Accommodation Guidelines

Guidelines for Testing Services on Campus

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reinforced and extended the standards for compliance set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The effect of this legislation on higher education is far reaching. Appropriate academic adjustments in policies, practices and procedures are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability. In order to comply with the mandate of Section 504, it is necessary to provide alternative testing arrangements to students whose disability may impair their ability to take examinations in traditional formats. It is the purpose of accommodated testing to measure actual achievement rather than the measurement of a student's disability.

Accommodated testing arrangements might include:

extended time (up to double time)
the use of a computer to read the exam
a scribe
use of adaptive equipment (i.e. computer or spell checker)
a distraction reduced environment for testing
converted format

The needs for each student vary and accordingly academic adjustments are determined after meeting with the student and reviewing current professional documentation (within the last three years) of the individual's disability on a case-by-case basis.

All students must expect to be evaluated according to SUNY Delhi's established academic standards, and students with disabilities are no exception. It will sometimes be necessary, however, to make special provisions in order to ensure those students with specific disability-related limitations have the opportunity to participate on an equal basis with their class colleagues. Testing services are provided when there is a disability-related need for them. Faculty are not expected to alter their standards for evaluation.

The Resnick Academic Achievement Center (RAAC) provides an alternative testing service in compliance with ADA standards to students who have disabilities. Eligibility for this service is determined by the Coordinator of Access and Equity Services for Students with Disabilities and is based on the student's self report, current professional documentation provided by the student, and course requirements.

1. The student must connect with Access and Equity to determine eligibility for academic adjustments. All students must meet with the Coordinator to determine appropriate academic adjustments. Students are encouraged to begin this process as early as possible, preferably at the beginning of the semester or prior to the semester starting.

2. After meeting with the Access and Equity Office to determine academic adjustments, students will submit a semester request by logging in to Accommodate. Once the semester request is approved, students will be able to view their Access Plan and send to their instructors in Accommodate. Students are encouraged to meet with instructors during office hours to discuss academic adjustments. It is important to note that it is the student's decision as to whether or not he/she chooses to utilize academic adjustments. Students must complete this process each semester. Testing services and other academic adjustments are not retroactive. The process must be completed each semester.

3. Exams must be scheduled at the same time as the class meets unless it interferes with extended time. If this occurs, students must schedule their exam at a time that is approved by their instructor and the Access and Equity Office. Students will not be allowed to reschedule their exams without permission from the instructor.

4. Students may take exams in the Testing Center Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Any exam taken must be completed within this time frame. Exceptions may be given for tests to be given before 8 a.m. or extend beyond 4 p.m. If an accommodation is double time, exam must start by 2 p.m. Appropriate testing services are available to evening and weekend students by appointment during the Testing Center's hours of operation. Call Access and Equity at 607-746-4599 or email accessandequity@delhi.edu. As a result, students should be aware of the amount of time they will require to complete the exam.

5. Students are responsible for electronically signing up at least 72 hours (three working days) prior to each exam. The Testing Center does not guarantee the provision of service for late requests.

6. Students are responsible for reminding the instructor that he/she will be taking the test at the Testing Center. This is done by submitting the electronic accommodated testing request form in Accommodate, for each test that they want academic adjustments for.

7. Instructors are responsible for completing the Instructions for Testing in Accommodate for EACH exam. Clarify special test conditions on the form, such as open book, open notes, calculators allowed, etc. Most importantly, instructors should note the amount of time they are allowing the class to take the exam and how they can be reached during the exam.

8. Instructors should ensure that the exams arrive at least 24-48 hours before the scheduled time of the exam. Cooperation regarding flexibility of scheduling exams is very important. Preferred method of delivery is via Accommodate.

9. Students are expected to arrive on time to take their exams. If students arrive more than 15 minutes late, they will be allowed to take the exam only if space is available. Students will not be given extra time if they arrive late. In the event that services cannot be provided, the student is responsible for making alternative arrangements with the professor.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW THE ABOVE GUIDELINES. IF GUIDELINES ARE NOT FOLLOWED, THE COORDINATOR OF ACCESS AND EQUITY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES CANNOT GUARANTEE THE PROVISION OF SERVICE. THE COORDINATOR ALSO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE TESTING PRIVILEGES AFTER THREE INCIDENTS OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE GUIDELINES.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO UPHOLD THE INTEGRITY OF THE EXAMINATION PROCESS AND ARE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT.

Accommodation Guidelines