[nfbmi-talk] from the mcb website

[joe harcz Comcast]

DRAFT 8-10-10

 

MCB College Policy Proposal

 

Preamble      

The mission of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) is to provide individuals who are blind and visually impaired the opportunity to achieve employment and independence.  We believe in the capacity of each blind person to achieve their individual level of excellence, to be productive and independent, and to be involved in their community.

 

Statement of Fundamental Principles    

The Michigan Commission for the Blind believes rehabilitation is a cooperative venture between the agency and the individual, with the individual having primary responsibility for personal successes and failures, and that each individual is different with unique strengths, challenges, interests and aptitudes which require vocational rehabilitation counseling, planning and training specific to their individual needs. 

 

MCB values:

  a.. Empowering and enabling individuals to make their own choices  
  b.. Enabling technology that helps consumers integrate into all aspects of society
  c.. A positive, respectful and effective partnership between consumers, MCB, its counselors-staff, and institutions of higher education  
  d.. Supporting and empowering students to achieve their academic goals, consistent with their talent, skills, abilities, hopes, and dreams  
  e.. The right of any consumer to advocate for themselves through due process if they are not satisfied with decisions made by MCB personnel
A.     Prerequisites for college and other post secondary training 

Establishing the Individualized Plan for Employment

The consumer-counselor team shall establish the consumer’s vocational goal through the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).  (See section 361.48, Scope of Services from the Rehabilitation Act PA 260.) When that goal includes the need for post secondary training-education, the consumer-counselor team shall include in the IPE the following expectations: 

·         a proposed time-line for completing training-education 

·         course load   

·         supplies and equipment 

·         location of training-education 

·         types of certificates or degrees to be obtained 

 

Essential Elements/Procedures:

1)     College Assessment 

Students shall participate in a college assessment to ensure that they have the skills necessary for college participation. Students shall demonstrate competent skills related to educational performance and independent living. (See MCB College Assessment.) If students cannot successfully demonstrate competent skill levels in these areas, they shall work with their counselor to receive additional training at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center or another qualified vocational training center, or in another manner consistent with their Rehabilitation needs based on informed choice. 

2)     Prospective students may be asked to participate in vocational exploration      which may include: 

    a.. job shadowing 
    b.. mentoring 
    c.. labor market analysis 
    d.. volunteer or paid work experience
    e.. others as defined by the IPE
    f..  
3)     Prospective students shall provide a letter of acceptance to the institution of higher learning of their choice, a curriculum outline, and the financial documents identified below in the financial aid policy (Policy B) to their MCB counselor before financial sponsorship by MCB can be provided.  Other documents may be identified by the consumer-counselor team which may be needed before entering a college or post-secondary training program.

4)     Timelines for completing a post-secondary training or college program is established by these training-educational institutions.  Students should complete their training or degree within one additional year of these established timelines.  Students with additional disabilities, medical issues, family situations, job duties, and or who are non-traditional students are encouraged to engage their counselor in developing a timeline for completion suitable for their needs.

5)     If a student’s attendance at training is interrupted for a period of time and they are unable to attend classes for one of the reasons referenced in Policy A - 4, the time period that they are not attending training-educational programs does not count against the identified timeline according to MCB.  A written, dated, request, including the reasons for this break in attendance shall be submitted to the MCB counselor.  Students should also be aware that the training-educational establishment may have their own requirements about timelines and that even if MCB approves a break in attendance; it could jeopardize the attainment of a certificate or degree if the post-secondary institution requires a student to complete their program with in a specific time frame. Examples of programs that might require a continuum of attendance are those in which rapid advancements are common such as in computer sciences, medicine, and education.

6)     The definition of a full course load is defined by each training-educational institution.  MCB students are required to carry a full course load unless their individualized plan specifies otherwise.   

7)     The decision to participate in a community college, four year university, out-of-state training-educational program, correspondence, or home-study program shall be based on the individual student’s needs and interests.  The MCB consumer-counselor team should refer to policies B and C of the college policy so that the requirements for utilizing accredited and non-accredited institutions, in- and out-of-state institutions, and financial supports, are compatible with the student’s institution of choice. 

