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RDS is part of the |
100 General Services, Fort Collins,
CO 80523-8002
(970) 491-6385 (V/TDD), (970) 491-3457 (Fax) |
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COMMITTEE FOR DISABLED STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY
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Any entity on or off campus, including CDSA members, are eligible to submit a request for funds for projects meant to enhance or improve accessibility of campus facilities or educational programs for current and/or future CSU students.
Proposals will be submitted to the director of Resources for Disabled Students (RDS) and include the following information through a completed Proposal Request Form:
An itemized budget of the use of the funds must accompany the Proposal Request Form. All proposals should be submitted one week prior to the each meeting of CDSA.
A list of all proposals submitted will be prepared by the RDS director and copies of each proposal will be emailed to each voting CDSA member. Prior to the first meeting of a given month, proposals will be reviewed by each committee member. At the first meeting of a given month, each person submitting a proposal will be expected to give a 2 to 5 minute presentation concerning their request.
After all presentations are given, the voting CDSA members will consider each proposal based on the amount requested, the benefits to be obtained, and the viability of the project. Each project will be decided for acceptance or rejection by the second meeting of the month. After a decision is reached, the person submitting a proposal will be contacted, no later than two weeks after a decision is rendered.
All proposals accepted for funding will require a one page report to be submitted to CDSA detailing the effectiveness of the project and the use of the monies. Completion of this report will determine eligibility for future funds.
To request a Proposal form, contact the RDS director at: Rose.Kreston@Colostate.Edu
History
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The Committee for Disabled Student Accessibility (CDSA) has had a concrete impact on the campus since its inception although few may be aware of it.
CDSA was created in the early 1980's as a result of the efforts of a social work class project. The class surveyed the campus to see whether or not students would be willing to assist the university in making the campus more accessible for all students with disabilities. When the response was over 90% in favor of the idea, a referendum was placed on an Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) student ballot to make it an official fee for 5 years. It passed. A few years later, another referendum was placed on the ballot to extend the fee indefinitely. This, too, passed. Thus, every student now pays .50cents per semester that is to be used to improve or enhance the accessibility of the campus.
Originally, CDSA was directly responsible for the account for which this fee was collected. Although the director of Resources for Disabled Students (RDS) was this group's advisor, the committee was autonomous from both ASCSU as well as RDS. The students on CDSA made independent decisions as to how to spend this fee. Voluntary membership was open to any student, both disabled and nondisabled with an interest.
Various projects over the years have included: curb cuts, automatic doors, remodeling of restrooms, and adapting a van for use in RDS transportation services. CDSA also has helped to pay for some costs related to awareness programs sponsored by RDS and, in the last few years, has helped the library and other places on campus to purchase adaptive computer hardware and software so that the new electronic environment is more accessible. CDSA has worked closely with the Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) to identify the needs for adaptive technology as well as collaborating with other departments on campus to share the costs in several accessibility projects.
In 2000, the university changed policies concerning student fee accounts as well as in the distribution of fees. It was no longer possible to have independent accounts without either ASCSU in control or another administrative unit of the university having authority. For this particular fee, it was moved under the jurisdiction of the Student Fee Review Board (SFRB) and the administrative responsibility was given to RDS in order to maintain it as a separate account from ASCSU funds. As a result of this administrative change, CDSA was re-constituted - not only in membership but also in function, expanding the influence of this committee on the campus.
CDSA members still decide how to spend the money collected from student fees. Projects for consideration are still identified by the committee itself or through project proposals submitted by outside entities, including RDS. Proposals are now submitted by a time line determined by CDSA. The structure of CDSA includes a chair, vice or co-chair, secretary, and treasurer as well as any other positions determined necessary by the committee. In accordance with SFRB regulations, CDSA developed a new constitution, outlining membership terms and the requirement of a majority of students with disabilities. Other students are welcomed to participate as long as the majority of the voting membership is comprised of students with disabilities.
The most significant change is in membership. Student membership is solicited through a nomination process, including self-nomination. Committee members are invited to participate by existing CDSA members and/or the RDS director.
