General Description
Policy Summary:
Trinity University is committed to providing accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities by making reasonable modifications in services, programs, and/or activities. The University complies with all state and federal laws regarding individuals with disabilities. Students who seek reasonable accommodations must register with the Office of Student Accessibility Services. The University will review all requests for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case, individualized basis.
The learning environment and residential living are paramount to the Trinity University experience. To facilitate equal access to residential experiences at Trinity University, this policy addresses student requests for a personal care attendant to assist them in their on-campus residence.
The learning environment and residential living are paramount to the Trinity University experience. To facilitate equal access to residential experiences at Trinity University, this policy addresses student requests for a personal care attendant to assist them in their on-campus residence.
Purpose:
This policy outlines the main concepts related to requesting a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), clarifies the responsibilities of the student regarding their PCA, and explains the University's role in this process.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended in 2008, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Fair Housing Act amended in 1988, Trinity University is obligated to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to Trinity’s residence halls and all of the programs and services offered within them.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended in 2008, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Fair Housing Act amended in 1988, Trinity University is obligated to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to Trinity’s residence halls and all of the programs and services offered within them.
Scope:
Students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS), and any University employee who is tasked with implementing accommodations approved by Student Accessibility Services.
Policy Content
Trinity University permits students with disabilities who have a documented need for assistance
with activities of daily living and/or nursing care within a residential setting, to retain the services of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services may facilitate higher levels of independent access and participation in University’s programs, services, and activities. Trinity University does not assume coordination of financial responsibility for or legal liability for the PCA chosen and hired by the student.
The services of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) can be vital to an individual’s quality of life. The carefully planned selection of the right agency and individual to fill the role and ongoing effective communication with the PCA is important for a successful experience.
with activities of daily living and/or nursing care within a residential setting, to retain the services of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services may facilitate higher levels of independent access and participation in University’s programs, services, and activities. Trinity University does not assume coordination of financial responsibility for or legal liability for the PCA chosen and hired by the student.
The services of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) can be vital to an individual’s quality of life. The carefully planned selection of the right agency and individual to fill the role and ongoing effective communication with the PCA is important for a successful experience.
Students cannot bring a PCA onto campus for classroom and/or housing access until this process is complete. Trinity University will not be responsible for providing a PCA on an interim basis.
- The student must register with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to be considered for the PCA accommodation. The student must provide SAS with disability documentation demonstrating the need for a PCA while enrolled at Trinity.
- Requests for a PCA will be reviewed on an individualized, case-by-case basis through an interactive process coordinated by SAS, and requests will be granted where the accommodation is reasonable and it does not result in an undue financial or administrative burden, fundamentally alter the nature of the housing program, or pose a direct threat to health or safety.
- The student must ensure the PCA has undergone a background check and provide proof that the PCA has passed before SAS will issue accommodation letters to the appropriate University officials.
- Scope of Background Check
- At a minimum, the background check must include:
- A national criminal history check, including federal, state, and county records
- A sex offender registry search in all jurisdictions of residence
- Identity verification, including Social Security number trace and address history.
- A review of any history of violence, abuse, or offenses involving harm to persons
- A review of offenses involving theft, fraud, or other crimes of dishonesty that may present a risk within a residential community
- The University reserves the right to require additional screening components based on evolving legal standards, institutional policy, or risk considerations.
- At a minimum, the background check must include:
- Disqualifying Information
- A PCA will be disqualified from approval if the background check reveals any of the following, as determined by the University in its sole discretion:
- Convictions for violent crimes, including but not limited to assault, battery, domestic violence, or homicide
- Convictions for sexual offenses or inclusion on any sex offender registry
- Convictions involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals
- Felony convictions within a defined lookback period (e.g., the past seven to ten years), particularly those involving harm to persons or property
- Any pattern of criminal behavior that reasonably indicates a risk to the health, safety, or well-being of the student or the campus community.
- The University may also consider pending charges, deferred adjudications, or other relevant information to th extent permitted by law.
