Policies and Procedures

Testing Accommodations Policy and Procedure

Policy

Students with disabilities may receive test accommodations determined on an individual basis. A test, as used in this context, refers to quizzes and examinations taken during the semester in conjunction with an academic class. Students should discuss their specific needs for testing accommodations with Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) staff within the first two weeks of a semester.

Students with documented disabilities who require accommodations must identify themselves to the CSD and present appropriate documentation.

If the need for accommodations is deemed appropriate, students are requested to meet with CSD staff with their course information each semester. The CSD will then generate a testing accommodation request letter, which the student will hand carry to each class instructor. The University agent authorized to determine appropriate academic accommodations is the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). Any other requests for academic accommodations from other University entities are not mandated.

Test accommodations determined on a case-by-case basis may include:

• Extended time to complete examinations and quizzes;
• A reduced distraction environment separate from the class;
• Special equipment such as a word processor, magnifier, or brailler;
• Readers and/or scribes; and
• Alternate formats such as oral or taped tests.

Reasonable accommodations depend upon the nature and degree of severity of the documented disability. While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that priority consideration be given to the specific methods requested by the student, it does not imply that a particular accommodation must be granted if it is deemed not reasonable and other suitable techniques are available. If additional information is requested, you may refer to the University's Policies and Procedures for Students with Disabilities.

Please note the following:

• It is CSD policy that students take exams at the scheduled time of the course unless the instructor and Director of the CSD approve an alternate time.
• Students are also advised that it is at the discretion of the faculty member to administer exams within the academic department.
• If the faculty member cannot administer the exam either in class or within the department, exams can be administered by the CSD.

Exam Administration Procedure

• When exams or quizzes are to be administered by the CSD, the student and instructor must contact Wade Gibbs at the CSD in order to schedule the test. Wade can be reached at 486-2020 or at csdexams@uconn.edu.
• Exams must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance in order to ensure adequate accommodations. Failure to provide adequate notice may result in the accommodations not being available.
• When scheduling a quiz/exam, students and instructors should be prepared with the course information (class and section), teaching assistant information (if applicable), whether or not any materials are allowed during the test, as well as the method of delivery and return of the exam.
• Whenever possible, exams should be e-mailed to csdexams@uconn.edu or sent to the CSD by confidential fax (486-4412). If an e-mail or fax is not possible, exams may also be delivered in a sealed envelope by the student, the instructor or a department designee (such as the TA). INSTRUCTORS SHOULD NOT SEND EXAMS TO THE CSD THROUGH CAMPUS MAIL.
• The CSD secures all exams in a locked file cabinet upon receipt. Upon return, exams will be sealed in an envelope with an office label and signed by the appropriate CSD representative.
• Whenever possible, exams will be returned by e-mail or fax. Exams may also be returned by the student in a sealed envelope, or picked up by the instructor or department designee. THE CSD WILL NOT RETURN EXAMS THROUGH CAMPUS MAIL.

Please note the following:

• All test materials, including calculators, will be checked by the CSD prior to the start of the exam.
• Once a student begins an exam, he/she will not be permitted to leave the room. In the case of an emergency, the CSD will document why the student left and will inform the instructor.
• Cell phones, pagers, student backpacks, hats, bags, etc. are not permitted in the testing room.
• Students who are more than a half-hour late of the scheduled start time will not be administered the exam without approval of the instructor.

Policy modified August 2007