Disability Services
A Disability Services Coordinator is available to assist students with disabilities in anticipating and planning for their full participation in the academic, labor, and social programs of Berea College. The Coordinator acts as a liaison with other College departments and offices in arranging responses appropriate to the student’s particular situation. Some of the services available to qualifying students with disabilities include: communication with faculty and advisor regarding student needs; accessible classroom and housing; determination of appropriate accommodations; classroom accommodations or modifications; assistance with obtaining recorded textbooks; extended testing time; and information and referral for additional services. A student must contact the Disability Services Coordinator and provide appropriate documentation in order to receive services. For an appointment call ext. 3212.
The Disability Services Coordinator works closely with the Section 504/ADA Coordinator to assure compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1992. Also, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator receives complaints related to possible discrimination based on physical access needs. The Vice President for Operations and Sustainability serves as the Section 504/ADA Coordinator.
Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS) Grievance Policy and Procedures
Disability & Accessibility Services (DAS) is committed to promoting equal access to all programs, services, and activities at Berea College. Students who are concerned that they have been denied equal access as described in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) are encouraged to follow the procedures outlined below. Please see the U.S. Department of Education website for more information about Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities.,
Students have two ways to express their concerns: an informal resolution procedure available through the DAS Coordinator and a more formal grievance procedure through the ADA Compliance Officer. Although students are encouraged to solve disputes at the lowest possible level and to use internal procedures to the fullest extent, a student may choose to initiate a formal grievance at any time.
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), encourages individuals first to use internal grievance procedures, and when such procedures meet OCR's investigative standards, OCR will generally defer to the results reached if the process provided for fair consideration of the grievance (http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/prevention.html).
Informal Resolution Procedure
Clear communication between students, faculty/staff, and DAS is vital to utilizing DAS services effectively. Where possible, students are encouraged to first address concerns and problems with the individuals most directly involved in the situation: the DAS coordinator regarding eligibility for accommodations and specific accommodations; the individual faculty or staff member in the cases of implementation or lack of approved accommodations.
Students are encouraged to express any concerns with the DAS Coordinator, Lisa Ladanyi (985-3327, 111 Lincoln Hall, lisa.ladanyi@berea.edu). If for a specific reason the grievance cannot be discussed with the DAS Coordinator, or if the complaint is about the DAS Coordinator, contact DAS supervisor, Curtis Sandberg (985-3237, 113 Lincoln Hall, Curtis_Sandberg@berea.edu).
Students who are experiencing difficulty in receiving authorized accommodations by a faculty or staff member, department, or program should first address their concerns with the faculty or staff member charged with providing the accommodation.
DAS is available to offer assistance by discussing and exploring options with the student and/or faculty or staff member, contacting the concerned party in an effort to clarify issues, facilitating a meeting with the concerned parties, and/or advocating for the student’s right to receive appropriate and effective accommodations to the extent required under either the Rehabilitation Act or the ADA.
The Kentucky Department of Education State ADA Coordinator is available for consultation in regard to any questions or concern a student may have about one’s accommodations (1-877-423-2933 or www.ada.ky.gov).
A student who is not satisfied with the resolution on this level may choose to file a formal complaint.
Formal Grievance procedure
The student may submit a formal written grievance to the Berea College ADA Compliance Officer, Derrick Singleton (985-3131, 230 Lincoln Hall, Derrick_Singleton@berea.edu). When making a formal complaint, a student should include specific information about the concern or problem (describe the issue(s), incident(s) and the action(s) taken; state the name of the individual(s) or office(s) involved; and show documented efforts to resolve the complaint). The Compliance Officer will meet with the student to discuss the complaint and will conduct any necessary investigation.
The Compliance Officer will issue a written decision including findings and remedial actions, if any, to be taken by Berea College and/or the student. This decision shall be issued to the student and any others deemed appropriate within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Compliance Officer’s receipt of the complaint. Files and records on all formal grievances shall be maintained by the ADA Compliance Officer.
Appeal procedure
If a student is not satisfied with the formal grievance procedure, the student may appeal to the President for de novo review of the Compliance Officer’s decision. The appeal must be made in writing within five (5) calendar days of the decision. The determination of the President on any such appeal is final.
