GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR

      THE BLIND SPONSORSHIP IN POST-SECONDARY

                                        EDUCATION

 

It is critical that the consumer and the rehabilitation counselor understand what to expect from one another.  Attending college is a big responsibility and much will be expected of you.  Since RSB is using federal and state funds to help pay for your education, these expectations will be high.

 

To assist you and your family in planning your education and to assure that all goes well and without surprises from us, we have developed the following summary of student responsibilities:

 

Ø               The student is required to apply for the Pell Grant and each year provide the counselor with a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR).   RSB sponsorship for funding of college expenses may not be provided to students who do not apply for Pell Grant funding.  (Note:  This is a federal regulation.)

 

Ø               The student is expected to be progressively working towards the completion of his/her academic program, which is consistent with the employment goals and objectives of the Individualized Employment Plan.  The length of the individual college program should not exceed the time typically necessary to complete the program (4 ½- 5 years).  Students who fail to progress in a reasonable manner will be asked to evaluate their employment plan and goals with their rehabilitation counselor and district supervisor.  (Note: Refer to information on Student Characteristics on page 2-1.)

 

Ø               Grade reports are required before the counselor can authorize funds for the next quarter/semester.  Every quarter/semester the student is to provide the counselor with midterm and regular grade reports which demonstrate satisfactory progress toward the completion of his/her program.  Any late fees incurred due to a delay in the student providing the counselor with grades will be the student’s responsibility.   

 

Ø               The student is to register for and complete (pass) a full course load each quarter/semester.  (A minimum of: undergraduate fall or spring quarter/semester - 12 hours; undergraduate summer - 6 hours; graduate fall or spring quarter/semester - 9 hours; graduate summer - 6 hours.)  Payment of any fees charged for the dropping of a course will be the student’s responsibility.

 

Ø               Part-time college work may be approved by your counselor, as appropriate.  However, the student must be progressing towards his/her goal.

 

Ø               The student is to maintain a cumulative (overall) GPA of 2.0 (i.e., passing grade) per quarter/semester or higher,

or will meet the requirements for the particular program in which he/she is participating.

 

Ø               If the student fails to earn the required GPA or pass the required number of quarter/semester hours, the student is required to meet with the counselor and district supervisor.  The student, counselor and supervisor will decide if RSB sponsorship will or will not continue during the succeeding quarter/semester.                                   

 

Ø               If the student fails to earn the required GPA or pass the required number of quarter/semester hours for two consecutive quarter/semesters, RSB sponsorship will be withdrawn until the student successfully completes the required number of quarter/semester hours for a full-time student (12 hours undergraduate or 9 hours graduate) and attains a GPA of 2.0 that semester/quarter.

 

Ø               The student is to contact the counselor prior to dropping a class that RSB has authorized for payment.  (It is important to drop a class early enough that RSB is not charged for the class.)  RSB will not pay twice for the same class!  The student must also inform the counselor prior to changing his/her major course of study because the Individualized Employment Plan may need to be amended.

 

Ø               Address retaking a class when the minimum grade was not obtained and class was not dropped.

 

Ø               RSB will only pay for those books and supplies required by the school.  Discuss any special needs with your counselor.  You will be responsible for any items not approved.  (Note: If you drop a class, you are expected to return any books purchased by RSB as soon as possible to get credit for future purchases.)

 

Ø               If RSB is paying for courses, the student must take only those courses that count toward the degree/diploma.  Your counselor must also approve in advance remedial/non-required classes.

 

Ø               The student is responsible for informing the counselor prior to beginning of any service if they expect RSB to fund the service.  RSB may not fund a service if the counselor is not informed  until after the service has begun (e.g, tutoring, reading services).

 

Ø               The student is expected to contact the counselor monthly to keep the counselor advised of problems with, changes to, and progress towards completion of the plan.

 

THE GUIDELINES OUTLINED ABOVE  HAVE BEEN EXPLAINED TO THE STUDENT BY THE COUNSELOR AND THE STUDENT AGREES TO ABIDE BY THEM.

 

Student:                                                  Date:                           

 

Counselor:                                             Date: