UMass Lowell’s Commitment to Access and Obligations of the University

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is committed to reasonably accommodating individuals with disabilities in compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Accordingly, a person with disabilities requiring a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) to accomplish activities of daily living are permitted to have a PCA accompany them on campus.

Here at UMass Lowell, students are responsible for recruiting, employing, and paying PCAs, defined as an individual from either inside or outside of the University community who assists with services of a personal nature, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and other tasks of daily living. This assistance is allowed for all UMass Lowell events, activities, and services.

It is the responsibility of the University to provide academic and program access for all students registered with the Disability Services office. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to address the student's disability within the classrooms and other service areas. Academic accommodations are provided through the Disability Services office.

It is the responsibility of the University to provide students accessible housing when requested and as reviewed through the Alternative Housing for Health Needs request process. Should the request show support for a need for PCAs to reside in the residence halls, the University will provide appropriate furnishings and access. In order to best meet one's needs, students are encouraged to submit the following year's Alternative Housing for Health Needs request in February for returning students and April for new students. Without advanced notice, it may not be determined as reasonable to arrange a physical space that meets the students' requests. 

It is not the University's responsibility to provide personal care services to students or offset any costs associated with these services, including housing, meals, etc. as outlined in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR). 


Residential Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Information 

PCA In-Residence Request Process 

  1. Student completes the Alternative Housing for Health Needs request process and is approved for PCA access. 
    1. Meets with Residence Life to determine needs, and as necessary, begins process for evacuation plan. 
    2. Residence Life provides essential paperwork including the Residential Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Student Agreement, Student Release and Hold Harmless Agreement, and the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Agreement for a Residential Student. 
  2. Identify and independently hire the PCA(s).  
  3. PCA(s) obtains CORI, Insurance (if applicable), immunization records. 
  4. Student and PCA(s) review University policies and procedures including the Student Conduct Code and the Guest & Visitation Policy. 
  5. Student and the PCA(s) develop a contingency plan in case the PCA is unavailable. 
  6. Student and PCA obtain keys, ID Card, parking permit, as necessary. 
  7. Submit the following forms to Residence Life: Residential Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Student Agreement, Student Release and Hold Harmless Agreement, and the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Agreement for a Residential Student. 
  8. Repeat annually and upon any new PCA hires. 

Residential Student (as PCA Employer) Responsibilities 

  1. Coordinating all PCA related services prior to arrival on campus; including but not limited to hiring, supervising, scheduling, and funding. 
  2. Utilizing the Alternative Housing for Health Needs request process to request access for a PCA. 
    1. In order to best meet one's needs, students are encouraged to submit the following year's Alternative Housing for Health Needs request in February for returning students and April for new students. 
  3. Having a clear understanding of the roles and duties of the PCA, by contract. 
  4. If the PCA is not covered by insurance through an agency employment relationship, student will submit a signed hold harmless agreement to the University. 
  5. External PCAs ONLY - Ensuring the PCA has undergone a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and providing written verification to the University (verification can be submitted from PCA’s employing agency). Until the CORI check is complete and provided to Residence Life, the PCA will have to abide but the University Guest and Visitation Policy.  
  6. External PCAs in the Residence Halls ONLY - Ensuring the PCA has received all immunizations or has applied for an exemption per the UML Health Requirements. 
  7. Both the student’s own and the PCAs’ adherence to the University’s policies and procedures including the Student Conduct Code and the Guest & Visitation Policy. If the PCA does not abide by the University policies and procedures at any time, they may be subject to removal by the University. 
  8. PCA coverage contingency planning in case the PCA becomes unavailable. 
  9. Meeting with Residence Life and campus emergency personnel to determine a Personal Evacuation Plan (PEP). 
  10. Directing the activities of the PCA while at the University and ensuring the student is always present with the PCA in any campus spaces that require an ID card for access. 
  11. Accessing academic accommodations through the Disability Services office, regardless of need for PCA assistance in the classroom. 
  12. The student’s own completion of academic work, communication with University personnel, and abiding by the University’s Academic Integrity policy. 

