Policies for Test Accommodations

Students who wish to use accommodated testing must follow these policies and procedures.

Disability Services & Resources (DS&R) facilitates alternative testing - test accommodations - as a service for students with disabilities. Test accommodations are designed to provide equity for the student with a disability. Students must follow DS&R policies and procedures to use this service.

DS&R attempts to administer exams at the same time as the class is taking it. Occasionally this isn't possible because of limited space and/or personnel. In these cases, exams will be administered as close as possible to the class time.

Test Accommodation forms are available only from DS&R counselors. You must meet with your counselor to request this accommodation. Schedule an appointment early in the semester and bring your syllabi to this meeting. (Your syllabi contain the information you need for the request forms.)

1. Students will take their exams on the dates listed on the course syllabus. If an exam date has been changed by the professor, or when the date for a "to be annouced" exam is announced, the student must fill out a Text Change Form and give it to the DS&R clerical staff at least 24 hours before the new time so that the exam can be rescheduled.
2. If the student needs to change the date/time of an exam, that student must make arrangements with the instructor and obtain his/her signature on the Test Change Form. DS&R will not change the time or date of scheduled exams without the written consent of the instructor. The form must be fiven to the DS&R clerical staff at least 24 hours before the new exam time so the exam can be rescheduled.
3. Failure to provide adequate notice of a time change or TBA exam may result in the student being sent back to the classroom.
4. Students who come late for DS&R testing will have the "late time" subtracted from their allotted testing time. Students who are repeatedly late will need to resolve this problem with their counselor.
5. If the students does not come in for a scheduled exam, the exam will be returned to the professor. Any make-up exam, if allowed, must be authorized by the professor.
6. All exams will be proctored to help ensure exam security. No use of cell phones, PDAs, or other communication devices will be allowed in testing rooms. Surveillance cameras may also be used for test security. DS&R makes every effort to administer tests at the same time as the class is taking the test. Occasionally this is not possible due to limited space and personnel. In this situation, we will administer it as close as possible to the class time.
7. No content assistance will be provided, nor are students allowed to use books, notes, etc. unless specified by the professor.
8. Because visits to the restrooms compromise exam security, they will be permitted only in emergency situations. (Remember mom's advice.)
9. DS&R does not provide accommodated testing for INI, on-line, or independent study courses. Counselors will provide verification of the need for accommodation so that the student can make individual arrangements with the professor.

Procedures for Test Accommodations

1. Request for Test Accommodations forms are available only from DS&R counselors. One form is needed for each course. You, the student, complete Part 1.
2. Part 2 is completed by your counselor. After discussion, your counselor will list the dates and times for all exams (from your syllabus) and select the accommodations you need.
3. Part 3 is completed by your professor. It is your responsibility to take the request form to your professor and return it to the DS&R Reception Office, 254 Kirby Student Center. **Go to your professors' offices during their scheduled office hours or make an appointment so your professor can give you full attention. Trying to "catch them after class" does not allow the professor to meet you and understand your needs, and often causes misunderstandings later in the semester.**
4. Discuss the accommodations that you are requesting, and if needed, alternative times for exams. The professor will complete Part 3 and signs the form. The professor will keep the pink copy.
5. Keep the yellow copy as your record of what yourequested.
6. It is your responsibility to return the white copy to DS&R (KSC 254 or 258). This must be done at least ONE WEEK before your first exam so we have enough time to schedule your exam. We will schedule you for whatever is on the form unless you tell us otherwise.
7. Before each exam, remind your professor to send your exam to DS&R by using the Reminder Slips available in the office. Fill one out and hand it to your professor a few days before the exam. This is your best assurance of having your exam here when you need to take it.
8. Daily Test Schedule.Before each exam, check the schedule in DS&R to make sure your exam is correctly scheduled. If it isn't, talk to the DS&R staff.
9. Test Change Forms: Whenever there is a change in the dates or times from that written on your Test Accommodation Request Form, or if a "to be announced" test is announced, you must fill out a Test Change Form and give it to DS&R staff at least 24 hours before the test. Failure to provide adequate time to reschedule the exam may result in the student being sent back to the classroom to take the exam.