8)     The type of degree or certification a student is sponsored for will be based on the students’ vocational goal and whether gainful employment in that vocation requires associates, bachelors, master’s degree, or other type of certificate.  MCB, in most cases, provides sponsorship for post-secondary training to the level of degree or certificate which will facilitate gainful employment.  If it is clear that an advanced degree will be required for competitive employment, the student’s IPE should reflect this and they may continue their education uninterrupted until they obtain the degree identified in their IPE. 

9)      MCB’s standard financial sponsorship is based on semesters held September through April. A POSSIBLE exception COULD BE two 16 week semesters, OR three 10 week quarters.  MCB’s ability to financially sponsor summer classes is considered an exception and a written, dated, request must be submitted to the MCB Counselor.  Approval will be determined with in 2 weeks of the request based on the fiscal budget and availability of funds.  

10)  If a student decides that their vocational goal or plan to obtain their vocational goal needs to change, the student and their MCB counselor will discuss a new plan with possible guidance by the director of consumer services and an IPE amendment shall be developed.

11)  MCB may provide financial support for up to 24 credit-hours of remedial study if it is not available free of charge.  Additional hours may be considered if the consumer-counselor team agrees it is needed. 

12)  Prior to a student attending their training-educational program, the MCB counselor shall provide an explanation of DISABLED STUDENT resources at their particular institution and encourage the student to contact the student assistance department to discuss any services or needs they may have before or while attending that institution.

 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a written agreement between MCB and some of the state universities and colleges which defines what MCB and each college or university will be responsible for in terms of supplying a student with materials, equipment, and services.  The MCB counselor shall explain to a student, prior to their enrollment in a college or university, which institutions hold a MOU with MCB and what the student can expect from MCB and that educational institution. Students are encouraged to advocate for their needs by consulting with MCB counselors and the appropriate representative of their college or university, if there are questions related to the provision of these accommodations. 

 

Policy B.  Accreditation

MCB cooperates with colleges, universities, and other degree-granting institutions, including correspondence, home-study and vocational training programs that are accredited by a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  Exceptions may be made where accreditation is pending or conditional and the course of study is sufficiently unique to justify use of the institution.  Students and their MCB counselor should discuss the risks and benefits of attending a non-accredited training program or university as it could negatively impact a student’s ultimate vocational goal.  

 

Policy C.  Financial Aid

According to state and federal mandates, MCB is to provide financial sponsorship to a student who is eligible for post- secondary training-education to the amount that is not covered through other financial resources.  Other financial resources include, but are not limited to; grants and comparable benefits.  According to Rehabilitation Act 361.48 F. MCB counselors are required to ask the parents-guardians of potential MCB students if they are willing to participate in the financial support of their son-daughter’s post-secondary training-educational costs.  There is no requirement for parents-guardians to provide financial support.  Students are required to apply for specified grants identified in Policy C–3.  Students are not required to apply for or utilize training or educational loans.  

 

Essential Elements:

1)     Rehab Act 361.5.10, defines comparable services and benefits as any related service, financial benefit, or assistance available to a consumer to partially or fully pay for the required cost of vocational rehabilitation services.  

2)     Students who receive a merit scholarship which has a specified purpose shall use that scholarship as designated to defray educational expenses.  

3)     Other comparable benefits that shall be used towards the cost of post- secondary training or education include financial aid, grants, stipends administered through the student's college or university, employer benefits, workers compensation, health insurance if applicable, and similar public benefits.

4)     Comparable benefits do not include Social Security benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI,) Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or unrestricted awards or scholarships based on merit.

5)     According to Rehabilitation Act, 361.42 a4 students requesting college sponsorship are required to apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.)  

6)     MCB counselors shall utilize the DELEG/MCB Statement of Financial Need Resources and Authorization form as a budgeting tool to help determine the amount of MCB financial support that is needed for the student’s post-secondary training-educational program. 

7)     The student shall annually submit to their counselor all necessary documents, including the Student Aid Report (SAR) to their counselor by July 1 in order to attend college in the fall, or by November 1 for winter/spring attendance.  Consumers who are unable to meet either deadline may be considered for college training starting the following semester.

