Health Center: Extended Time and/or Alternative Setting for Exams

Alternative settings are available for students for whom it is appropriate as an accommodation.  Providing an alternate test site enables instructors to evaluate the student on their knowledge rather than on their disability.  Testing accommodations designed to “level the playing field” and provide equal access, rather than giving students with a disability an unfair advantage. 
 

It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a discussion about accommodations with the instructor in advance of an exam.  Faculty should include a statement on their course syllabus to make this clear.

Note:   Students with special testing arrangements as an accommodation do not always need to implement the accommodation; often, extra time is needed only for a certain exam format or certain subject matter. 
 

For extended time:
1.      Extended time is 1 1/2 times the time allowed other students.  If more time is warranted by the student’s disability, it will be indicated on the Accommodation Plan.  It is not recommended that you grant unlimited time.
2.      If you can administer the exam and provide the extra time, please do so.  If you cannot, the student may take the exam at the University Health Center (see details below).

For an alternative setting:
This is most often requested by students who are easily distracted.  If you can provide a quiet space for the student to do the exam, please do so.  Otherwise, the student may take the exam at the UHC. 

Testing in the University Health Center
1.      Discuss with the student the manner of delivering the exam to the UHC.  Campus mail has worked well if time is allowed for delivery.  You may also hand deliver your exam.  Some faculty have chosen to have the student report to class, pick up the exam in a sealed and signed envelope, and carry it to the UHC.
2.      The student is responsible for submitting a Test Accommodation form to Rachel Arkoosh, Program Assistant in the UHC, notifying her of the day and time of the exam, the professor’s name, and the manner of delivery of the exam paper.  The Test Accommodation form must be signed by both the student and the instructor.
3.      Prepare and deliver the exam as agreed upon with the student and as stated in the Test Accommodation form.  Please include any special instructions, such as “open book exam”.
4.      The student will take the exam in a private room under controlled conditions.  However, it is not possible for UHC staff to monitor the students every minute.  The student is asked to sign an honor contract, which is sent to the professor with the completed exam.
5.      The exam will be returned to you by campus mail unless other arrangements are made with Rachel Arkoosh, Program Assistant. Be aware that a test completed after the afternoon mail pick-up will not go out until the following morning.  If you wish the student to bring the exam back to you in a sealed envelope, indicate so on the Test Accommodation form.