Testing academic adjustments are determined on a case-by-case basis, in consideration of an individual’s disability documentation or presentation of the functional limitations of a condition which impacts a student’s ability to take tests/quizzes in a traditional classroom setting or format.
Testing academic adjustments are generally applicable for timed assessments including tests, quizzes and final exams. Instructors are encouraged to contact ODR if they believe the requested aacdemic adjustments fundamentally alter the course.
Procedure
Students must request instructors view their Academic Adjustment Plan which outlines approved accommodations.
Testing academic adjustments may be provided by the instructor (including online) or through proctoring in ODR. In general instructors are responsible for administering testing adustments for any assessment (such as a quiz) with a duration of less than 30 minutes. Together, through an interactive communication the student and the instructor must determine whether the instructor can provide the testing aadjustments or ODR proctoring will be needed
The Office of Disability Resources (ODR) offers test proctoring on a limited basis for the use of instructors who are unable to provide the approved testing adjustments for tests or final exams which have a duration of more than 30 minutes (45 minutes with 50% extended time).
Medically Neccesitated Breaks
The academic adjustment for Medically Neccesitated Breaks (MNB) may be appropriate for students who have a disability or condition that requires they periodically leave or pause during a class or testing setting for a short duration in order to mitigate the impacts of their disability/condition appropriately (ex. Treating fluctuations in blood sugar, using/taking medication, etc.). MNB allows students to remove themselves from the classroom or testing setting for a short period of time, typically no longer than 5%-10% of the duration of the class/testing period. This break allows students to address any medical/disability-related needs and then return to the classroom/testing setting without penalty. MNB is not designed for long-term absences from class periods or testing sessions, nor does it remove attendance requirements or permit late arrivals to class periods or testing sessions. Students remain accountable for all academic activities (assignments, assessments, required readings, etc.) and evaluation standards specified on the syllabus.
Procedure
Students must request that instructors view their Academic Adjustment Plan with faculty a minimum of 5 business days before using approved academic adjustments.
Together, through interactive communication, the student and the instructor must determine the appropriate implementation of MNB in classroom and testing environments, including the maximum duration of an MNB. They should also discuss the student’s appropriate placement within the classroom or testing environment.
Students are encouraged to proactively address as many disability-related impacts prior to and after testing sessions/classroom activities as possible (e.g., using the restroom between classes, using appropriate personal management strategies, etc.).
Distraction Reduced Environment
The academic adjustment for a Distraction Reduced Environment (DRE) facilitates a testing environment with as few visual or auditory distractions as possible. This acadmic adjustment should be applied to any testing setting the student is required to test in. DRE does not guarantee distraction-free.
Test Proctoring Through ODR
Through the ODR Student Module, students can proactively schedule timed assessments to be taken in one of the testing rooms inside the ODR office or in the final exam space. These environments are designed to facilitate the DRE for timed assessments if an instructor is unable to make arrangements for or provide an appropriate environment that meets the approved academic adjustment(s). Due to space and time demands, ODR cannot guarantee proctoring will be available for all requests. If ODR is unable to provide proctoring, students and instructors should make arrangements to provide the approved academic testing adjustments (e.g., in a space in the department, such as a quiet office, classroom, or conference room). Instructors may follow up with ODR should they have questions or concerns regarding the provision of an approved academic adjustment for timed assessments.
Procedure
Students must request instructors view their Academic Adjustment Plan with faculty a minimum of 5 business days prior to the intended use of approved academic adjustments and proactively schedule their timed assessments in the ODR Student Module to reserve a testing space through ODR Test Proctoring.