ALTERNATIVE
TESTING
Students with
disabilities may receive test accommodations determined on an individual
basis. "Test," as used in this context, refers to quizzes and
examinations taken during the semester in conjunction with an academic
class. Students should discuss their specific needs for testing
accommodations (e.g., extended time; separate location; use of computer)
with the DSS staff within the first two weeks of a semester.
If
the need for accommodations is deemed appropriate, students are
requested to fill out an academic accommodation request form available
at the DSS. DSS will then generate an academic accommodation
letter which the student will present to each class instructor. Students
are responsible for meeting with professors to discuss exam
considerations at the beginning of the semester. Preferably, instructors
or the academic department will administer the test accommodations. If
this is not possible, DSS can administer and/or proctor examinations.
Reasonable
accommodations depend
upon the nature and degree of severity of the documented disability.
While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 requires that priority
consideration be given to the specific methods requested by the student,
it does not imply that a particular accommodation must be granted if it
is deemed not reasonable and other suitable techniques are
available.
Test accommodations
are determined on an individualized basis may include:
Exam Forms and
Procedures
Students are
requested to complete an academic accommodation request form and discuss
the appropriate accommodation(s) with the Director.
DSS will then
generate an academic accommodation letter to be hand carried by the
student to his or her instructor(s) explaining the need for alternative
testing (see Talking to Instructors).
When exams or
quizzes are to be administered DSS, the student must contact DSS in
order to schedule the test. Exams must be taken during the regular class
time unless an alternate time is approved by the instructor. Exams must
be scheduled at least one week in advance in order to ensure adequate
accommodations.
The student is
responsible for completing a proctoring checklist which contains
information about the course, what accommodations are to be provided, as
well as the delivery of the examination. This information may be called
in over the phone or given in person to DSS.
Exams may be
delivered in a sealed envelope by the student, the professor/instructor,
a department designee (such as the TA), or picked up by the Center.
Exams cannot be mailed.
DSS secures all
exams upon receipt. Upon return, exams will be sealed in an envelope
with an office label and a signed piece of tape when the student is
done.
Exams may be
returned by the student in a sealed envelope, by DSS staff, or picked up
by the professor/instructor or department designee. Please be advised
that DSS will not mail exams.
Please note that
Disability Support office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