If the grievance is not resolved internally at the College, the student may choose to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (100 Penn Square East, Suite 515, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Tel: (215) 656-8541; Fax: (215) 656-8605; OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov. How to file a complaint of discrimination with OCR.
Approved by the Administrative Committee, February 2015.
Student Health Services
Medical Authorization for Minors
Students who are younger than 18 years old at the beginning of their first term at Berea College must have consent for treatment signed by a parent or legal guardian before they can register for classes.
Services
Student Health Services (operated by White House Clinics through Berea Primary Care) is the health services provider for students. http://www.whitehouseclinics.com/index.htm
Student Health Services of Berea Primary care is operated by White House Clinics. There are 8 offices in the region and students may be seen at any location. Most students will find it most convenient to go to Berea Primary Care which is located in St. Joseph Berea Hospital through the main hospital entryway (not through the Emergency Room entrance).
Services provided by Student Health Services include:
- acute care (sore throats, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.)
- chronic care (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
- screenings/health maintenance (pap smears, sports and other physicals, health education, etc.)
Tetanus boosters, meningitis, hepatitis A & B, and various other immunizations necessary for travel to certain countries are provided by Student Health Services to patients at cost.
Allergy injections ordered by an allergist are administered to students during regular Student Health Services hours at no charge. Tuberculosis (TB) screening is also provided.
Students are entitled to unlimited visits at Student Health Services for no additional charge each term after the required health fee has been paid. Student’s dependents may utilize Student Health Services for an additional health fee (also must be paid each term.)
Student Health Services of White House Clinics has a strong network for specialty care, and provides referrals for various procedures, tests, specialists and sub-specialists that are not covered by the student health fee and may be charged to the student’s insurance including:
- x-rays,
- medically necessary diagnostic studies (MRI, CT Scan, etc.)
- other tests as determined
- specialty physicians as medically warranted
Counseling Services
Professional counseling and psychological services are provided by licensed therapists through Berea College Counseling for students who may wish to discuss academic, personal, psychological, or social problems. The services provided are confidential and free of charge to all students. Anyone seeking confidential counseling services should contact Counseling Services (ext. 3212) to arrange an initial intake interview. During the intake interview, a licensed therapist will assess the student’s needs to determine appropriate services. Individual, group, or couples counseling, further assessment, or a referral to another department or service may be recommended. Students wishing to talk with someone off-campus may contact Bluegrass Regional Comprehensive Care, Richmond, Kentucky, (859-623-9367) or a private therapist of their choice. However, students will be responsible for payment of any charges incurred when using off-campus resources. (Also see Management of Psychological and Behavioral Disturbances.)
Missed Counseling Appointment Charge Policy
Students who miss College scheduled appointments for psychiatric consultation without giving 24 hours prior notice will be assessed a $15 missed appointment fee that will be charged to the Student Account.
Student Health Services Appointments
For an appointment at Student Health Services call (859) 985-1415.
Prescriptions ordered for students may be filled at the student’s expense at any of the White House Clinics pharmacies, or at a pharmacy of the student’s choice.
Prescriptions are not covered by the College health-insurance policy.
Summer Services
Students who pay the summer health fee will receive the same medical services as provided during the school year.
Health Insurance Requirement
All students attending Berea College are required to carry health insurance. Students who have insurance through a group health plan of a parent(s) or under a parent's individual health insurance plan are not required to carry health insurance through the College if the student is under the age of 26. The College will continue to offer its student health insurance plan to international students and to students outside of Kentucky whose insurance coverage cannot be used outside of their state. See College Insurance Plan and Plan Year.
For students eligible for the College policy, the insurance premium is part of the Student Expense budget and reflected there as a fee. Students’ dependents may be added to the College plan at an additional premium.
Under the College policy, benefits and exclusions are explained in a brochure sent to each student along with an insurance card each term. This card must be presented when seeking medical care, other than at Student Health Services, such as at an emergency room or a specialist’s office. Students are responsible for submitting claim forms.
Hospitalization
Inpatient services, including some surgeries, are available at St. Joseph Berea Hospital. All costs of hospitalization, including specialists' fees, will be billed to the student's insurance. Any outstanding balance will be the student's responsibility.
