with course objectives, the instructor is free to discuss this with the DSPS office.

Instructors have the right to expect students with disabilities to behave according with the Student Code of Conduct. Faculty members also have the right to protect their academic freedom and the quality of their academic standards.

Extended time for a student is determined by the DSPS Coordinator and/or Counselor and is based on the student's educational limitations related to his or her disability. The standard extended times for testing are either time-and-a-half or double time.

DSPS does not make fundamental curriculum changes, so students registered with DSPS are expected to follow all course policies and procedures. If the missed exam is because of a DSPS related emergency with verified documentation, the instructor may consider a make-up exam.

DSPS does not make fundamental course curriculum changes or ask instructors to make unreasonable accommodations. Required accommodations are not meant to lower course standards or compromise the integrity of the course.

No, it is not advised to ask a student about his or her disability. It is best to let all your students know about the different support services on campus and where they are located. If you suspect a student has a disability and you are unsure about how to approach the situation, please contact the DSPS offices.

At some community colleges, DSPS Learning Disability Specialists test students for learning disabilities. At the current time, Columbia College does not test students for learning disabilities, but DSPS can refer students to outside testing agencies. 

DSPS can act as a liaison between faculty members and their students and assists faulty members with issues that may arise regarding students with disabilities.

No. Students who are registered with DSPS are still expected to follow the Columbia College Student Code of Conduct and any college policies and procedures.

According to YCCD Administrative Procedure 3440, a service animal is a dog (or, under certain conditions, a miniature horse) individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Service animals are permitted in areas of campus accessible to the public.

When a service animal's purpose is not apparent, staff may ask only two questions: (1) Is the service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the animal been trained to perform? Staff may not request certification or documentation, require the animal to demonstrate its tasks, or ask about the person's disability.

An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort, companionship, or therapeutic support but is not trained to perform specific disability-related tasks. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not have automatic access to campus buildings under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students seeking to bring an ESA to campus should contact Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) to discuss potential accommodations.

For additional information, including campus guidelines and accommodation procedures, visit our Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal Resources page.