In addition to determining how this fund is used, CDSA has also become advisory to RDS to provide input and feedback about specific services available to students with disabilities. This advisory function assists RDS in evaluating its services, procedures, and policies as well as providing insight into how to best respond to student needs throughout campus.
Proposal Process
| By-Laws
Overview | Projects | Membership
| Meetings
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Committee for Disabled
Student Accessibility
By-Laws
Approved: February, 2003
ARTICLE I - Introduction:
This document defines the purpose, general policies, and areas of operation, composition, and responsibilities of the Student Fee Review Board (SFRB) to the committee for Disabled Student Accessibility (CDSA). It is understood that CDSA is monitored by the CSU SFRB in regard to the expenditure of a portion of student fees.
ARTICLE II - General Purpose:
In accordance with the legal, social, and economic justice as established by the SFRB, the purpose of this committee (CDSA) is to enhance/improve accessibility of campus facilities as well as programs for current and future Colorado State University students. Due to 1982 referendum sponsored by ASCSU, .50 cent from the student fee is collected and subjected to the account under the direct control of CDSA. Oversight for the expenditure portion of the student fees now lies with the SFRB rather than the ASCSU as of 2000. The committee shall propose, solicit, support and/or act on plans and modifications, as it deems appropriate in improving and maintaining the degree and level of accessibility of facilities and programs for students with disabilities at Colorado State University.
ARTICLE III - Funding:
Each semester every fee paying Colorado State University student pays fifty cents in student fees to CDSA for use in increasing accessibility for students with disabilities at CSU. CDSA is responsible for allocation of such funds as deemed appropriate by the committee members.
ARTICLE IV - Membership:
a. Voting Members:
Voting members are solicited through a nomination process and selected by a committee determined by the Director of Resources for Disabled Students (RDS) each year. Active members will be selected based on their expressed/demonstrated interest in issues affecting those with disabilities. Only voting members can determine how funds are expended.
b. Associate Members:
Membership is also open to all CSU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and interested individuals outside the CSU setting (i.e. Fort Collins community). Such members are not allowed to vote at officer elections or hold office but are welcome to attend weekly meetings and provide input and assistance in CDSA projects. Such members are welcome to attend meetings and provide input and assistance with CDSA projects.
c. Member Responsibilities:
All members are required to commit to active participation within the group in accordance with committee goals. Voting Members are required to attend all scheduled meetings, but in the event of legitimate meeting conflicts such as a class or outside interest, voting members may contribute to committee issues through e-mail as an "e-member." Associate Members are required to attend to scheduled meetings and it is their responsibility to keep themselves informed and updated on issues addressed by CDSA.
d. Member Privileges:
Voting Members have the right to introduce, review, and discuss accessibility projects that relate to the purpose of the CDSA and its operation at CSU. Associate members are limited to providing their input on projects.
ARTICLE V - Elected Officers:
All elected officers must be Voting Members of CDSA. Officers will be nominated by the voting members and elected based on a majority vote. Officers will be committed to the position for a term of one academic year. Elected Officers MUST be present at all CDSA meetings or arrange for another officer to serve in their stead.
a. Length of Membership:
Voting members are expected to serve as a board member for at least 1 year with the option of extending their services for the 2nd year. Upon Voting Members' completion of their term, the member then can either be nominated by the board of Voting Members or the Director of RDS to return for another term of service, or alternatively the Voting Member can be replaced by another individual chosen by the board of Voting Members or the Director of RDS.
b. Officer Duties:
All elected officers shall have their signature put on file with appropriate university entities in order to conduct business. This includes, but is not limited to, student organizations and purchasing.
c. Removal of Voting Members:
If the actions of a Voting Member is questionable and not in the interest of CDSA and its aspects then it shall be required that the voting member be removed from his or her office. Written notice informing the Voting Member of his or her removal will be drafted and approved by the remaining Voting Members. Once approved, the notice will be delivered seven (7) days in advance to the Voting Member announcing the removal of him or her from their position. The Voting Member in question has the right to appeal the decision to the board of Voting Members. A special private meeting will then be called upon by the board of Voting Members regarding the removal of an officer to maintain the integrity of CDSA.
