Technical standards outline the skills and expectations required for students to successfully enter, progress through, and complete the program. They ensure clarity and consistency for students, faculty, staff, administration, and disability services. These standards apply equally to all students.
If you require accommodations to fully participate in the program, please contact the Office of Disability Services to confidentially discuss your needs. Technical standards can be met with or without accommodations, and the examples provided are not all encompassing.
Technical Standard, Definition and Examples
Ability to collect, interpret, and integrate information and make decisions within a range of function.
Examples:
- Read and comprehend relevant information in statutory/case law, legal/non-legal documents.
- Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
- Detach from individual prejudices and assumptions to make informed decisions in high and low stress situations.
Adequate ability to perform physical requirements.
Examples:
- Sufficient dexterity to use computer keyboard for long periods of time.
- Ability to perform functions such as sitting for prolonged periods of time and navigating office environments.
Sufficient hearing to communicate with others.
Examples:
- Ability to interpret, retain, organize, and manipulate spoken language.
- Actively listen to clients/customers and co-workers.
Sufficient eyesight to read documents and records.
Examples:
- Ability to identify and research official court documents.
- Ability to identify and research deed books, civil ledgers, criminal records.
Adequate comprehension and understanding of the English language in spoken, written, and nonverbal formats.
Examples:
- Give directions and answer questions.
- Keep accurate records using appropriate terms with correct grammar and spelling.
- Recognize, interpret, and respond to nonverbal behavior of self and others.
- Resolve conflict in a calm, non-defensive, and respectful manner.
Ability to work collaboratively with others.
Examples:
- Interact appropriately with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
- Ability to listen to others and determine their wants and needs.
- Ability to employ basic conflict management skills.
Exhibit professional behaviors in the work environment.
Examples:
- Be accountable for schedules and work performance.
- Demonstrate initiative, flexibility, enthusiasm, honesty, cooperative behavior.
- Perform duties efficiently, willingly, and thoroughly.
- Present professional appearance and maintain personal hygiene.
We are committed to ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed in this program. If you have a documented disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided unless they fundamentally alter essential training requirements, create undue hardship, or pose a safety risk to you or others.
Disability Services Statement
If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office (Ward Hall Building; 252-638-1454) as soon as possible—ideally before classes or field experiences begin. You are also encouraged to inform your instructor as needed so we can best support your learning.