Personal Care Assistant (PCA) In-Residence Responsibilities 

  1. As necessary, being issued a UML Access Card, keys, and parking permit for the sole purpose of this employment, and in the event the PCA is no longer employed by this student, surrendering the card, keys, and parking permit to the Office of Residence Life immediately upon termination. 
  2. Using the designated parking lot by the UCAPS office and following any payment terms expected. 
  3. Conducting oneself in a courteous and professional manner while on campus performing duties, in accordance with UML’s policies and practices. 
  4. Understanding that the employment and service contract is between the PCA and the student and/or agency and that the PCA has no employment relationship or contract with UMass Lowell of any kind. 
  5. PCA is responsible for own transportation, parking, and meals. 
  6. Allowing the student to take responsibility for their own academic assignments, progress, and behavior. 
  7. Understanding that the PCA may not have guests in University facilities nor on campus at any time. 
  8. Understanding that the PCA may not remain on campus when the student is away from campus for visits or during official school closures, such as holidays or semester breaks. 
  9. Understanding that the PCA may not use the student’s ID card without them present and am only to be in spaces that do not require a student ID when not with the student. 
  10. Understanding that the PCA may be subject to removal from the residence halls or campus, loss of privileges, or any other action the University considers appropriate if the University determines the PCA has acted in a manner inconsistent with the above, or if the PCA has falsified any information on this agreement. 
  11. External PCAs ONLY – PCA has submitted a copy of the required background investigation (CORI) conducted by the employing agency and/or will be responsible for submitting the appropriate documentation to the Office of Residence Life or in process of a CORI check (Until the CORI check is complete and provided to Residence Life, the PCA will have to abide by the University Guest & Visitation Policy). 
  12. External PCAs in the Residence Halls ONLY – PCA has submitted record of immunizations or have applied for an exemption per the UML Health Requirements. 

Non-Residential Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Information 

Non-Residential PCA Process 

  1. Identify and independently hire the PCA(s). 
  2. PCA(s) obtains CORI and Insurance (if applicable). 
  3. Student and PCA(s) review University policies and procedures including the Student Conduct Code. 
  4. Student and the PCA(s) develop a contingency plan in case the PCA is unavailable. 
  5. Student and PCA obtain parking permit, as necessary. 
  6. Repeat annually and upon any new PCA hires. 

Student (as PCA Employer) Responsibilities 

  1. Coordinating all PCA related services prior to student’s arrival on campus; including but not limited to hiring, supervising, scheduling, and funding. 
  2. Having a clear understanding of the roles and duties of the PCA, by contract. 
  3. If the PCA is not covered by insurance through an agency employment relationship, student will submit a signed hold harmless agreement to the University. 
  4. External PCAs ONLY - Ensuring the PCA has undergone a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and providing written verification to the University (verification can be submitted from PCA’s employing agency).   
  5. Both the student’s own and the PCAs’ adherence to the University’s policies and procedures including the Student Conduct Code. If the PCA does not abide by the University policies and procedures at any time, they may be subject to removal by the University. 
  6. PCA coverage contingency planning in case the PCA becomes unavailable. 
  7. Meeting with campus emergency personnel to determine a Personal Evacuation Plan (PEP), if necessary. 
  8. Directing the activities of the PCA while at the University and ensuring the student is always present with the PCA in any campus spaces that require an ID card for access. 
  9. Accessing academic accommodations through the Disability Services office, regardless of need for PCA assistance in the classroom. 
  10. Student’s own completion of academic work, communication with University personnel, and abiding by the University’s Academic Integrity policy. 

Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Non-Residential Responsibilities 

  1. As necessary, being issued a UML Access Card, keys, and parking permit for the sole purpose of this employment, and in the event the PCA is no longer employed by this student, surrendering the card, keys, and parking permit to the UCAPS office immediately upon termination. 
  2. Using the designated parking lot by the UCAPS office and following any payment terms expected. 
  3. Conducting oneself in a courteous and professional manner while on campus performing duties, in accordance with UML’s policies and practices. 
  4. Understanding that the PCA’s employment and service contract is between the PCA and the student and/or agency, and that the PCA has no employment relationship or contract with UMass Lowell of any kind. 
  5. PCA is responsible for own transportation, parking, and meals. 
  6. Allowing the student to take responsibility for their own academic assignments, progress, and behavior. 
  7. Understanding that the PCA may not remain on campus when the student is away from campus for visits or during official school closures, such as holidays or semester breaks. 
  8. Understanding that the PCA may not use the student’s ID card without them present and am only to be in spaces that do not require a student ID when not with the student. 
  9. Understanding that the PCA may be subject to removal from campus, loss of privileges, or any other action the University considers appropriate if the University determines the PCA has acted in a manner inconsistent with the above, or if the PCA has falsified any information on this agreement. 
  10. External PCAs ONLY – PCA has submitted a copy of the required background investigation (CORI) conducted by employing agency