To: All Purdue Faculty and Staff

Re: University Policy Concerning Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Educational Programs and Activities

Regulations recently issued by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare set forth a variety of requirements and conditions for the provision of educational opportunities for qualified handicapped individuals in post-secondary educational institutions. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-112, as amended by Public Law 93-516) provides that "no otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his handicap, 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." Purdue University is a recipient of federal financial assistance, and the following policy and regulations are herewith effective for all programs and activities and for all departments and offices of Purdue University.

1. Policy Concerning Educational Opportunities for the Handicapped

   It is the policy of Purdue University to ensure that each qualified handicapped student may pursue his or her educational program free from discrimination based on a handicap. Purdue University does not deny admission to or enrollment in educational programs and courses, and is taking the necessary action to make academic programs, nonacademic and extracurricular services, and activities accessible to qualified individuals with handicaps.

2. Delegation of Regulation and Authority

   The general responsibility for all campuses of Purdue University this policy and ensuring that proper practices and procedures exist is assigned to Dr. John W. Hicks, Executive Assistant to the President and Equal Opportunity Officer. Chancellors of the regional campuses are delegated the responsibility through Dr. Hicks for their respective campuses and for the further delegation of specific actions to other regional campus officials.

   Each vice president, dean, director, head of department and office, and manager is responsible for the treatment of handicapped students according to this policy. Some of these responsibilities will be coordinated with the designated assistants to Dr. Hicks and the special assignments relative to the West Lafayette campus as set forth below.

   1. Coordinator of Services and Facilities for Students with Disabilities

      Ms Betty M. Nelson, Assistant Dean of Students, is responsible for coordinating and integrating the interdepartmental actions necessary to ensure that qualified students with handicaps have access to university programs, services, and activities. In addition, she will have responsibility for planning and coordinating the institutional self-evaluation and preparing necessary reports.

   2. Physical Plant Accessibility

      Mr. T. R. Jones, Safety Coordinator, Safety and Security, Physical Plant, is responsible for advising and assisting in the planning of alterations, modifications or structural changes necessary for accessibility of building and grounds. Mr. T. R. Schmenk, Director, Facilities Planning, Physical Plant, is responsible for coordinating the development of the physical facilities transition plan required in the federal regulations. Each shall operate under the general direction of Mr. W. W. Wade, Director, Physical Plant.

   3. Coordinator of Schedules and Space

      Mr. Mike Matthews, Assistant Coordinator for Schedules, under the direction of the Coordinator of Schedules and Space, will cooperate with Ms. Nelson in the development of class schedules and room assignments to maximize opportunities for students with handicaps. He shall serve as a consultant in determining academic facilities which need alteration or modification for program accessibility in the most integrated setting appropriate.

3. Other Information

   Appropriate memoranda concerning other federal regulatory requirements in regard to handicapped persons in educational programs and activities will be provided from time to time to those concerned. Questions or complaints from students should be directed to Ms. Betty Nelson, Dean of Students Office, Hovde Hall. Her phone is 494-8031.

   An advisory committee of faculty, staff and students, including handicapped persons, is being appointed to advise Dr. Hicks and his staff on current opportunities for handicapped persons at Purdue.