After-Hours Care
When Student Health Services is closed, an on-call physician at St. Joseph Berea Hospital can be accessed by calling the hospital operator (859-986-3151) and asking for the physician on call for Berea Student Health Services or call Berea Primary Care at (859-985-1415) and select the after hours care prompt to be routed to St. Joseph Berea Hospital for a physician call back.
Student Health Services Hours of Operation:
Monday, 8:30-4:30
Tuesday, 8:30-7:00
Wednesday, 8:30-4:30
Thursday, 8:30-4:30
Friday, 8:30-4:30
On Saturdays, students can access White House Clinics Berea location, 8:00-noon, and the Richmond location from 8:00-5:00.
Emergencies
If a situation is deemed a health/illness emergency, care should be sought at the St. Joseph Berea Hospital Emergency Room. Emergency room expenses not covered by insurance are the student/patient’s responsibility.
Ambulance
If a student has an emergency while in Berea and is unable to get to the clinic or hospital, an ambulance should be called through 911. As soon as possible, Public Safety (ext. 3333) or a member of Residence Life staff should also be contacted to further assist as needed. The student is responsible for the ambulance charge.
Off-Campus Emergencies
When a health emergency arises during approved off-campus activities, the College designated person-in-charge shall confer with medical providers at the Student Health Services if at all possible. When the emergency is such that the student can safely be brought back to campus, s/he will be placed in the care of the medical staff at Student Health Services. When an emergency is such that the student cannot be brought back to campus safely, the student shall be cared for at the nearest appropriate facility.
Confidentiality
The relationship between physicians, other health-care providers, counselors and patients is always confidential. Patient records are confidential and all records are managed according to HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guidelines. Patient information is not shared with other college personnel or parents without the informed, written consent of the student/patient except in cases of extreme urgency in which the life or safety of the patient or other persons is at risk.
At times, health providers may be required by law to report infectious diseases to public health officials. Patients will be informed when reporting of this information is mandatory.
Student Health Services complies with and abides by the provisions of HIPAA. Patient access to professional records also is subject to the Records Access and Protections provision in this publication.
Medical Absence Excuses
Student Health Services staff will not provide written absence excuses due to illness or office visits. Students who miss class or work for medical reasons should tell the instructor or supervisor in advance, if possible. Instructors or supervisors may request supporting information, as appropriate, in writing with the student’s signed authorization for release of medical information or confirmation.
EDGE Program
EDGE (Empowering a Dynamic Generation through Education) is the name given to Berea College’s program that provides a laptop computer to every student. In addition to laptop computers, the EDGE program provides access to the campus network and the Internet from many locations, including classrooms and residence hall rooms, as well as access to software, classroom multimedia technology, technical support, and training. Students who graduate from Berea College receive ownership of their laptop computers upon completion of transfer of ownership documents available at the Information Systems & Services (IS&S) Technology Resource Center (TRC).
Participation in the Berea College EDGE student laptop computer program is required of every Berea College student. Regular full-time students are charged a technology fee of $170 per term ($340 per year) for the program. Part-time students also pay a technology fee as part of their access fee. These fees cover a portion of the cost of the program. Every student must sign an EDGE Student Participation Agreement and Network/ E-mail/Web Account Application form prior to being issued a laptop computer or a permanent network / e-mail / Web account at the college.
Students having difficulty with their EDGE laptops should bring them to the IS&S Technology Resource Center in the Computer Center adjacent to the Hutchins Library to receive assistance. If a laptop requires repair, a temporary replacement computer can be checked out. Students are responsible for their EDGE laptop computers and will be charged for the value of the computer if it is lost, stolen, or destroyed. Students are encouraged to purchase homeowners or rental insurance to cover the risk. In the event of damage to the computer or loss of components, students are charged a processing fee per incident plus the cost of repair parts. Equipment failure is covered by manufacturer warranty and such repairs are done at no cost to the student.
In their use of Berea College computing resources, students are expected to comply with the Berea College Computer and Network Policy, the Berea College IS&S Network Usage Guidelines and the Berea College Social Media Policy as well as other applicable College policies and federal, state, and local laws. Those policies cover security, privacy, copyright, acceptable use of e-mail, and other topics.
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