8)     The student’s MCB counselor shall submit the signed copy of the DELEG/MCB Statement of Financial Need, Resources and Authorization form to the financial officer at the college or university.  The completed form shall be returned to the student’s MCB counselor.  The student’s MCB counselor shall share the information on the DELEG/MCB Statement of Financial Need, Resources and Authorization form with the student and shall give the student a copy of this document.

9)     MCB contributions toward college-related costs may include the following: 

·         tuition and fees for required curriculum courses including electives, as long as the electives fall within the requirements for certificate or degree.  Electives that might fall outside the scope of these requirements may be considered by MCB if a student and their MCB counselor agree, in writing, to this exception. 

·         required textbooks and course materials defined in the course syllabus. 

·         reader services related to course work and/or activities related to expectations for obtaining the identified certificate or degree 

·         text books services such as Braille, enlarged print, audio recordings, computer scanned, or other modified materials leading to course work and or activities related to expectations for obtaining the identified certificate or degree 

·         any costs for room and board that exceed the normal living costs as defined by, (34CFR361.53).

·         rehabilitation technology services and equipment as identified in the IPE; refer to “Scope of Services”—letter R. Rehabilitation Technology, in the MCB Policy Manual, for further details.

10)  MCB does not pay for the cost of college applications, required entrance exams or testing fees. MCB counselors may assist consumers with pursuing financial resources to pay for the costs of applications, entrance exams and or testing fees if the consumer requests such assistance.

11)  MCB may pay for the cost of preparation classes or materials for entrance exams if determined appropriate by the consumer-MCB counselor team.

12)  MCB may assist with the cost of professional certification exams and/or fees.

13)  If a consumer is in default of a student loan, no financial aid, including Pell Grants, will be available to the consumer.

14)  MCB is prohibited from paying for any training or related services at an institution of higher education for an individual who owes a refund on a grant or is in default of a student loan unless the individual makes maximum effort to resolve the default. Maximum effort means that the consumer must work out a satisfactory payment plan with the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), lending institution, or grantor, and re-establish eligibility for financial aid.

15)  Private college attendance, whether in-state or out-of-state, can be sponsored by MCB if the consumer-counselor team agree that attending the intended program will enhance their goal for employment.  The contributions for tuition at a private college shall not exceed the highest amount required for tuition for Michigan residents attending a state supported college or university in Michigan. 

16) Out-of-state college attendance can be sponsored by MCB if the student’s identified program is not available in Michigan or the consumer-counselor team agree that attending an out-of-state college will enhance their goal for employment.  The contributions for tuition at a comparable program shall not exceed an amount greater than the highest tuition rate for Michigan residents attending a state-supported college or university in Michigan.

17) Out-of- country study (study abroad) shall be funded if it is part of an approved course of study for a student’s approved vocational goal.  MCB shall support the cost in an amount no greater than the highest tuition rate for Michigan residents attending a state-supported college or university in Michigan.

18)  A student may request assistance from their MCB counselors to help them in locating financial resources if participating in an out-of-state or abroad program or private college will enhance the attainment of their vocational goal. 

 

 

Policy D.  Academic Progress

All students shall perform at least at the minimal performance standards set forth by the training or educational institution.  For under-graduate college students, this typically means minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, equaling a C average.  For graduate students, this typically means a 3.0 grade point average equaling a B average.  Students should be knowledgeable of their training or educational institutions requirements for performance so they can avoid probationary status. Students shall provide their grades or performance evaluations to their MCB counselor within two weeks of the end of each semester or training period.   

 

Essential Elements:

1)     The student’s chosen curriculum has requirements, as determined by the academic program and/or by the college or university that should be followed by the student unless exceptions are approved by both the student’s MCB counselor and the academic program director to attain their goal to re-establish good academic standing with MCB.

2)     An MCB counselor shall hold an evaluation consultation with a student to assess their educational-training performance for any of the reasons listed below.  A written plan for correction for an identified area of struggle shall be established between the student and their MCB counselor. 

·         Classes are dropped for a reason other than “good cause,” when MCB has already paid for the cost of tuition and fees.  Good cause may include problems related to obtaining agreed upon materials, equipment, and or services, or other influences that disrupt students performance that are clearly not the fault of the student and are communicated and agreed upon between the student and the MCB counselor. 

