Alternative Format Request Policy

Alternate Media Delivery Timelines Standard Production Time

The Standard Production Time for producing edited alternate media for most textbooks (whether hard copy or electronic) will take ten (10) business days from the time permission has been obtained from the publisher, and for most course readers (whether hard copy or electronic) will take seventeen (17) business days. 

“Rolling Basis” Production:  When a shorter turn-around time is necessary to complete a required course assignment, a student may opt to obtain portions of their textbook or course reader as needed on a “rolling basis”, rather than at the end of the Standard Production Time. Producing edited alternate media under a Rolling Basis Production request is expected to take at least five (5) business days from the time permission is obtained from the publisher for portions of a textbook and eight (8) business days for portions of a course reader. Under a Rolling Basis Production request, CSUSM DSS will convert portions of the textbook, course reader or other instructional materials and provide the alternate media to the student on a “rolling basis” 24 hours prior to each upcoming due date. The student will identify the date the assignment is due (e.g., by submitting course syllabus). If a due date is not shown on syllabus, written documentation of due date from instructor is sufficient; student to provide this to DSS. The complete textbook, course reader or other materials will be provided as soon as reasonable. 

Specialized Text:  Some alternate format requests will take longer than the standard production time (6-8 weeks) due to the subject matter, format type, or the quality of the source material. CSUSM DSS will make its best reasonable efforts to provide such alternate media as soon as possible. 

Specialized text may include: Subject Matter: math, science (including computer science), foreign language materials, etc. Paper Production: Braille or large print that requires reformatting and/or repagination. Scan Conversion: marked-up materials or illegible document reproductions requiring extensive text input by keyboard.

Recommended (But Not Required) Reading Assignments:  Upon request, instructor recommended reading assignments will be converted into requested alternate media formats when needed for a class/course. The standard production turn-around times will not apply to recommended readings, which have lower priority than those requests for required readings. CSUSM DSS will ascertain if the request for alternate media is for required or recommended instructional materials. Upon receiving a request for recommended materials, CSUSM DSS will provide an estimated date of completion.

Pick-up of Alternative Format Materials

1. DSS e-mails student to notify them that their alternate format materials are ready for pick up, at the DSS Front Desk.
2. Student arrives to DSS to pick up their materials.
3. DSS staff member retrieves the student's completed alt format course materials, and verifies the physical materials to the sign-out sheet to ensure completeness and accuracy.
4. The DSS staff member presents the sign-out sheet to the student for signature. Should the student opt to not sign the sheet, the DSS staff member initials the sheet to verify receipt of materials.
5. The DSS staff provides the materials to the student and retains the sign out sheet for DSS records.  

Alternative Format Request

This form is for DSS Students to request alternative formats of course materials such as class readings, and books. CHECK YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY! 

• You will be contacted shortly regarding the status of your request.
• More information may be needed to complete your request.
• You will be contacted via e-mail when your books are ready to be picked up.
• Proof of purchase must shown before alternative format books will be released to the student! Receipts can be dropped off at the DSS Office or attached to this form copy of your paper receipt.

Alternative Format Request Form