Alternative Testing & Exam Scheduling

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Your Responsibilities for Testing Accommodations

  • If your class is online…
    • you just need to verify that your instructor has received your accommodation letter when you [link: communicate with your instructor] and they have made the necessary adjustments in Canvas.
  • If your class is in person...
    • Many instructors are able to provide your accommodations in the classroom either before, after or during the regular class time. You do not need to complete an Exam Agreement for this arrangement.
    • If you will be taking your exams at the Exam Annex at the CDS Office in Parks Student Union, you and your instructor will need to complete the Exam Agreement and reserve a desk for your exam days.

If You Will Be Testing at the CDS Exam Annex

  • Your instructor will be required to login to the Faculty AccessPortal to enter the exam agreement for each class with testing accommodations.
  • Determine with your instructor who will schedule accommodated exams in AccessPortal. All exams must be scheduled a week in advance. You can’t take accommodated exams in the CDS Exam Annex without them being scheduled.
  • Some instructors may ask you to bring them a brown bag before your next exam, to deliver the exam, and they can be picked up in our office.

How To Schedule Exams in AccessPortal

Scheduling Exams in AccessPortal youtube icon

If you need any help with this process, please contact our office, and we are happy to help!

When You Arrive

When you arrive for your scheduled exam, we will guide you through the process to take your exam in our location.

  • Please Sign in at Kiosk in the Lobby.
  • You may be seated until you are called by a staff person.
  • You will be escorted to place your backpack in a cubby.
  • Be sure to turn off your phone and place the phone away.
  • The staff person will review the exam time and what you are allowed to bring into the testing area.
  • The staff person will then escort you to testing area where you will be seated for your test.
  • There is a table in the testing area if you need pencils or scratch paper.  You may not bring your own scratch paper.
  • The proctor will alert you when you have 5 minutes remaining.
  • When you have completed your exam, bring it to the proctor station.
  • A staff person will sign you out.

Alternative Testing Agreement

Students with testing accommodations must submit the following agreement in AccessPortal once per year. Students will get a notification on their AccessPortal dashboard when this agreement needs to be completed.

The Center for Disability Services (CDS) office assists in proctoring exams on behalf of instructors, as part of student academic accommodations. To promote the highest integrity of our exam proctoring, all students using exam accommodations at the CDS Office must agree to and adhere to the following rules.

  • All accommodated exams must be scheduled within AccessPortal. If this is a barrier, please work directly with a CDS Staff person to learn about accommodations regarding scheduling. The student and instructor are to discuss and agree on who will be scheduling the test with our office. All exams must be scheduled a minimum of one week before the exams are to be taken. If exams are not scheduled one week prior, reasonable effort will be made to accommodate students on a case-by-case basis as space allows. 
  • Students are responsible for arriving in the CDS office prior to the scheduled exam start time. AccessPortal requires a start time that gives students enough time to complete their test before our office closes. If a student arrives after this time, they may be required to stop their test earlier than their full extended time.
  • Students have the responsibility to verify the instructor-permitted materials listed in AccessPortal before arriving to take their exam. Students will only be allowed to bring these items in. If an instructor changes the permitted materials during the class time prior to the exam, the CDS office must be notified in writing by the instructor.
  • The CDS Staff is responsible for reviewing all materials and notes brought into the testing area.
  • Backpacks, purses, jackets, headsets and personal items must be left outside of the testing area or in cubbies provided in the CDS office.
  • Cell phones, smart watches and other personal electronic devices must be on silent (not vibrate) or turned off and placed in a bag or backpack, with the front desk or in a locker. CELL PHONES AND UNAPPROVED ELECTRONIC DEVICES MUST BE KEPT OUT OF THE TESTING AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
  • Only students taking exams, CDS staff and possibly instructors (as needed) are allowed in the testing area.
  • While taking an exam, food, beverages and candy are not permitted in the test room. Gum is allowed, as long as it is not disruptive to other students. Snacks, beverages or water breaks may be taken outside of the testing area, in the CDS lobby area. Bathroom breaks can be requested and will be recorded. That information may be provided to the instructor.
  • Once checked in to start an exam, conversations or discussions about the test are not allowed with other students inside the testing area, in the cubby area, the CDS lobby or in the restroom areas because this may compromise the integrity of the test/exam/quiz. If you have any questions or concerns during the exam, please contact your  test proctor.
  • Accommodated tests may be proctored in person or remotely, and may include video or audio recording for student safety and exam integrity.
  • Exam times are set with the student’s accommodated extension. Students will receive a 5-minute notice when 5 minutes remain to complete the exam. When the timer goes off, students are notified to stop the exam.
  • Students suspected of any academic dishonesty will be reported to the instructor(s) and are subject to disciplinary sanctions, at the discretion of the instructor(s). Please see the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for further information.
  • Students must arrive and leave through the main entrance to the CDS Office in Parks 268.  Students may not arrive or leave through the emergency exit in Parks 266.

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