[nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27 meeting
joe harcz Comcast
joeharcz at comcast.net
Thu Aug 26 21:23:08 UTC 2010
And yes, you still can do so inspite of whatever policy they have. For,
again this is a function of the IPE.
----- Original Message -----
From: "J.J. Meddaugh" <jj at bestmidi.com>
To: "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 3:14 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27 meeting
> It seems like we lost any support for taking classes part-time in
> combination with employment. Wasn't this something we were pushing for as
> an organization and in the various stages of developing this policy? There
> are many situations where taking classes part-time may be appropriate,
> including career-related jobs, the need for additional income during
> school, family/childcare commitments, etc.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Fred Wurtzel" <f.wurtzel at comcast.net>
> To: "'Geri Taeckens'" <geri.taeckens at isahealthfund.org>; "'Elizabeth'"
> <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>; <luzenskis at michigan.gov>; <alissa161 at gmail.com>;
> <cannonp at michigan.gov>; <dcgorton601 at comcast.net>; <mohnked at hotmail.com>;
> <wild-rose at sbcglobal.net>; <furtond at michigan.gov>;
> <grace at menzelcoaching.com>; <debate912 at gmail.com>; <mpvi at intergate.com>;
> <heibeckc at michigan.gov>; <jbrown at mpas.org>; <pilarskij at charter.net>;
> <jonesl2 at michigan.gov>; <kisiell at michigan.gov>; "'Larry Posont'"
> <president.nfb.mi at gmail.com>; <laury-johnsons at michigan.gov>;
> <lovep at michigan.gov>; "'Lydia Schuck'" <laschuck at juno.com>;
> <mcnealg at michigan.gov>; <mcvoys at michigan.gov>; <silveya at michigan.gov>;
> <smithd11 at michigan.gov>; <martzvir at msu.edu>; <whitee2 at michigan.gov>;
> <wilsond9 at michigan.gov>; "'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List'"
> <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>; <marywurtzel at comcast.net>
> Cc: <brlbumps at sbcglobal.net>; "'John Scott'" <jcscot at sbcglobal.net>;
> <margwolfe at usa.net>
> Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 1:26 AM
> Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27
> meeting
>
>
>> Dear Commissioners and College Policy Team,
>>
>>
>>
>> I must say that this is a vastly improved document when compared to the
>> one
>> presented at the Marquette Commission meeting. Thanks to Geri, Elizabeth
>> and Gwen, strides have been made to make this much more humane and
>> user/consumer friendly. There are, still, lingering artifacts from that
>> earlier document. There are pressures to reverse the progress that has
>> been
>> made. I have annotated the document posted on the MCB web site on
>> 8/10/2010
>> and included it below. Elizabeth Mohnke has composed a very good
>> document
>> that gives an in-depth review of the Rehabilitation Act regulations as
>> they
>> relate to this document. I have only covered this topic lightly. I
>> strongly encourage you to review her document to assure full compliance
>> with
>> the Rehab Act. She did a highly commendable job of research.
>>
>>
>>
>> In the interest of time and space, I have limited my comments, with 1
>> exception to those places where errors or shortcomings occur. This is
>> not
>> meant to be negative, as I said, this is a great deal better than the
>> Marquette document that you wisely rejected. I simply wanted to keep it
>> short in order to help you get through it as quickly as possible.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you all for your patience and hard work. I understand there is
>> pressure to get this done, however, it is most important to get it done
>> right.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you for your attention in this most important matter.
>>
>>
>>
>> Best Regards,
>>
>>
>>
>> Fred Wurtzel
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 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:
>>
>> . Empowering and enabling individuals to make their own choices
>>
>> . Enabling technology that helps consumers integrate into all aspects
>> of
>> society
>>
>> . A positive, respectful and effective partnership between consumers,
>> MCB, its counselors-staff, and institutions of higher education
>>
>> . Supporting and empowering students to achieve their academic goals,
>> consistent with their talent, skills, abilities, hopes, and dreams
>>
>> . 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
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Strike "proposed". A timeline can be changed through an
>> IPE
>> amendment.
>>
>>
>>
>> . 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:
>>
>> . job shadowing
>>
>> . mentoring
>>
>> . labor market analysis
>>
>> . volunteer or paid work experience
>>
>> . others as defined by the IPE
>>
>> .
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Drop the "1 year" requirement. There is already a caveat
>> and any other agreements regarding time can be agreed to between the
>> client
>> and counselor.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Strike "Students should also be aware that the". Add
>> "Each"
>> before "Training." The counselor can explain this if the college has not
>> already done so. The rest of the sentence clearly states this point.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Examples are superfluous. They do not hurt, but are
>> wordy.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Above, "are required should be replaced with "shall".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Above, "team should refer" should be "team shall refer".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Above, "will be determined" should be "shall be
>> determined".
>> This section is a little weak for consumers. It may be used to justify
>> not
>> helping a student attain the best degree, since the term "gainful
>> employment" is included. The argument will be that if a person can get a
>> minimum wage job with an associates degree, the Commission will not help
>> with a bachelors. I have heard counselors say exactly this.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: "in most cases," should be replaced with "may"
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Above, "counselor will discuss" needs to be "counselor
>> shall
>> discuss".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: What happened to the "hold harmless" clause. You need to
>> know that the Rehab act provides for problem resolution on this point.
