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Center for Student Accessibility

Palm Beach State College complies with all laws and regulations applicable to qualified individuals with disabilities as required in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). These laws mandate reasonable accommodations that ensure students with disabilities the opportunity for equal access to, and participation in, all College facilities, programs, activities, and services.

It is the responsibility of the student to request accommodations by registering with the Center for Student Accessibility (CSA) and to provide appropriate documentation from a qualified clinician in support of the request for services. Students must confer with CSA each term, as appropriate accommodation may vary from course to course. The Center for Student Accessibility will prepare accommodation notices which will be provided to the student and instructor at the student’s request.

The College is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities who rely on service animals can have access to all public areas, attend classes, and participate in campus activities. The entire service animal policy can be viewed at pbsc.edu/animal-policy

Confidentiality

All documentation provided to the Center for Student Accessibility will be strictly confidential. No information, except as provided by law, will be released to anyone, including parents, without the student’s written consent.

Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity

Palm Beach State College, an equal access/equal opportunity institution, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, and any other factor protected under the law, state or federal, in employment, admissions, or educational programs and activities.

Harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, is prohibited.

If a student believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination or harassment based on their disability, they may file a complaint online at the pbsc.edu/PanthersVoice webpage.

Who is eligible for services with the Center for Student Accessibility?

Palm Beach State College provides services to all qualified students with disabilities as defined by law.

No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in shall, solely by reason of their disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 794).

A qualified individual with a disability means:

“…an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodations to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities” (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §12131 [Sec. 201.])

The definition of a disability includes a person who:

  • has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such a person’s major life activities
  • has a record of such impairment or is regarded as having such impairment
    (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 34 C.F.R. [Part 104])

A “qualified” person with a disability is defined as one… “who meets the academic and technical standards requisite to admission or participation in the education program or activity.”

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of qualified individuals who have disabilities such as, but not limited to:

Blindness/visual Impairment Cerebral Palsy
Deafness/Hearing Impairment Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders
Orthopedic/Mobility Impairment Specific Learning Disability
Speech Disorders Tourette’s Syndrome
Spinal Cord Injury Psychiatric Disability
Muscular Dystrophy Multiple Sclerosis
Arthritis Cancer
Traumatic Brain Injury AIDS

The above list includes examples of disabilities and is not an exhaustive list. Students are encouraged to contact the Center for Student Accessibility and discuss with a manager or an advisor if they qualify for services.

Palm Beach State College adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that was enacted to protect individuals with disabilities against discrimination. A student at the College who believes they have been discriminated against based on their disability or has not been afforded the agreed upon accommodations may file a complaint with the Center for Student Accessibility (CSA).

Students eligible for ADA accommodations should deliver their notification letters to faculty at the beginning of each semester or as soon as reasonably possible, altering the faculty of the approved accommodations. A student should notify a CSA Manager of any disagreement between the student and the faculty member if agreed-upon academic accommodations are not provided to seek a resolution.

Students who disagree with an eligibility or accommodation decision made by CSA may appeal the decision. The appeal must be submitted to the Student Development Director. The student will be provided a timeframe for a response and explanation of the resolution after the investigation is completed. Further appeals will proceed up the line of report in accordance with the College’s established practices.

Criteria for an appeal

  1. An error in the calculation of the grade, or ineffective provision of approved ADA accommodations resulting in the student being prevented from attaining the learning outcome to the level such accommodation might allow.
  2. The assignment of a grade was a substantial departure from the faculty member’s previously printed standards in the course syllabus.

Students may appeal a final grade that they receive in a course, but interim grades or grades on specific assignments are not appealable, unless any such appeal is based on an allegation that the faculty member has violated the stated grading policy or that the grade was a result of discrimination or retaliation or for allegation that the professor did not provide the student with approved ADA accommodations as documented by Center for Student Accessibility (CSA).

  • The student may request a review of their final course grade directly with the CSA Office by submitting a Student Problem Resolution Form and choosing Accommodations/ADA/Section 504 Complaint as the Nature of the Report.
  • If the Academic Dean/Associate Dean receives such a request for a grade review they will refer the student to CSA and contact the CSA Office concerning the student’s request for grade review.
  • The Academic Dean/Associate Dean will extend the timeframe to resolve the “Final Course Grade Appeal” pending the findings and resolution from the CSA Office concerning the alleged denial of ADA accommodation(s).

The following process will be initiated by the CSA Office:

Step 1: CSA Manager

The student holds primary responsibility to notify the Center for Student Accessibility.

