Classroom Accommodations
Examination Accommodations
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. The purpose of providing extended time for test taking is so that the existence of a time limit does not unjustly impact the ability of a student with a disability to demonstrate knowledge of the material. This accommodation is determined on a case-by-case basis and may be inappropriate where the exam tests an individual's ability to perform a task within a specific period of time as an essential element of the course.
Exam accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
- a scribe to transcribe their dictated answers to exam questions;
- a separate room with better lighting, reduced distractions, or assistive equipment such as a word processor, text enlarger, or speech to text program;
- a reader to assist students who have visual or visual processing disabilities;
- an extended exam period for students who write slowly, who dictate answers to a scribe, or who have a processing disability;
- the option of submitting exam answers in an alternative format - such as on a word processor or an oral version for a written exam.
If a student has been approved for examination accommodations, faculty will receive an accommodation letter from the CSD with the requested exam accommodations. Sometimes, although students are approved for examination accommodations, students may choose to take examinations under standard conditions. Students should discuss their needs with you throughout the semester. You may also refer to the Testing Accommodations Policy for additional information.
If the student chooses to take the examination with accommodations, you may choose to administer the exam with the accommodation(s) requested. If you are unable to administer the exam in class with the requested accommodation(s), the CSD will administer and proctor the exam. Exams are kept in a locked location until administration.
If exams are to be administered by the CSD:
- When exams or quizzes are to be administered by the CSD, the student or instructor must contact the CSD in order to schedule the test. Exams must be taken during the regular class time unless the instructor and Director of the CSD approve an alternate time. 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.
- The student and/or instructor is responsible for completing an Exam Administration Form, which contains information about the course, what accommodations are to be provided, as well as the delivery of the examination. This information may be called in over the phone (486-2020), emailed to wade.gibbs@uconn.edu, or completed at the CSD. All information will be verified with the instructor.
- Whenever possible, exams should be e-mailed to wade.gibbs@uconn.edu or delivered by confidential fax to 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), or picked up by the Center. 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, by the CSD, or picked up by the instructor or department designee. THE CSD WILL NOT RETURN EXAMS THROUGH CAMPUS MAIL.