Oregon State University (OSU) is committed to providing access to all. One way that OSU does this is by recognizing that some students may require a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) while engaging in the learning/living environment.
Please be aware:
- OSU does not provide PCA services.
- PCAs are hired, paid, and employed by the student they are assisting.
- PCAs are not course or lab assistants.
- PCAs are required to abide by all OSU policies, including UHDS rules and regulations.
- When working for students residing on campus, PCAs are only permitted in the student’s living environment based on the needs of the student and within UHDS rules and regulations.
- Generally, attached PCA rooms are provided when a PCA is needed for 25 hours or more per week of work.
- The PCA-attached room is not considered the primary residence for the PCA.
- PCAs are non-active participants in academic, learning, and living environments though they may accompany the student to classes/labs. Additionally, DAS will work with the student to provide a classroom assistant for academic access as needed.
- Non-active participant means that if a PCA is needed, then the PCA should not be auditing or taking the course, asking questions, making comments, or taking an active role in the course, classroom, or in meetings.
- Academic/learning environments include, but are not limited to, classrooms, labs, research testing areas, group meetings, faculty/student meetings, advisor meetings, or other academic events. In addition, PCAs may need to accompany the student on a field trip or internship if personal care is required.
- Living environments include club participation, residential areas, dining halls, OSU non-academic resources departments/areas, and other social events.
To bring a PCA to OSU, a student must apply with Disability Access Services (DAS and indicate that they will be accompanied by a PCA).
If a PCA is required while living in the residence halls, the student must apply with DAS and request housing accommodations through University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) on the Corvallis campus and University Housing (UH) on the Cascades Campus.
Refer to the PCA guidelines for more detailed information regarding student, PCA, and Disability Access Services (DAS) roles and responsibilities.
Page updated: 1/2026