Alternative Testing and Faculty

Students with disabilities that affect test taking in the classroom may require accommodations for testing. Based on the student's approved accommodations, two options exist: testing with the professor or testing in the Office of Student Learning Services (SLS). The questions below may answer many questions you, as faculty, have about test accommodations.

• What do I do for students who need only extended time and distraction reduced settings?
• What do I do for students who need some type of assistive technology or other approved accommodations to take a test (screen readers, interpreters, etc)?
• What are the guidelines for students to schedule tests?
• What if a student forgot to schedule a test within the established timeline?
• Why might a student request a test time different from the class time?
• How do I get the test to SLS?
• How do I get the test back from SLS after the student is finished?
• What steps are taken to ensure confidentiality of the test?

What do I do for students who need only extended time and distraction reduced settings?

If you and the student agree that a suitable space is available in the department area that will allow for distraction reduced testing and extended time, then this is a perfectly acceptable solution. If no area is available to ensure these accommodations, students with such needs should arrange an appointment to take their test in SLS located in the Ryan C. Harris Learning Teaching Center Room 023.

If testing in SLS, tests must be scheduled by the student via the on-line test scheduling page. All rescheduling of appointments must have prior approval by you and SLS. Faculty approvals are strongly encouraged to be placed in writing via e-mail to Disability Services.

What do I do for students who need some type of assistive technology or other approved accommodations to take a test (screen readers, interpreters, etc)?

Select students with disabilities may require specialized accommodations to complete tests. Examples of specialized accommodations can include, but are not limited to the use of screen readers, scribes (writers), adaptive equipment, or interpreters for the deaf. Adaptive equipment, most often, is specialized computer software that will allow the student to access information and complete tests independently.

Students with such needs may arrange for these accommodations through SLS. Tests must be scheduled by the student via the on-line test scheduling page. All rescheduling of appointments must have prior approval by you and SLS. Faculty approvals are strongly encouraged to be placed in writing via e-mail to Disability Services.

What are the guidelines for students to schedule tests?

It is the student's responsibility to communicate their testing accommodations needs in advance of the test. We encourage all students to submit their Self-Identification Forms to faculty early in the semester and have one-on-one discussion with faculty before each test to confirm their testing needs. Students have the right to use or not use accommodations on a test by test basis with advance communication as defined below. 

SLS requires students to schedule an appointment for each test he/she plans to take in the SLS via the on-line test scheduling page. Tests should be scheduled at least five (5) business days in advance; however, at a minimum, tests must be scheduled by 8:00 AM at least two (2) business days in advance of the test time.

Final exams require two weeks advance notice. 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). Prior arrangements can be made for final exams that are scheduled during the evening hours (for final exams with a start time 4:31 PM or later).

If a student requests accommodations outside of the above time frame, it is at the discretion of the faculty and SLS if the request for accommodations will be provided.

What if a student forgot to schedule a test within the established timeline?

Neither you, as the professor, nor SLS is obligated to provide academic accommodations if the student fails to make the request in a timely fashion as outlined in the established guidelines. If the student "forgot" to schedule a test or made a late decision to use accommodations, their first step should be to speak with you, the professor, to determine if you are in agreement with provision of the accommodation given the late test request. If you are in agreement, you can discuss with the student how and where the accommodations can be addressed.

If you are in agreement, but the student needs to use SLS for administration of the test, the student must communicate with SLS Staff via phone or face-to-face to determine if SLS can provide the student's requested accommodation. If SLS can provide accommodations, the student is responsible to secure written verification from you, the professor, that the late accommodations are approved. This written verification must be provided to SLS ideally via e-mail to Disability Services. In addition, the student must work with you, the professor, 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 professor.

Why might a student request a test time different from the class time?

Students are encouraged to schedule the test as close to the original test time as the class. Should extra time be indicated as a necessary accommodation, the student may need to schedule a different time and/or day, other than the class time. This can prevent them from missing a class scheduled immediately before or after their regular class time when a test is being administered. The test will be scheduled at the time requested by the student. We encourage all students to communicate these needs in advance directly with their faculty. Test times are communicated to faculty via e-mail when tests are scheduled with SLS. If you have questions regarding the different test time, you are encouraged to contact the student directly. If a change in the test time is necessary, the student is to complete an on-line rescheduling test form.

The University of Dayton's Final Exam Policy indicates: "When a student with a disability has two or more final exams scheduled for the same day, faculty are encouraged to accommodate the individual student on an alternative day agreeable to both the student and the instructor which may include use of an alternative testing site. The student must make the request by the last scheduled class meeting."

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 in between 12:01 PM and 4:30 PM). Prior arrangements can be made for final exams that are scheduled during the evening hours (for final exams with a start time 4:31 PM or later). If scheduled appropriately SLS will make every effort to meet the student's requested test time based on staff, proctor, testing space availability.

View the University of Dayton's Final Exam Policy>>

How do I get the test to SLS?

You and the student need to discuss a method for getting the test to SLS. It is preferable that you e-mail the test to Disability Services. If e-mail is not an option, you or another authorized staff person may deliver the test to SLS. Some professors have the student pick up the test in a sealed envelope and deliver it to SLS.

How do I get the test back from SLS after the student is finished?

There are many options available to secure the completed tests:

• You or another designated staff may pick up completed tests from SLS after the student's scheduled end time.
• SLS can return completed tests to the faculty's department. Tests will be delivered after 3:00 PM. Tests completed after 3:00 PM will be returned to the next business day around 3:00 PM. SLS delivery is available Monday through Friday only. All tests delivered by SLS require signature from the department.
• Some professors request the student return the test after completion. The test will be placed in a sealed, signed envelope and given to the student to return to the faculty or department.

What steps are taken to ensure confidentiality of the test?

Strictest confidentiality and handling of test materials is followed by SLS. All tests are maintained in a locked file with very limited access. No copy or master is kept on file once the test is completed. If faculty has multiple sections and students taking the same test, faculty must advise SLS with specific names of all students taking the identified test.