Policies and Procedures
Testing Accommodations
Testing or exam accommodations refer to accommodations to enhance equal access to examinations, but are specifically not program accommodations or course accommodations. Assessment of student performance, including course examinations and other measures of student performance will be provided with appropriate accommodations to ensure that the assessment accurately measures the student's performance in the course, rather than reflecting the impact of the student's disability.
Students and faculty are encouraged to maintain on-going conversations regarding the accommodations. If problems arise which cannot be resolved between the student and the faculty member, both the faculty and the student are encouraged to contact the staff of Disability Services for Students (DSS) for assistance.
The requesting student must contact/re-contact the professor (see accommodation pg. 8) not less than one week before each exam to request test modifications. Due to the exclusive or technical nature of exams, the professor and the department are asked to arrange requests for modified exams. Please discuss with the student any of his/her specific needs in relation to elements of the curriculum. Please contact 874-2098 for further information. Specific modifications appropriate for students may be:
Extended time on Exams:
The generally accepted standard is a 50% extension, that is, an extension to time and one-half. On occasion the student's documentation may warrant longer extensions and it would be so noted. The professor and student are asked to arrange a mutually acceptable staring time and length of time for the exam.
Private Test Space
Private test space means testing in a quiet location to reduce distractions (it is rarely, if ever, possible to eliminate distractions totally). So that the student experiences the same or similar test conditions as other students during the exam, it is suggested that the student have reasonable contact with the professor or designated proctor. If support in proctoring an exam is needed, professors are encouraged to work with the department chair or dean for the temporary proctoring assistance.
Alternate exam format
(i.e. essay format instead of multiple choice; or vice versa). The professor and student are asked to determine the most appropriate format taking into consideration the content of the course and the student's specific learning needs.
Exam presented in large print
A specific font size will be recommended from the student's documentation. Professors are asked to make a special printing of the exam in the requested font size (this assumes use of word-processing capability). It is also appropriate to use the print enlargers, and/or adaptive computer equipment available in the library. Please call 874-2098 for more information.
Avoid use of scantron forms
In certain cases, use of scantron forms are not appropriate because of the nature of the student's disability. The student should be allowed to respond directly on the test instrument, and that student's test should be scored separately from the larger group.
Exam presented on tape.
The professor and/or department are asked to record and present the exam. Recording equipment is available in the Office of Student Life (874-2098). If the exam is to be recorded by Disability Services for Students, the office must be provided a copy of the exam NO LESS THAN 10 DAYS IN ADVANCE, with any special instructions. The tape recording and exam will be returned by the exam date.
Use of visual cues during performance exams or quizzes.
(Examples: a. Basic formulas only on note cards, b. Use of music during performance.) In certain cases, a student's documentation may warrant use of visual cues, such as formulas, which are specifically NOT answers, during an exam. The professor retains the right to review any cues used by the student and to direct how these cues should be used. Cases of academic dishonesty will be treated as a disciplinary matter (please refer to the student handbook).
Well-lighted room for exam.
Word-processor access during essay exams/quizzes.
Procedure: The academic department is asked to arrange for a computer either within the department or through Information and Instruction Technology Services; professors/departments may either reserve a lab or check out laptop computers from this office.
Reader to present exam questions orally and verbally.
The professor retains the right to provide clarifications or interpretations of exam questions if necessary. The professor may directly assist the student or may appoint another qualified individual to do so.
Use of calculator during exams.
For certain documented disabilities, calculators may be considered an appropriate accommodation. However, for some basic math courses designed to teach and test knowledge of mathematical operations (i.e. percent, division, addition) a calculator would be in conflict with the central/essential function of the course and would not be appropriate.
Oral Testing.
In most cases, oral testing is not equivalent to the standard test methodology. Only in rare cases will this be requested, but rather the exam should be provided in electronic format so that text – voice software can be utilized, and so the student will respond either in print, with dictation software or by tape recording answers.
