Disability Support Services (DSS) provides testing accommodations to qualifying students. Accommodations are based upon appropriate documentation. The general procedures for arranging an accommodated exam with DSS have remained essentially the same for the past several years. Periodically, we make minor adjustments, and we want knowledge of our procedures to remain current. This ensures students receive appropriate accommodations without compromising instructors’ academic standards.
- For each individual exam, the student must schedule by signing up online or making and appointment and obtain the testing accommodation form the DSS office. This should be done one week prior to the exam when possible. The student will receive a confirmation email once the time is confirmed.
- The student is expected to initiate contact with the instructor for reasonable accommodations. The student should present the form to the instructor as soon as possible. If there is any reason the student is unable to take the exam at the same time as the rest of the class, alternative dates and/or times must be discussed with the faculty member. The instructor must approve of the arrangements and indicate so on the accommodation form.
- The form is the instructor’s control over the exam and should accompany the exam in a secure manner. The instructor should indicate if the exam is open note, open book, or requires some other, specific tools or materials to complete.
- Accommodations requested should be in accordance with those recommended by DSS and supported by documentation. Instructors may ask for a letter of verification from DSS to support the request.
- The instructor should send the exam to the DSS office prior to the exam time. Exams can be hand-delivered, sent electronically (via fax or e-mail), or sent through campus mail. Students should not transport exams
- Students will not be permitted to leave the testing area during the exam. Cell phones, other electronic devices, and class materials are not permitted unless the instructor dictates otherwise.
- If, during the administration of the exam, a student violates the College's Ethical Standards in Academic Matters Policy, the instructor will be notified; he/she determines the consequences. Violating the policy can also affect the provision alternative testing as administered by the DSS. Access to testing through DSS is dependent on adherence to the policy.
Our responsibility at DSS, with respect to testing, is to provide reasonable accommodations, and to otherwise ensure the exam is conducted within parameters prescribed by the instructor.