Testing Accommodations (CAPS/SEM/GS) - OARS Accommodation

Owned by Liz Burd
Last updated: Jul 25, 2024
3 min read

In order for a student to receive Testing Accommodations, they must:

  1. Be registered with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS).
  2. Be registered for this accommodation based on their needs, and have it documented in their accommodation letter. 
  3. Communicate with the professor that they intend to use their accommodations in the course. 

Professors will first be alerted via receipt of the Faculty Notification Letter each semester by the student. If the student is registered for testing accommodations it will be stated in the student's accommodation letter. 

The student may be registered for one or more testing accommodations, including:

  • Time and a half (50% more time)

Accommodation Letter Text: "The student will need 50% more time than other students to complete quizzes and exams. It is the professor’s responsibility to extend time through Moodle by 50% or provide the additional time during the class session." 

  • Double time (100% more time)

Accommodation Letter Text: "The student will need 100% more time than other students to complete quizzes and exams. It is the professor’s responsibility to extend time through Moodle by 100% or provide the additional time during the class session."

  • Single Testing Room (Single room for one student)

Accommodation Letter Text: "The student will need to test in a single testing room for quizzes and exams. This should be an empty conference room, huddle room or a similar space. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the professor the intent to use a single testing room at least 5 business days prior to the date for each exam or quiz. It is the professor's responsibility to provide a single testing room for the student to test in. OARS is available to assist the professor to reserve an appropriate testing location for the student."

  • Reader for Testing (Person reads questions to the student)

Accommodation Letter Text: "The student may need a reader for quizzes and exams. OARS will provide a reader as needed. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the professor and OARS the intent to utilize a reader at least 5 business days prior for each exam and quiz. It is the professor’s responsibility to work with OARS, if needed, to ensure a reader is in place for the student."

  • Scribe for Testing (Person writes answers as student dictates)

Accommodation Letter Text: "The student may need a scribe for quizzes and exams. OARS will provide a scribe as needed. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the professor and OARS the intent to utilize a scribe at least 5 business days prior to each exam and quiz. It is the professor’s responsibility to work with OARS, if needed, to ensure a scribe is in place for the student."

  • Type Exam Responses (Student uses a computer to type responses)

Accommodation Letter Text: "The student will need to type exam responses. It is the student’s responsibility to type exam responses in the format provided by the professor. It is the professor’s responsibility to provide the student with a copy of the exam in a digital format that allows the student to type the responses."

OARS Responsibility 

Student Responsibility

Faculty Responsibility

Determine eligibility for testing accommodations.

Consult with faculty (when necessary) to determine the nature of the testing accommodation to be provided.

Answer questions about testing accommodations and other aspects of the testing accommodations process.

Support faculty in obtaining spaces if needed. 

Communicate with the professor the intention to use this accommodation by sending the Faculty Notification Letter in a timely manner. 

Single testing, reader, and scribe: the student is responsible to notify the professor and OARS the intent to utilize the accommodation at least 5 business days prior for each exam and quiz.

Typing exam responses: the student is responsible for typing exam responses in the format provided by the professor.

Single room testing accommodation: the professor is responsible to provide a single room space for the student to take their exams/quizzes such as a huddle room or conference room space. Consult with OARS as needed to obtain proper space.

Time and a half or double time: the professor is responsible to provide extended time (50% or 100% additional time) to the student for both in person exams and quizzes as well as those given through Moodle.

Reader and scribe: the professor is responsible to work with OARS, if needed, to ensure the accommodation is in place for the student.

Type Exam Responses: the professor is responsible to provide the student with a copy of the exam or quiz in a digital format that allows the student to type the responses.

Communicate with OARS about any concerns with testing accommodations.

Qualification and types of testing accommodations: Testing accommodations are changes to the regular testing environment and services that allow individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their true aptitude on exams.  The provision of accommodations to students with disabilities does not carry with it an obligation to reduce the level of the course content or to lower the standards of mastery.