Testing Accommodations

There are several basic accommodations provided by our office regarding tests. They are as follows: extended time, distraction reduced space, test proctors, use of technology on tests, and a reader and/or writer.

Extended Time: Students who qualify for this accommodation will be allowed additional time on in-class tests. The specific amount of additional time depends upon the impact of the disability.

Distraction Reduced Space: Students who qualify for this accommodation will be provided with a place to complete their tests that is distraction reduced. We cannot guarantee isolated space.

Test Proctors: The Office of Learning Support Services is committed to maintaining the highest academic standards possible in the office testing environment. In order to meet this goal, Learning Support Services utilizes a Test Proctor to monitor tests. If a student utilizes any unauthorized resources during a test, the Test Proctor will report the situation to the course instructor and Student Judicial Affairs.

Use of Technology: Students who qualify for this accommodation will be allowed to use technological devices on a test (i.e. computers, CCTV, adaptive software) as they relate to their disability. Students will not be able to use their own personal devices when testing.

Reader Services:

• Readers will read test questions.
• Readers can be asked to repeat information, so do not hesitate to ask.
• Readers will only read what is on the printed page and cannot be asked to clarify or reword statements.
• Readers need information from you to be effective. Let the reader know what reading tone, rate, etc. works best.

Writer Services / Scribes:

• Scribes write down the student’s answers to test questions.
• Scribes will write down verbatim what has been dictated. The scribe is not responsible for organizing or paraphrasing thoughts into a final draft.
• At any time, students will have the opportunity to review what the scribe has written either by reading or having it read.
• If there are corrections, direct the scribe to make them.

Students have the following options available if they qualify for testing accommodations:

1. Take the test with the class.
2. Take the test with appropriate accommodations, by working with instructors and agreeing on a time and place.
3. Schedule tests at the Office of Learning Support Services in the Smucker Learning Center, if that is what is decided between the student and their instructor.

Student Responsibility:

• Students need to inform their instructors in advance for each test that they will be using their testing accommodations.
• If testing services are needed through Learning Support Services, students need to contact the office one week prior to the test to make arrangements.
• If a student requests a test less than one week before the test, we will attempt to fulfill the request based on availability. If there is no availability, students are to contact their instructor and discuss possible testing options. Students can discuss with their instructor a different test date through the office or make testing arrangements with the instructor directly.
• Increased Volume Times (Midterm and Finals Weeks) – Throughout midterm and finals weeks, we receive increased test requests. During these times it is strongly advised to make a test request weeks in advance due to limited availability. We will honor and schedule requests by the date of the request. There is a distinct possibility that requests which are placed 4 business days in advance will not be scheduled due to availability.
• Computer Based Testing: Students who are taking exams at Computer Based Testing (CBT) must confirm with the instructor at the beginning of the semester that they will be using their exam accommodations to ensure that this has been communicated with CBT and provide CBT with a copy of their accommodation letter.