- A PCA will be disqualified from approval if the background check reveals any of the following, as determined by the University in its sole discretion:
- Student Responsibility and Certification
- The student is responsible for:
- Initiating and completing the background check process for the PCA in a timely manner
- Ensuring that all required documentation is submitted to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) prior to the PCA's arrival to campus
- Certifying that the PCA has met all background check requirements and has been approved by the University.
- No PCA may reside in or regularly access campus housing until written approval has been granted.
- The student is responsible for:
- Ongoing Compliance
- The University reserves the right to require periodic re-screening of a PCA and to revoke approval at any time if new information is discovered that raises concerns regarding safety or policy compliance.
- Scope of Background Check
- Students must request accommodation letters that include the PCA accommodation for faculty notification. This step must occur each semester.
- PCA Access in Campus Housing:
- SAS will notify Housing staff of the PCA accommodation.
- The student and PCAs will collaborate with Residential Life to complete any housing-related agreements and forms.
- The student will collaborate with Residential Life to determine the appropriate residential configuration (e.g., single room, connected suite, etc.).
- PCAs must complete all check-in steps required of live-in support personnel, including obtaining ID, reviewing policies, and providing background check documentation.
- PCAs will be granted building and room access appropriate to the approved accommodation.
- Emergency contacts for both the student and PCA must be on file with Residential Life.
- PCAs must remain in designated residential areas unless accompanying the student elsewhere on campus.
- PCAs may not host guests, use student amenities for personal purposes, or remain on campus when not actively performing duties
- Students must notify SAS and Residential Life of any PCA staffing changes (i.e., new hires, dismissals, temporary replacements).
- Any new PCA must complete all onboarding steps required by SAS and Residential Life before living on or accessing campus
- PCAs are responsible for contacting emergency services (TUPD, 911) when urgent health or safety concerns arise.
- If a PCA is unable to fulfill their duties, backup support must be arranged by the student.
A PCA works directly for a student with a disability. Students who use PCAs are responsible for
securing, training, supervising, and paying their PCAs. Students can make arrangements through
agencies or private contacts. Trinity University will not assume any responsibility for the PCA or
for the PCA's failure to fulfill their contract with the student.
Students desiring to hire and retain the services of a Personal Care Attendant while on-campus own the following responsibilities:
It is suggested that a student who anticipates needing a Personal Care Attendant should
contact Student Accessibility Services as soon as they make a deposit to reserve a space in the residence halls to begin the process.
This documentation should include the following items:
As a reminder, Trinity University does not assume coordination of, financial responsibility for, or legal liability for the PCA chosen and hired by the student and the PCA must maintain acceptable liability insurance.The student will sign a statement indicating that they are aware that the student is responsible for any policy violations committed by the PCA, just as all resident students are responsible for violations committed by their guests.
The student is responsible for ensuring the PCA has undergone a background check. This
background check must be current and be provided to Student Accessibility Services upon approval of an accommodation request for a PCA.
securing, training, supervising, and paying their PCAs. Students can make arrangements through
agencies or private contacts. Trinity University will not assume any responsibility for the PCA or
for the PCA's failure to fulfill their contract with the student.
Students desiring to hire and retain the services of a Personal Care Attendant while on-campus own the following responsibilities:
- Students requesting approval for a Personal Care Attendant must register with Student
It is suggested that a student who anticipates needing a Personal Care Attendant should
contact Student Accessibility Services as soon as they make a deposit to reserve a space in the residence halls to begin the process.
- The student will be responsible for providing written documentation from a trained,
This documentation should include the following items:
- An indication or statement that the PCA is necessary due to disability-related
- A description of what level of care is needed (e.g., 24-hour presence, waking
- The student is solely responsible for selecting, hiring, and training the PCA.
As a reminder, Trinity University does not assume coordination of, financial responsibility for, or legal liability for the PCA chosen and hired by the student and the PCA must maintain acceptable liability insurance.The student will sign a statement indicating that they are aware that the student is responsible for any policy violations committed by the PCA, just as all resident students are responsible for violations committed by their guests.
The student is responsible for ensuring the PCA has undergone a background check. This
background check must be current and be provided to Student Accessibility Services upon approval of an accommodation request for a PCA.
