Testing Accommodations

One of UDSS’ major responsibilities is to ensure that your performance as a student is measured by your knowledge and acquisition of course material, not by your disability. To accomplish this, UDSS coordinators make recommendations for test accommodations based on the documented impact of the disability. If you are eligible for this service and will be taking tests in the UDSS testing rooms, please follow these guidelines:

As soon as you have the syllabi for the classes for which you will need test accommodations, make an appointment to meet with your coordinator. You and the coordinator will work together to determine the accommodations necessary and for which classes they will be provided. UDSS will keep a copy of your test dates, times, etc. from the syllabi.

A letter will be sent by UDSS to each affected instructor (and a copy to you) that introduces you, indicates what accommodations are necessary, and says you will make contact with the instructor to discuss the logistics of accommodated tests. The letter makes it easy for you to go the instructor and say, “Hi, I’m and I’m the person UDSS sent you a letter about. Can we work out arrangements for … (taped exams, extended time, or whatever the recommended accommodation is)?” Faculty expect students to share in the responsibility for alternative arrangements. Be sure you talk with each instructor early in the semester.

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE THE TEST!

Unless you have the instructor’s approval and it has been confirmed by UDSS, you must schedule exams with UDSS for the same day and time as the exam is being given in your class. If UDSS falls behind in providing materials needed for preparation (e.g. taped books, etc.), or if your schedule (i.e. classes on either side of the class in which the test is scheduled or evening tests) will not allow for taking the exam when it is scheduled, your coordinator will help advocate with the instructor to ensure that you are provided the appropriate accommodations. It is also helpful to UDSS for you to remind your instructor before each exam that you are taking an exam with us.

Call or stop by the SEO main office with each test change as soon as it is announced in class. Call the SEO main office to confirm the date, time, and place of your test two (2) days before the test date. This will ensure that UDSS has the test on the schedule and reassure you that the test will be ready for you when you arrive.

UDSS provides proctoring of exams as a service to both the student and the faculty member. The legal requirement to provide modifications to the testing procedure can be managed in a number of ways, not necessarily through a disability support program. For UDSS to maintain its credibility with faculty and to provide a viable service for each student, UDSS needs your cooperation. Here are the guidelines for taking tests in the UDSS testing rooms:

Please arrive on time for your exams. Students who are late for tests in the traditional classroom would have to finish the exam in the time remaining for that class period. Likewise, students affiliated with UDSS who are late must still finish their exam by the scheduled ending time, with no extension allowed for lateness. Additionally, if you are late, UDSS may need to secure the instructor's permission before you will be allowed to begin the exam. If you do not show for a scheduled exam with UDSS, the exam will be returned to the instructor, unless you contact your coordinator in advance to explain the reasons for not coming at the scheduled time. It is your responsibility to work with your instructor to discuss reasons for missing exams and to arrange rescheduling, if approved. UDSS recognizes that there are circumstances that necessitate the rescheduling of exams and will be happy to administer exams that are rescheduled with the instructor's approval.
Each student will be asked to leave all materials, i.e. coats, back-packs, purses, pencil cases, cell phones, PDAs, notebooks, etc. in the SEO main office while taking tests. The only materials that may go into the testing room are those needed for the exam. You may take snacks or soft drinks into the room unless you are using a computer. Take care of any drinking fountain, smoking, or restroom needs prior to the exam, as only the most dire of circumstances will be considered for leaving the test room during the exam.
Individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) use our test rooms. Please do not wear any scented products when coming to take a test.
UDSS does not supply pencils, pens, paper, or score sheets for test administration. Be sure you have the necessary supplies when you arrive for your tests. The time spent to acquire supplies (e.g. trips to the bookstore for scantron sheets) may be deducted from the time allotted for the exam.
UDSS arranges to receive all exams taken in the office. Tests taken on computers may be administered in the Montgomery Technology Center, or in Rooms 322 or 325, Knight Hall. Computer-generated test responses will be saved on disks provided by UDSS or the instructor. Those disks will remain with UDSS or will be returned to the instructor upon completion of the exam. Extra copies of the exam questions or responses will not be printed at the time of the exam.
To ensure the integrity of all exams and to protect you, UDSS will return all portions of every exam (test questions, answers, etc.) to the instructor, regardless of whether or not the instructor allows students to keep exams. It is the instructor’s prerogative to determine if students may keep test questions, therefore you should contact your instructor after the exam if you want the test questions.
Exams are returned by UDSS staff as soon as possible after the exams are completed. A record is kept of when, where and by whom each test is returned. To ensure that your instructor has received the exam for grading, it is suggested you verify this with them the day following the exam.
All make-up exams must be scheduled through the instructor, according to his/her make-up policy. UDSS is willing to proctor accommodated make-up exams once conditions are agreed upon between you and your instructor.
As soon as you know your final exam schedule, give the dates and times of the finals you will take in the UDSS testing rooms to your coordinator.
Individuals who are involved in academic dishonesty may be subject to denial of test taking services through UDSS. Incidents will be reported to the affected instructor and University regulations will be followed.

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