  1. Upon receipt of the student request for grade review the CSA manager will meet with the student to discuss the student’s concerns, including any relevant details necessary to conduct a review (except for days that the College is closed).
  2. The student will be given a timeframe for a response and to provide any requested information.
  3. The faculty member will provide relevant documentation to the CSA Manager within five (5) business days.
  4. Upon completion of the review, the student will receive a detailed explanation of the findings and resolution; CSA will notify Academic Affairs of the findings (See CSA’s Notification to Academic Affairs)
  5. Request is resolved.

However, if the student is not satisfied with the resolution of the CSA Manager, the student has five (5) business days to escalate their concern by submitting the Center for Student Accessibility Appeal Form to the Student Development Director.

Step 2: The Student Development Director

  1. Student Development Director will review the documentation related to the resolution of the student’s appeal.
  2. The student and the Student Development Director will meet to discuss the matter.
  3. The student will be given a timeframe to receive a response.
  4. A written response of the resolution will be provided to the student once the matter is resolved.
  5. If the student is not satisfied with the resolution, they may contact the Dean of Student Development.

Step 3: The Equity Officer/504 Coordinator

  1. If the student is not satisfied with the Dean of Student Development, they may contact the Equity Officer/504 Coordinator, Juanita Benjamin, at 561-868-3111 or benjamij@palmbeachstate.edu.
  2. A student at any time may bypass previous steps to escalate complaint directly to any of the following:
    • Executive Director, Human Resources
    • Director, Human Resources & Equity Officer/504 Coordinator

Center for Student Accessibility's Notification to Academic Affairs

Belle Glade: Center for Student Accessibility
1977 College Drive, CRA 105.7, Belle Glade, FL 33430-3699
561-790-9022; 
studentaccessibility@palmbeachstate.edu 

Boca Raton: Center for Student Accessibility
801 Palm Beach State College Drive, AD 134, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6490
561-862-4316; 
studentaccessibility@palmbeachstate.edu 

Lake Worth: Center for Student Accessibility
4200 Congress Avenue, BK 110, Lake Worth, FL 33461-4796
561-868-3046; 
studentaccessibility@palmbeachstate.edu 

Loxahatchee Groves: Center for Student Accessibility
15845 Southern Boulevard, LGA 103, Loxahatchee, FL 33470-9204
561-790-9022; 
studentaccessibility@palmbeachstate.edu 

Palm Beach Gardens: Center for Student Accessibility
3160 PGA Boulevard, BR 128, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410-2893
561-207-5345; 
studentaccessibility@palmbeachstate.edu 

District - BK 110
Richard Hunter, Student Development Director
Phone: 561-868-3734 | Fax: 561-868-3141

District - SCA 132
Dr. Kathleen S. Karran-McCoy, Dean of Student Development & Ombudsman
Phone: 561-868-3371 | Fax: 561-868-3141

The Center for Student Accessibility is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all qualified students with disabilities in compliance with federal and state statutes. We commit, as well, to ensuring that the integrity of all college standards and requirements is maintained. Visit the Center for Student Accessibility at pbsc.edu/StudentAccessibility .

College TRIO/Student Support Services

TRiO Student Support Services

This program is a U.S Department of Education grant-funded TRIO program serving 175 students who are low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities. Services provided include personalized academic and financial aid, advisement, tutoring, career exploration, transfer assistance, academic workshops, financial literacy, cultural events, and university tours. The program assists students with progression, retention, completion, and transition from one level of higher education to the next. Students must be enrolled at Palm Beach State College in a degree-seeking program and be US citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for services. For more information, call 561-868-3392.

 

TRiO Student Support Services Veterans

This program is a U.S Department of Education grant-funded TRIO program serving 120 veterans who are low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities. Services provided include personalized academic and financial aid, advisement, tutoring, career exploration, transfer assistance, academic workshops, financial literacy, cultural events, and university tours. The program assists student veterans with progression, retention, completion, and transition from one level of higher education to the next. Students must be enrolled at Palm Beach State College in a degree-seeking program and be US citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for services. For more information, call 561-868-4287.


TRiO Educational Opportunity Centers

This program is a U.S Department of Education grant-funded TRIO program serving up to 1,000 qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program provides counseling and information on college admissions and also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions. For more information, call eocnorth@palmbechstate.edu.

See pbsc.edu/Trio.

Counseling Services

The Student Counseling Center provides services and programs designed to help students maintain their emotional well-being to achieve their educational goals. Services include individual counseling, group counseling, educational events, as well as linkage to community resources, and additional services. Services are available by appointment either on campus or virtually and can be scheduled by calling 561-868-3980, emailing the Student Counseling Center at studentcounselingcenter@palmbeachstate.edu, or in person on the Lake Worth campus. Please visit us on our webpage for further information see pbsc.edu/Wellbeing.

