Using Exam Accommodations

Exams may be administered remotely and/or in person during Autumn Quarter 2020. This may include timed exams completed through an online learning management system (i.e. Canvas), administered remotely and monitored live by a proctor via Zoom, or exams administered in person with the instructor/proctor.

As with all reasonable accommodations, the purpose of modifications for assessments is to ensure equitable access within a course or academic program. Student Disability Services (SDS) staff determines accommodations based on the impact of the student’s disability, current disability documentation, and the learning objectives as determined by the instructor. Assessments are designed to challenge students in their application of the concepts taught in a course. Assessment accommodations are not a guarantee of improved performance, test completion, or a particular outcome. Rather it is presumed that the use of accommodations will enable the student with a disability to better demonstrate their knowledge or skill on exams and quizzes. 

Common Exam Accommodations

  • Extended time for test-taking
  • Reduced distraction testing environment from the large group setting
  • Use of a computer for word processing
  • Use of assistive technology
  • Accessible format

Exam Proctoring Procedures

College Students

You must communicate by email with your instructor at the beginning of the quarter to discuss the exam proctoring procedures for students using exam accommodations. All exams will be administered within the course.

The instructor will share their preferred method for notifying them of your intent to use accommodations. After sending the notification letter, it is typically recommended that students communicate their intent to use accommodations at least seven days prior to each exam, unless otherwise specified by the instructor.

Common topics addressed between the student and instructor include: rescheduling exams in the event that the use of extended time will interfere with another class, how the student can notify the instructor of their intent to use testing accommodations, and other concerns. Questions from students and instructors about the implementation of a testing accommodation should be directed to SDS.

Instructors may request that SDS proctor an exam on their behalf. If SDS will proctor an exam in the course, students will submit an exam request at least 7 days prior to an exam date. For Autumn Quarter 2020 students should only submit an exam request for exams that will be administered in person on campus or that require live monitoring with a proctor for a remote exam.

To submit an exam request, students should complete the following steps after they have sent their Instructor Notification Letter:

  1. Log in to the AIM Student Portal
  2. Select “Alternative Testing” on the left-hand side of the page.
  3. Select the course for which you are scheduling with SDS from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
  4. Click “Schedule an Exam”
  5. Complete the required fields on the exam detail form.
  6. Click “Add Exam Request”
  7. Students will receive a confirmation e-mail to verify that their exam request was received.

 

Graduate Students

Exam proctoring for graduate students is managed by the academic divisions. For questions on how to obtain your exam accommodation, please contact your area Dean of Students or their designee.