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Polices for Interpreters/Transliterator

These policies are intended to assist the Office for Disability Services, ODS, its service providers and registered students in the orderly and efficient operation of providing Interpreting/Transliterating services.

Professional and Ethical Conduct
The Interpreter/Transliterator will:

  1. Render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and the spirit of the speaker, using language most readily understood by the students supported by ODS.

  2. Keep all assignment-related information strictly confidential.

  3. Begin interpreting/transliterating upon the arrival of the supported student(s). Any announcements made by the instructor before the student(s) arrive will not be interpreted/transliterated.

  4. Shall not counsel, advise, or interject personal opinions before, during, or following an assignment.

  5. Shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting and the student involved.

  6. Recognize the student as an adult. Interpreters/Transliterators must be sensitive to the student's needs, including the students’ need for independence.

  7. Maintain a professional association with faculty, staff, and students. Interpreters/Transliterators are expected to be impartial in the performance of their work.

  8. Shall strive to maintain high professional standards in compliance with those established and accepted by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

    The Interpreter/Transliterator will contact ODS to discuss any concerns. Concerns may include, but not be limited to communication problems, difficulty meeting student needs, student’s habitual inattentiveness, tardiness, absence, and any problem the Interpreter is unable to resolve by talking to the student and/or instructor.

ODS will notify instructors prior to the first day of each semester that a deaf or hard-of-hearing student will be enrolled in their class and will outline the procedures for communications and accommodations.

The Interpreter/Transliterator should introduce her/himself to the instructor and briefly describe their role in the classroom with regard to seating, potential concerns, etc.

Interpreter/Transliterator Fees
Interpreter/Transliterator fees will be negotiated individually and approved through ODS.

Professional Attire
Interpreters/Transliterators will dress in a University-appropriate, professional manner.

Scheduling Work Assignments
Interpreter/Transliterator work schedules are determined by the business and operational needs of the Office for Disability Services and will be made by ODS staff. In the event that these needs change, it may be necessary to adjust work schedules to ensure adequate staffing and coverage. When this occurs, as much notice as is practical will be given.

Commencement and Duration of Assignments
Interpreters/Transliterators are expected to arrive at least fifteen minutes before the beginning of each interpreting assignment to arrange proper seating, make appropriate introductions, and take care of any other logistical arrangements. Interpreters/Transliterators are expected to remain throughout the duration of the scheduled assignment.

ODS must approve all requests for interpreting/transliterating services outside of the classroom when ODS will be billed for the services.

As tests are announced, Interpreters/Transliterators should verify with the instructor and student to see if and how long they will be needed.

For final exams, all services are per request only. If the student would like an Interpreter/Transliterator for a final exam, the student must contact ODS two weeks in advance.

Cancellations
In the event of a student cancellation:

If cancellation is made by the student 24 hours prior to class time, the Interpreter/Transliterator will be notified accordingly and will not be reimbursed for services.
If cancellation is NOT made by the student within 24 hours prior to class time, the Interpreter/Transliterator will be reimbursed for the normal fee established between ODS and the Interpreter/Transliterator.
In the event either part wishes to terminate the agreement, a two-week notification must be provided.

Waiting Period for No-Shows
The Interpreter/Transliterator is expected to wait for the student at the assignment as follows:

15 minutes for a class which is up to one hour in duration
20 minutes for any class over an hour in length
After the designated waiting period ends, the Interpreter/Transliterator should promptly notify ODS of the no-show.

Attendance
The Interpreter/Transliterator is responsible for notifying ODS of an absence due to illness or other unexpected reasons as soon as possible before the scheduled work period.

If the Interpreter/Transliterator fails to notify ODS of delays or absences three times within one semester, ODS retains the right to terminate the contract.

If an assignment extends beyond the authorized length of time, the time discrepancy must be reported to ODS promptly upon the completion of the assignment.

Assignment Preparation
Assignment preparation is a desirable and at times necessary to enhance the presentation of information. An Interpreter/Transliterator may, on a case-by-case basis, be reimbursed for time outside of the classroom for activities involved in the preparation for courses. Authorization of paid assignment preparation must occur in advance.

Problem Resolution
Interpreters/Transliterators are expected to immediately report to ODS any concerns and/or problems that arise during the assignment.

Random Observations
Random observations of Interpreters/Transliterators will take place at various times throughout the semester. Observations may or may not be announced in advance. The Interpreter/Transliterator will receive a copy of the report of the observation.

SIGNATURE PAGE

Interpreter/Transliterator Signature: __________________________________________

Interpreter/Transliterator Name (please print): __________________________________

Date: _____________________________

Company Affiliation: _____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

ODS Witness Signature:

___________________________________________________

ODS Witness Title:

_______________________________________________________

Date: _____________________

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