Case Management

As part of the Student Counseling Center our Case Management Services assist students in linking with community resources such as SNAP registration, local food pantries, financial assistance, and housing issues. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Student Counseling Center at 561-868-3980 or visiting the Counseling webpage at pbsc.edu/Wellbeing.

Student Assistance Fund

The Student Assistance Fund assists students who are facing unexpected financial crisis. Applications for this fund is limited. Please see the online application to which can be accessed via the Student Counseling Center Web Page at pbsc.edu/Wellbeing.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Student Counseling Center at (561) 868-3980 or visiting the Counseling webpage pbsc.edu/Wellbeing.

Panther’s Pantry

The Panther’s Pantry is available to any student, faculty or staff member experiencing food insecurities. Panther’s Pantry hours vary by campus location and are by appointment only. Appointments can be booked for both Pantry food pick up and SNAP registration by clicking on the following link: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/PanthersPantry1@palmbeachstate.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/.

For further information please contact the Student Counseling Center at 561-868-3980 or visit our webpage pbsc.edu/PanthersPantry.

Foster Care Liaison

Students who identify as having been a part of the foster care system are provided with additional support and community resource linkage. Please reach out to the Student Counseling Center for more information pbsc.edu/Wellbeing or call (561) 868-3980.

Equity Institute

Florida Shines (FloridaShines.org)

Graduation

Graduation is an automatic process, streamlining the necessary steps for students and ensuring that their transcripts reflect the degree or certificate earned. Each term, during the months of October (Fall), March (Spring) and June (Summer), the College will conduct a preliminary review of each currently enrolled student’s degree audit. Students who will be "100% program complete” at the end of the term will be eligible for graduation. An email will be sent to eligible students informing them of their graduation status and inviting them to participate in the commencement ceremony. For further information, please go to pbsc.edu/Graduation.

Panther Care Team

Student Activities

Get involved! Palm Beach State College is host to a wide variety of social, faith-based, special interest, academic, service, and career-oriented campus organizations. These clubs provide students personal, interpersonal, and organizational development. All clubs and organizations are open to all currently enrolled Palm Beach State students.

Can’t find a club in which you are interested? Start your own. Visit the Student Activities website to find the criteria and link to charter a new club at the college. To be an active member of a student club, students must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average.

All procedures for clubs can be found in the Student Activities Manual available on the Student Activities website, see pbsc.edu/StudentLife.

Student Participation in Institutional Decision Making

The College encourages student participation in institutional decision-making. One important means of influence in the governance of the College is the Student Government Association (SGA). Students are also invited to participate on the Student Activity & Service Fee Committee, Conduct Committees, District Diversity Council, and other committees as appropriate. Moreover, on occasion, students are given the opportunity through opinion questionnaires to evaluate various College programs and activities. Information obtained through this process is of significant value in making operational decisions.

Student Trustee

In keeping with the College’s commitment to student involvement, Palm Beach State has established a student position on the District Board of Trustees. This position is non-voting and designed to ensure that student issues and concerns are represented. Students interested in serving in this capacity must apply for the position. To be considered, a student must meet the following criteria:

  • At least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average;
  • Two letters of recommendation (one letter must be from a faculty/instructor and one letter can be from a faculty/instructor or staff member);
  • A typewritten essay on why they wish to become a student trustee.

Applications are available at the end of the spring term. A committee makes a final selection through interviews in July. For more information, students may contact the Executive Assistant to the District Board of Trustees at 561-868-3502.

Testing Services

A variety of national and state exams, such as PERT, CLEP, Accuplacer, TABE, and others are administered in the testing centers, as well as instructor out-of-class exams and testing for distance- learning courses. Current or prospective students taking a test at the College’s testing centers should allocate the full amount of time specified for the test plus 15 minutes for processing. For placement exams (PERT, TABE, Accuplacer) a Palm Beach State Student ID is acceptable; otherwise, students must present a valid Passport or U.S. government-issued photo identification card before being allowed to sit for any test. For information on tests administered, hours of operation, test fees, payment, making an appointment, or policies and procedures, visit the website: pbsc.edu/TestingCenter.

Testing Center Contact Information

Belle Glade 561-993-1125

westtesting@palmbeachstate.edu

Boca Raton 561-862-4371

southtesting@palmbeachstate.edu

Lake Worth 561-868-3012

centraltesting@palmbeachstate.edu

Palm Beach Gardens 561-207-5371

northtesting@palmbeachstate.edu

Loxahatchee Groves 561-790-9027

edgarb@palmbeachstate.edu

Veteran Services