·         Dropping a class puts the student at less than their identified course load status defined in the IPE. 

·         A grade of “Incomplete” is taken in a class.  The student shall resolve the “Incomplete” grade during the next semester enrolled.

3)     In the case when a student has failed or dropped a class and when MCB has paid for the cost of this class, the student shall be required to pay that amount.   The student should make arrangements with their MCB counselor to pay this fee by the end of the following semester.

4)     If there is failure by the educational institution or MCB to provide agreed upon quality materials or services in a timely manner, the consumer shall not be held responsible by MCB for failed or incomplete grades. 

·         The term, “quality materials” means usable, workable materials that allow a student to access and produce information in a reasonable manner that promotes successful performance and does not unduly hinder their efforts to meet course expectations. Example readable Braille or large print text, correct text editions, accessable up-to-date maps, tables, formulas, etc.

·         The term, “timely manner,” means MCB students receive instructional materials in specialized formats at the same time that their student peers receive their instructional materials.  Specialized formats shall be provided in a medium that is usable by a student and may not always be available in the student’s preferred format. Example: an audio version of a text may be provided in full or in installments, if Braille or large print is not available in a timely manner.  In situations such as Math or Science where Braille or large print is essential to learning, such specialized formats shall be provided. 

·         Students are encouraged to initiate early preparation for obtaining course syllabi and/or communicating with class instructors to obtain text, equipment, and other required materials. Students should then communicate their needs to the appropriate resources in charge of providing accommodations-materials.

·         Time frames for MCB to provide services, equipment and materials may be discussed by the consumer-counselor team and put in writing with the agreed upon date that those services, equipment, or materials are to be delivered. 

·         Quality materials and timely services can be disrupted if there is a last minute instructor or material change.  Such occurrences that result in a student falling behind or taking an incomplete would also exempt a student from any financial burden and allow more time for the student to reach required expectations in performance.

    

 

Policy E. Exceptions and Complaints

The policies contained in this section on post-secondary education are designed to assist students in achieving ultimate success in their endeavors.  Though they are designed to address the needs of all potential student consumers, MCB recognizes that there may be particular circumstances which will require a non-traditional approach to education.  The process for addressing these variations is as follows:

 

Essential Elements:

1)     Students needing clarification or adjustments in these policies are encouraged to engage their counselors in constructive communication to most effectively meet individual needs.  

2)     The MCB counselor may consult with the MCB director of consumer services regarding clarification policies/practices. 

3)     Students are encouraged to document, in writing, those services and items that they feel have not been provided in a satisfactory manner and actively communicate their needs with their MCB counselor.

4)     If resolution is not reached through verbal and/or written communication in regards to a complaint or disagreement with a consumer’s MCB counselor, MCB encourages consumers to advocate for themselves and utilize due process as outlined in the agencies grievance protocol. MCB Policy Manual - II. GENERAL POLICIES – Conflict Resolution

 

CONCLUSION:

 

The ultimate goal of this policy is to guide the relationship between the Michigan Commission for the Blind and the prospective student who is blind or visually impaired.  Through this process all qualified MCB consumers can obtain a post-secondary certificate or degree and become employed at the level of their greatest capacity.  In order to realize this goal:

 

  1.. The MCB Counselor will assist MCB students in their efforts to become self-empowered so that by the end of the post-secondary training-educational process, the student is functioning at their maximum capacity and is prepared to be independent and enter the work force at the level of their capability.
  2.. The MCB counselor and student will communicate with each other at least once mid-semester unless the consumer and counselor both agree such a meeting is not required.
  3.. The MCB student will exercise self-determination in obtaining their post secondary degree or certificate through: 
    a.. Learning to communicate needs and information in a positive, assertive, self-advocating style 
    b.. Actively communicate needs to their MCB counselor, appropriate representatives of their chosen educational institution, and other significant professionals involved in post-secondary activities
    c.. Learning and utilizing networking skills
    d.. Identifying and utilizing accommodations and resources
    e.. Exercising their greatest capacity for learning and achievement.