VI. ARTICLE VI - Officer Duties:
a. President Responsibilities:
1. Conducting weekly meetings in an organized manner.
2. Act as a liaison between CDSA and all other CSU departments and offices in considering accessibility on campus.
3. Assign and supervise duties and responsibilities of other members.
4. Participate in appropriate fieldwork and additional meetings pertaining to accessibility issues on campus.
b. Vice President Responsibilities:
1. Take on responsibility of the president in their absence.
2. Assist president in all responsibilities stated above.
3. Other responsibilities as assigned by the President.
c. Treasurer Responsibilities:
1. Maintain an accurate record of all monies (i.e. Expenditures and existing balance of funds) allocated to CDSA.
2. Maintain a running file of all financial transactions for proposal projects.
3. Responsible for the coordinating the presentation of proposals for use of funds.
4. Other responsibilities as assigned by the President.
d. Secretary Responsibilities:
1. Assist the president in generating and posting agendas for weekly meetings via e-mail.
2. Keep minutes at committee meetings and provide minutes to other members via e-mail.
3. Maintain notebook containing minutes from past and current committee meetings.
4. Generate CDSA roster including names and contact information of all committee members.
5. Arrange time and venue of weekly meetings.
6. Other responsibilities as assigned by the President.
ARTICLE VII - Faculty Advisor Responsibilities:
The Faculty Advisor to CDSA has been designated by the SFRB to be the Director of RDS. In this capacity, the Faculty Advisor is responsible for the following:
1. Provides advice and assistance regarding rules of procedures and expenditure of funds.
2. Oversees the nomination process for voting members, requesting nominations from the campus community and designating the selection committee for each academic year. Discrepancies concerning selection of voting members will be resolved by the Faculty Advisor.
3. Has administrative responsibilities and oversight for the CDSA account.
4. Presents information to the SFRB at least twice a year, in conjunction with the CDSA President when needed.
5. Assists in disseminating information about CDSA to the campus community.
6. May submit proposals for the use of CDSA funds.
7. Has no voting privileges concerning any decisions related to the expenditure of funds.
ARTICLE VIII - Amendments:
This constitution may be amended at any regular business meeting of the organization by following the voting process outlined in Article X, provided that the amendment has been submitted to the voting members in writing at least one week prior to schedule business meeting.
ARTICLE IX - Financial Structure:
1. Treasurer will assume the responsibility of book keeping accounts of funds utilized and dispersed by CDSA.
2. All checks or money certificates must have two officer's signatures in order to be valid.
3. All other considerations regarding finances within CDSA will be managed by the CDSA Treasurer.
ARTICLE X - Voting Process:
All matters requiring a vote by members will be conducted through consensus. All present voting members will agree to a decision after discussion of an issue. If consensus cannot be reached, a formal vote will be taken and decided by majority rule. Majority is defined as one more than half of the members present. All decisions will be on record.
ARTICLE XI - Proposal Process:
Any entity on or off campus, including CDSA members, are eligible to submit a request for funds for projects meant to enhance or improve accessibility of campus facilities or educational programs for current and/or future CSU students. Proposals will be submitted to the director of Resources for Disabled Students and include the following information through a completed Proposal Request Form: Person requesting funds, description of project for the use of the funds, and the importance of this project, including who it will benefit and how. An itemized budget of the use of the funds must accompany the Proposal Request Form. All proposals should be submitted one week prior to the first meeting of CDSA for each month. A list of all proposals submitted will be prepared by the RDS director and copies of each proposal will be emailed to each voting CDSA member. Prior to the first meeting of a given month, proposals will be reviewed by each committee member. At the first meeting of a given month, each person submitting a proposal will be expected to give a 2 to 5 minute presentation concerning their request. After all presentations are given, the voting CDSA members will consider each proposal based on the amount requested, the benefits to be obtained, and the viability of the project. Each project will be decided for acceptance or rejection by the second meeting of the month. After a decision is reached, the person submitting a proposal will be contacted, no later than two weeks after a decision is rendered. All proposals accepted for funding will require a one page report to be submitted to CDSA detailing the effectiveness of the project and the use of the monies. Completion of this report will determine eligibility for future funds.
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