Test Accommodation Procedure for Students with Disabilities

Policy Author:
n/a

Responsible Office-Department:
Accssibility Services

Effective Date of Policy:
Fall, 2021

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:

1. 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 test accommodations. This eligibility letter will outline testing accommodations for the student.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. The faculty member will input proctoring instructions through the “Accommodated Test Request” form located in their MyDaemen account and provide the test electronically or in paper format to the Student Success Center in a timely manner.  Please note, proctoring instructions may be input right away and 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.
5. 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.  
6. 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.  

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.  

• 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 early the following morning if acceptable. If an exam must be administered outside of office hours, the student and/or faculty should contact testrequest@daemen.edu at least a week ahead of time to see if arrangements can be made.
• Exam date/time change – It is the student’s responsibility to schedule exams and is therefore the student’s responsibility to notify testrequest@daemen.edu if a testing date or time has been changed or canceled.