Interpreting Services

To receive interpreting services, students must be registered with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) and have interpreting services listed as an approved accommodation in their official accommodation letter.

Students who require interpreting services are encouraged to register for classes during the priority registration period and submit their finalized class schedule to OAS at least six (6) weeks before the start of the semester. Interpreter requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, early submission is strongly recommended to ensure timely coordination.

Students are expected to adhere to the following policies regarding tardiness and absences for interpreted classes.

Tardiness

If a student will be late to class, they must contact the Office of Accessibility Services to allow staff to notify the interpreter. If no notice is provided, interpreters will wait in class as follows:

• 10 minutes for a 50-minute class
• 15 minutes for a 75-minute class
• 25 minutes for a 2-hour class

After this period, the interpreter may be released to other assignments. Continued tardiness may affect future scheduling of interpreter services.

Absences

The Office of Accessibility Services recognizes that students may occasionally miss class. However, a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel interpreting services for a class session.

If a student is absent without providing advance notice, interpreter services will be suspended for the remainder of that day until the student confirms attendance for any subsequent classes. Repeated absences without proper notification may result in a temporary suspension of interpreting services, determined on a case-by-case basis.

Interpreting Concerns

Students who have concerns about interpreter performance, communication access, or classroom placement should contact OAS immediately. Every reasonable effort will be made to address and resolve concerns in a fair and timely manner.

Students are also responsible for notifying OAS of any class cancellations, schedule changes, or location updates as soon as possible so that interpreting coverage can be adjusted accordingly.

Out-of-Class Interpreter Requests

Students who are registered with OAS and currently receiving interpreting services for classes may also request interpreters for college-related activities such as tutoring sessions, meetings, or campus events. Requests should be submitted as early as possible to ensure availability.

To request an out-of-class interpreter, contact:
Email: accessibility@gptc.edu
Phone: 404-297-9522 ext. 1155

Interpreter Requests for Guests or College Events

Departments, visitors, or event organizers who require interpreting services or other accessibility accommodations for college-sponsored events should complete the Event Accommodation Request Form or contact the Office of Accessibility Services for assistance.

Event Accommodation Request Form