Dominican University of California makes every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In keeping with this commitment, Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) may be necessary to address the personal needs of a student with a disability so that he/she/they may participate in the university's activities, services, and programs. In order for the student, who requires PCA services, to have the same independent experience as all other college students, it is in the student's best interest to hire an impartial PCA who is not a family member or close friend. The University does not assume coordination or financial responsibilities for personal attendant services, and expects PCAs to respect all of the university's policies and codes of conduct.

A PCA is expected to:

1) Follow all applicable university policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.

2) Assist the student before and after class but wait outside the classroom (unless deemed appropriate by documentation and approved by the Accessibility and Disability Services Office).

3) If in the classroom, refrain from assisting any academically-related tasks (i.e. note taking, class participation, group activities) in the classroom or other academic settings.

4) Allow the student to take responsibility for his/her/their own progress or behavior.

5) Refrain from contact with or asking questions of faculty, staff, or others on behalf of the student.

6) Refrain from intervening in conversations between the student and faculty, staff or other students.

7) Refrain from discussing any confidential information about the student with faculty, staff, or students.

Tips for having a PCA in the classroom:

• Please make sure they have a seat designated for them They do NOT have to sit by the student requiring this accommodation.

• However, they do need quick access to the student if the student requires a medical emergency.