Policy Author:
Accessibility Services
Responsible Office – Department:
Accessibility Services
Effective Date of Policy:
Fall, 2023
Purpose:
Establish guidelines and procedures around test accommodations for students with disabilities
Scope and Applicability:
Students with disabilities
Policy Narrative
Daemen University is committed to ensuring equal access and full participation in all programs and activities for students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and applicable state and local laws providing for nondiscrimination. Accessibility Services is the designated department by the College to determine reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students may request accommodations by notifying Accessibility Services and entering into the interactive process. Contact information: Location – Student Success Center, Research & Information Commons; voice – 716.839.8228; fax – 716.745.4335; email – access@daemen.edu.
Procedures:
Testing Accommodations
A student with a disability may be eligible for testing accommodations, as determined on a case by case basis. “Test,” as used in this context, refers to quizzes and examinations taken during the semester, including final exams, in conjunction with an academic class. Testing accommodations are typically administered in the Student Success Center located in the Research and Information Commons. Faculty reserve the right to proctor their own exams as long as all accommodations are adhered to. Testing accommodations may include but are not limited to: extended testing time; a reduced distraction location; use of assistive technologies; alternate location. Following are the procedures for testing accommodations:
- The student must provide the current semester’s “Confidential Accommodation Letter” signed by the Director of Accessibility Services to the faculty member prior to requesting and scheduling test accommodations. This eligibility letter will outline testing accommodations for the student.
- If the student would like to use testing accommodations, the student is expected to schedule tests at least two BUSINESS days ahead of time using the “Accommodated Test Request” form located in the student’s MyDaemen account.
- Submission of the “Accommodated Test Request” form delivers the test and proctoring information via email to the student, the faculty member and the Director of Accessibility Services and/or Student Success Center staff.
- The faculty member should review all information including date and time, prior to the input of proctoring instructions through the “Accommodated Test Request” form located in their MyDaemen account. The test may be provided electronically or in paper format to the Student Success Center in a timely manner. Please note, proctoring instructions may be input right away while the test may be submitted at a later date. For logistical reasons and to avoid unnecessary issues, proctoring instructions should be uploaded at least 48 hours prior to the test. We ask that the test be uploaded, or dropped off in the Student Success Center, at least 24 hours prior to the testing time.
- The student then reports to the Student Success Center to take the test. Upon completion, the test is returned to the faculty member using the method indicated in proctoring instructions.
- If the student does not show up for the scheduled appointment, an email will be sent to the student with the faculty member copied. It is then up to the faculty member’s discretion whether a make up exam will be given.
- If a faculty member does not provide a test and/or proctoring instructions for a student, then the student will be rescheduled to the next day, if possible, and an email will be sent to the faculty.
Please note that all tests should be taken during class time. However, due to certain accommodations and/or scheduling concerns, some students may need to begin the test prior to the start of class. Tests will only commence at the time indicated in the system at the time approved by the faculty.
- Evening exams and early morning exams – The Student Success Center administers exams during office hours which are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.
- When possible, students will be asked to take evening exams earlier in the day or the next morning.
- If appropriate, a student may be required to stay at their testing location until a certain time as indicated in proctoring instructions.
- If the faculty prefers an exam to be administered outside of office hours, the faculty reserves the right to provide those accommodations in an office or other appropriate location for their exam. Faculty may also contact testrequest@daemen.edu at least one week prior to the exam to see if other arrangements may be made.
- Exam date/time change – It is the student’s responsibility to schedule tests and is therefore the student’s responsibility to notify testrequest@daemen.edu if a testing date or time has been changed or canceled. Please note, once a request has been approved by faculty, students must have permission from their faculty to change the date and/or time.
Make Up Testing
Students should schedule make up tests directly with the faculty member granting the request. The student Success Center is not responsible for coordinating and/or proctoring a make up exam unless the student has an approved accommodation of flexibility through Accessibility Services. The faculty member may contact Accessibility Services if there are extenuating circumstances to see if alternate arrangements are possible.