- The student is responsible for covering the cost of the PCA’s background check.
- Upon request and at the students’ cost, Trinity may be able to assist in securing background checks
Personal Care Attendants working with Trinity University students must:
- Abide by all applicable University policies, rules, and regulations while on campus.
- Perform only the personal care tasks for which they were hired and trained.
- Maintain professional conduct and appropriate boundaries while working in academic and residential spaces.
- Cooperate with Residential Life regarding safety expectations, facility procedures, and identification requirements.
- The PCA will only be allowed to access the student’s residence hall or apartment while the student is in residence.
- Successfully complete all required background checks and provide documentation.
- Refrain from participating in academic work on behalf of the student or performing tasks unrelated to personal care needs.
- Immediately report health or safety concerns to the appropriate University contact (Residential Life, SAS, TUPD in emergencies).
- Comply with removal from campus if found in violation of University policies.
- A hired Personal Care Attendant is responsible for following all applicable Trinity University policies, rules, regulations, and procedures. The hired PCA must sign an agreement with Residential Life describing the rental conditions (if living-in) and specifying that they will abide by the rules and regulations of the University while on campus. A PCA found in violation of university policies will be removed from campus immediately regardless of the contractual arrangement the PCA has with the student
- The living arrangement will depend on the student’s disability needs. While PCAs are not required to live on campus, a student may choose to arrange for their PCA to do so. The University will work individually to determine appropriate housing arrangements that are consistent with the student's approved housing status and gender identity policies. A non-student PCA who lives in the adjoining suite with the student will not have a roommate. Live-in, non-student PCAs will be required to purchase a meal plan and may purchase the following services: technology services, parking permit, and a campus mailbox, if available.
- Non-student PCAs will be required to obtain and carry at all times University identification cards.
- In collaboration with Residential Life and Student Accessibility Services, a student requesting a PCA may arrange for that individual's access to their residence and any other facilities necessary on-campus. A PCA may use any campus facility which is open to the public. PCAs may use facilities restricted to students and staff only when accompanying the student.
If the student requires the assistance of a relief PCA while their primary PCA is off-duty, the relief PCA will follow the same policies detailed above.
Performance Evaluation
Consequences of Policy Violation:
Failure to follow the proper protocol for requesting a Personal Care Attendant and ensuring compliance with this policy may result in the removal of the PCA from campus and require consultation with Student Accessibility Services for further action. If this occurs, it is the student’s responsibility to secure the services of another PCA.
Terms & Definitions
Terms and Definitions:
|
Term: |
Definition: |
|---|---|
| Personal Care Attendant |
A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) is a person who has been hired to support a student with a disability to live a more independent life by performing personal care duties or services (chronic or temporary). A PCA works directly for and is employed by the student. The type of tasks performed by PCAs varies from person to person. Tasks performed by PCAs may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Providing help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming • Housekeeping • Preparing meals and assisting with eating • Positioning or transferring to and from a wheelchair • Running errands • Monitoring medical conditions • Ensuring compliance with medication regimes • Transporting and/or escorting • Assisting with maintenance of the housing environment, including light cleaning, doing laundry, and keeping the environment safe • Turning pages and retrieving books • Opening doors • Alerting to distracting, repetitive movements • Alerting to dangerous environments/situations |
| Reasonable Modification | Students approved for accommodations are held to the same standards as their peers and must continue to meet all course objectives and expectations as set by their instructors in the syllabus. "Reasonable and appropriate" refers to the nature of an accommodation, adjustment, and modification made that reflects the student's ability to still meet the course objectives and expectations. |
| Student with a Disability | An otherwise qualified individual who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual, as specified according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended in 2008. |
Related Documents
Revision Management
Revision History Log:
|
Revision #: |
Date: |
Recorded By: |
|---|---|---|
| v2.1 | 1/30/2026 10:57 AM | Pamela Mota |
| v2.0 | 1/30/2026 10:56 AM | Pamela Mota |
| v1.0 | 8/1/2019 8:45 PM | Katharine Martin |
Vice President Approval:
|
Name: |
Title: |
|---|---|
| Megan Mustain | Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs |