Grinnell College is committed to ensuring all students, including students with disabilities, have equal access to the residence halls and equal participation in the programs and events held within them.

A student with a disability (hereafter referred to as “student”) who needs a personal care attendant (hereafter referred to as “PCA”) is expected to contact Grinnell College’s Academic Advising department, which coordinates services for students with disabilities, as soon as his/her/hir deposit to reserve a space in the residence halls is made. It is the student’s responsibility to provide written documentation from a trained, licensed, and qualified medical professional indicating that a PCA is necessary and what level of care is needed (e.g., 24-hour presence, waking hours only, three visits a day). Academic Advising and Residence Life and Orientation staff members assist students in the selection of appropriate facilities and living arrangements.

The student is responsible for selecting, hiring, and training the PCA. The student must sign a statement indicating that he/she/zi is aware that he/she/zi is responsible for any policy violations by the PCA, just as all residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests. Any room key that is given to a PCA is the responsibility of the student and charged to his/her/hir account.

If living in, the PCA must sign an agreement specifying the housing contract and that he/she/zi agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of the College while on campus. The living arrangement depends on the student’s disability needs. Depending on which residence hall the student resides, the live-in PCA may be required to be of the same sex as the student unless the student is the only occupant of the room/suite.

Non-student PCAs are required to obtain and carry at all times a College identification card (P-Card). As Grinnell College is a highly residential community, all non-student PCAs who have access to the residence halls must successfully complete a background and sexual offender registry check (to be paid for by the student). Non-student PCAs may use any campus facility which is open to the public. They may also use facilities restricted to students and staff only when accompanying the student. Live-in, non-student PCAs may purchase meals in the Marketplace Dining Hall and may purchase the following services: technology services, parking permit, and a campus mail box. Relief PCAs follow the same policies detailed above.

For questions, clarification or to make an appointment please contact:

Author: Dean of Students, Disability Resources
Self Governance Tenets: Responsibility, Respect
Rationale:   
  • to better support students who might need assistance from personal care attendants;
  • to communicate responsibilities and expectations of personal care attendants.