>> Leaving it out here is a way to intimidate students and does not lead to
>> a
>> friendly and positive working relationship, especially in view of the
>> Rehab
>> Act language to deal with this situation. This is fundamental and
>> serious,
>> if you wish to be consumer oriented and open.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Above, "counselor should discuss" needs to be "counselor
>> shall discuss".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>> Commissioners: Above, the mandated sections need citations. Also, " MCB
>> is
>> to provide" needs to be "MCB shall provide"
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> COMMISSIONERS, COMMISSIONERS!: This is not true. The Commission is
>> required
>> to find all possible grant funding and the student is required to seek
>> financial aid. There is no, no I say, requirement to ask parents for
>> participation. This statement undermines the credibility of the policy
>> since it is not true and undermines the relationship between the parent
>> and
>> the agency, since the counselor can judge when it is appropriate to ask.
>> This is very important to create a trusting and consumer oriented policy
>> and
>> program administration. This is not "warm and fuzzy" talk, it is sound
>> public policy..
>>
>>
>>
>> There is no requirement for parents-guardians to provide financial
>> support.
>> Students are required to apply for specified grants identified in Policy
>> C-
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: " Students are required" needs to be "Students shall
>> apply".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.)
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: " sponsorship are required to apply" needs to be
>> "sponsorship, shall apply".
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Item 7 needs to be stricken. Our opinion is that 6, 7
>> and 8
>> should all be stricken, however, if the MCB is determined to have this
>> policy, they need to take full responsibility and not hold the student
>> hostage to the whims of college financial aid offices who have no legal
>> obligation to cooperate with this superfluous form.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: This section is illegal under the Rehab Act. MCB may not
>> pick and choose services like this. All planning is required to take
>> place
>> in the IPE.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: according to an attorney we consulted on this policy,
>> this
>> is not true. This rule applies to colleges, but according to the Rehab
>> Act,
>> not to Rehab agencies. Such decisions fall under the concept of
>> individualized services as suggested by the "I" in IPE., so the MCB may
>> pay
>> for college costs even if there is a student loan default. Again, such
>> errors undermine the agency credibility and weaken the client oriented
>> goal
>> of the Commission.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: in 15 and 16 " out-of-state, can be" Needs to be
>> out-of-state, may be".
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Again, as above, the idea is that the MCB may pay higher
>> tuition if the course of study is not offered at a State supported
>> institution.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Same as above. Can needs to be "may" and tuition may be
>> paid if no comparable course of study is available in-state.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: Same as above. Out of Country should be covered if not
>> available 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: There needs to be some kind of requirement that the
>> counselor
>> does, in fact, provide assistance. The mere fact that a student requests
>> assistance does not assure the counselor will do anything.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: " Students should be knowledgeable " needs be" Students
>> shall be knowledgeable
>>
>> to 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: #1 above is intrusive and paternalistic. The
>> student/college relationship should be between those parties. The MCB
>> does
>> not need to approve changes agreed to by the college.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: First the above section should be changed to give the
>> opportunity for a repayment plan if the student cannot repay the cost in
>> the
>> required time. People on SSI may not be able to cover that kind of
>> repayment plan. Again, a reasonable policy must take into consideration
>> the
>> student's ability to pay. If the goal is to move the student through
>> college as expeditiously as possible, a delay due to a repayment plan is
>> not
>> consistent with the goal.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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, accessible 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: The above section is excellent! This is a balanced and
>> positive statement that supports students and expects a respectful and
>> cooperative working relationship. Bravo! For this.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: " incomplete would also" needs to be " incomplete shall
>> also
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: "are encouraged to engage their counselors in
>> constructive
>> communication to most effectively meet individual needs. " is wordy,
>> unclear and could be replaced with encouraged to negotiate changes with
>> their counselor.
>>
>>
>>
>> 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:
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: " consumers can obtain" needs to be " consumers may
>> obtain"
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: " Counselor will assist" needs to be " Counselor shall
>> assist"
>>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: " student will communicate" needs to be " student shall
>> communicate
>>
>>
>>
>> 3. The MCB student will exercise self-determination in obtaining their
>> post secondary degree or certificate through:
>>
>> . Learning to communicate needs and information in a positive,
>> assertive, self-advocating style
>>
>> . Actively communicate needs to their MCB counselor, appropriate
>> representatives of their chosen educational institution, and other
>> significant professionals involved in post-secondary activities
>>
>> . Learning and utilizing networking skills
>>
>> . Identifying and utilizing accommodations and resources
>>
>> . Exercising their greatest capacity for learning and achievement.
>>
>>
>>
>> Commissioners: " student will exercise" needs to be " student shall
>> exercise"
>>
>> To me this is a little patronizing and paternalistic. There is no role
>> for
>> the MCB counselor in this process. There ought to be, at least 1
>> sentence
>> or phrase added to commit the Counselor to assisting in this growth and
>> transformation.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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