Interpretive Services

Role of the Interpreter

Interpreters are required to follow the UWF Code of Ethics. They must interpret classroom lectures and activities accurately and without bias. They are not permitted to tutor, express personal opinions or participate in the class in any way. They are not required to interpret non-class-related conversations. If you do not understand the course content, it is your responsibility to get clarification from your instructor. The Interpreter is only allowed to interpret your questions concerning exams, quizzes or assignments to the faculty member. Interpreting service requests must be made to the SAR's office by the student, not the individual interpreters or agencies. 

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Procedures for Sign Language Interpreting Services

DO:

• Classroom Interpreters: The Classroom Semester Accommodation Request Form must be submitted for interpreting services for scheduled classes. This request must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the start of each semester. Late requests will be filled as soon as possible, but you should be aware that, at times, sign-language interpreters can be difficult to secure.
• Campus Event Interpreters: The Campus Event Interpreter Request Form must be submitted for interpreting services for campus events or academic related activities. These requests must be submitted 72 hours (3 business days) in advance. The Campus Event Interpreter Request Form can be accessed via your MyUWF account.
• Notify SAR if there are changes to your schedule during the semester.
• Notify SAR of any problems, concerns, or needs with interpreting services. We will work with you to resolve the issue.
• Provide your interpreters with the course syllabi and other hand-outs received in class.
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to meet your interpreter on the first day of class.
• You and your interpreter should agree on technical or specialized sign vocabulary. If you have specific style or sign preferences, communicate your preferences to the interpreter.
• Introduce yourself to the faculty member and explain that you are deaf or hard of hearing.
• You must be on time. The interpreter will wait outside the classroom until you arrive. The interpreter will wait 10 minutes for a one-hour class; 15 minutes for a two or more hour class.
• If the interpreter does not show up:
  • Notify the SAR office as soon as possible. Allow 15 minutes for the interpreter to show up before contacting SAR. If after business hours, notify SAR the following morning.
  • If the interpreter is late more than twice, notify the SAR by email as soon as possible.

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DON’T:

• Do not coordinate your own interpreting services. If you do, SAR will not be responsible for the cost of that service. All interpreting services must be coordinated by SAR.
• Do not wait until the last minute to notify SAR about your absence or class cancellations.
  • You must inform the SAR staff at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to attend class.
  • You must notify SAR as soon as you have been informed that your class has been canceled. SAR must pay interpreters for all assignments canceled with less than 24 hour notice.

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Note: Missing classes without notifying the Student Accessibility Resources constitutes a financial burden to the University. This will result in a suspension of your interpreting services. Students who accumulate three (3) or more non-emergency no-shows during a given semester will have services suspended for all classes (pending a meeting with the Director to discuss circumstances surrounding the absences.) At this meeting, extenuating circumstances and individual issues will be discussed. The final determination for suspension of services and/or reinstatement will be made solely by the Director. Failure to meet and discuss the absences with the Director will result in an immediate suspension of services.

 

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To request this page or any information referenced on the page in an alternative format, please email sar@uwf.edu.