Alternative Testing FAQ

• I am not registered with SLS. How do I get testing accommodations?
• My professor asked for a Self-Identification Letter. What is a Self-Identification Letter?
• What are my testing options if I only need extended time and distraction-reduced accommodations?
• What are my test options if I need assistive technology?
• How do I schedule test accommodations in SLS during the semester?
• How do I schedule test accommodations in SLS during for finals week?
• What if I need to change the date or time for a scheduled test?
• I am registered with SLS, eligible for test accommodations, and submitted my Self Identification Letter to my professor; however, I forgot to schedule my test on time, e.g. no later than 8:00 am two business days before the test?
• Can SLS provide accommodations on standardized testing?
• What if I have additional questions?

I am not registered with SLS. How do I get testing accommodations?

The first step to arranging for test accommodations is to provide verification of your disability to SLS. Check out the section on Disability Verification or contact our office at 937-229-2066 (phone) or 937-229-2059 (TTY) to set up an appointment to discuss your documentation, eligibility and, if appropriate, possible accommodations.  

My professor asked for a Self-Identification Letter. What is a Self-Identification Letter?

The Self-Identification Letter indicates the current academic accommodations. These letters are a method for the student to communicate with the faculty to aide in coordination of academic accommodations. Eligibility for academic accommodations is required. Students must request letters each semester.  

What are my testing options if I only need extended time and distraction-reduced accommodations?

If you are found eligible for these academic accommodations, you should first submit and discuss your Self Identification Letter with your faculty. You and your faculty can identify a suitable space within the department area that will allow for distraction-reduced testing and extended time as outlined on your Self-Identification Letter.

If no area is available to ensure these accommodations, make arrangements to take your test in the SLS Testing Office.   All tests to be taken in SLS must be scheduled online.

What are my test options if I need assistive technology?

If you are found eligible for academic accommodations, and you require specialized accommodations to complete tests, such a screen reader, scribes (writers), the use of adaptive equipment, sign language interpreters, etc. as outlined on your Self-Identification Letter, you need to communicate with your faculty about your need to take exams with the SLS Testing Office.  Once this has been addressed, you can then schedule your tests on-line.  All tests must be scheduled online.

How do I schedule test accommodations in SLS during the semester?

First, communicate with your professor to determine where accommodations can be addressed as many professors provide accommodations directly.  If your professor cannot address this, you can complete the on-line test request form to take your test in the SLS Testing Office located in Albert Emmanuel Room 002.

For tests to be taken in the SLS Testing Office:

• Make a separate request for each test appointment.
• All test appointments should be scheduled five (5) business days in advance; at a minimum, tests must be scheduled by 8:00 AM two (2) business days prior to each test. (Example: Monday tests must be scheduled by 8:00 AM on Thursday and Friday tests must be scheduled by 8:00 AM on Wednesday). REMEMBER – neither your professor nor SLS are obligated to provide testing accommodations for requests made outside of the established timelines.

Scheduling Guidelines:

• Schedule your test as close to your class time as possible.  If not possible you MUST speak with your professor and explain why.  Do not miss another class to take an exam.
• When possible plan to complete your test during normal business hours (Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). Advanced after-hours arrangements can be made for special circumstances.

How do I schedule test accommodations in SLS during for finals week?

First, communicate with your professor to determine where accommodations can be addressed as many professors provide accommodations directly.  If your professor cannot address this, you can complete the on-line test request form to take your test in the SLS Testing Office located in Albert Emmanuel Room 002.

For tests to be taken in the SLS Testing Office:

• Make a separate request for each final exam.
• All final exams should be scheduled two (2) weeks in advance; at a minimum, final exams must be scheduled by 11:00 AM the Friday before finals week begins.  REMEMBER – neither your professor nor SLS are obligated to provide testing accommodations for requests made outside of the established timelines.

Scheduling Guidelines:

• SLS utilizes block scheduling starting at 8:30 AM (for final exams with a start time between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM) and 12:30 PM (for final exams with a start time is between 12:01 PM and 4:30 PM).
• Schedule your final exam based on when your class is taking the exam e.g. morning or afternoon
• Limited arrangements can be made for final exams that are SCHEDULED in the evening.

What if I need to change the date or time for a scheduled test?

Changes in test day/date must be initiated by student and require pre-approval in writing from your professor as well as approval from SLS Disability Staff. While SLS staff will make every effort to accommodate rescheduled tests, advanced notice is required in order to ensure space and staff coverage. If SLS cannot address your reschedule request, you can make arrangements to take the test with your faculty at the rescheduled date and time. Canceling and rescheduling of tests must be completed via online forms.

I am registered with SLS, eligible for test accommodations, and submitted my Self Identification Letter to my professor; however, I forgot to schedule my test on time, e.g. no later than 8:00 am two business days before the test?

Neither SLS nor your faculty are obligated to provide academic accommodations if you fail to make the request in a timely fashion as outlined in the established guidelines. Your first step should be to speak with your faculty to determine if they are in agreement with provision of the accommodation given the late request and how they can accommodate your request.

If the faculty is in agreement, but you need to use SLS for administration of the test, you must communicate with SLS Staff via phone or face-to-face to determine if SLS can address your accommodation. If SLS can provide your accommodation, the student is responsible to secure written verification from the faculty that the late accommodations are approved AND to complete the on-line request form. This written verification must be provided to SLS ideally via e-mail to Disability Services. In addition, the student must work with the faculty to ensure the test is delivered to SLS.

If SLS is unable to accommodate the late request, the student is expected to take the test with their class or make other arrangements with the faculty.

Can SLS provide accommodations on standardized testing?

SLS does not administer standardized tests (ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, PRAXIS, LSAT, TOEFL, etc.); therefore, SLS cannot "provide" accommodations.

Should you need special accommodations for nationally standardized tests, you should contact the corresponding testing agency directly or refer to their web page to see the requirements for determination of eligibility for accommodations.

What if I have additional questions?

Should you have any questions about testing accommodations not addressed above, please contact SLS Disability Staff.