Exam Accommodations

The DSS Office makes every effort to ensure the security and integrity of all exams.

Students may seek exam (alternative testing) accommodations through the DSS Office. Possible alternative testing accommodations include, but are not limited to:

  • Extended time
  • Option to test with DSS
  • Use of a computer, calculator, and/or adaptive equipment/assistive technology

Students are encouraged to speak with faculty prior to each exam to ensure that the appropriate testing accommodations are arranged. Faculty are encouraged to proctor exams for students who only have the testing accommodation of 50% extended time. If the student needs to take exams with DSS, they will need to schedule this through the online portal. Students are not able to schedule exams with DSS until their alternative Testing Agreement has been completed by their professor. 

Please note:

  • Scheduling exams with DSS is dependent on our proctoring schedule and space. If DSS is at full capacity, faculty and students may agree to take the exam on a different day and/or time than the rest of the class. This decision will be at the discretion of the faculty.
  • No food is allowed while testing unless it is part of an approved accommodation.

How to arrange for DSS to proctor exams.

  1. Complete an Alternative Testing Agreement (see the Faculty Notification email which lists the student’s approved accommodations for a link). On this contract, faculty will need to provide dates and times for exams and instructions on how to administer the exams.
    1. If there are any changes to the agreement (i.e., date, time, or materials allowed, or not allowed, during the test), faculty need to change this on the agreement or contact DSS prior to the testing date.
  2. Discuss the structure of the exam with the student. It is then the student's responsibility to submit an exam request via their DSS online portal to schedule their exam at least 7 days before the testing date (14 days before finals). Please note that due to space and availability, it is crucial that the student meet this deadline in order for our office to coordinate accordingly.
    1. An exam cannot be scheduled until the agreement has been completed.
  3. Provide DSS with the exam/quiz at least 1 full business day in advance (2 full business days in advance for finals).
    1. Exams changed the night before the exam should be emailed to DSS. If the exam is an early morning exam, a phone call is requested in ensure the student receives the correct exam.

PLEASE NOTE: Students cannot make exam requests until faculty have submitted the agreement for the course section. If multiple students are seeking accommodations, only one Alternative Testing Contract is needed per course section.

Proctoring Exceptions:

If the sole testing accommodation is 50% extended time, faculty are asked to proctor the exam. The student may take the exam in class, in the faculty’s office, or in another predetermined location.

Faculty should provide a testing environment that is quiet, accessible, and separated from interruptions. If faculty cannot provide an adequate testing environment or are unable to proctor the exam for the student, they may request that students with 50% extended time schedule exams in the DSS Office. This option is on the Alternative Testing Agreement.

PLEASE NOTE: DSS is unable to proctor exams administered online. To assist you in administering online exams for students with testing accommodations, we have the following Frequently Asked Questions with useful strategies. 

FAQs for Proctoring Exams Online