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Alternative Testing

Alternative testing provides an environment for students who find distractions in the classroom testing environment adversely affect their test performance. Other testing adjustments provide access to the test by minimizing or eliminating the functional limitations imposed by the disability or the additional processing time needed for English Language Learners. Alternative testing adjustments may include but are not limited to extended test time, a distraction-reduced testing environment, and tests read aloud.

Alternative Testing Procedure

Once the student has been approved for academic accommodations, the Student Accessibility Services office issues students a formal academic adjustment plan or an academic accommodation plan and an Exam Reservation Form at the beginning of the semester. Prior to the beginning of each semester, students will be asked for changes or additions to their plan. Discuss your plan each semester with their instructors. Your instructor will determine whether you will take the exam(s) in the Student Success Center or the instructor’s department.

Scheduling an Exam at the Student Success Center

  • Submit the Exam Reservation Form to Student Accessibility Services.
  • Exams must be scheduled 3 business days in advance of the set exam date. The exam should be taken on the same day as it is administered in class.
    • Additional notice is required for midterm and final exams.
    • When sufficient prior notice is not given, the exam will be administered when space is available.
    • Retake exams will be given as space is available. 
  • Exams can only be scheduled from 8 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday, and in accordance with the academic calendar for when classes meet.
    • The exam must be concluded prior to 4:30 pm or as specified by the Student Accessibility Staff.
    • Exam scheduling may be adjusted based on a student’s class schedule, including night classes.
    • Adjustments to this time frame should be discussed with the Student Accessibility Coordinator and your course instructor.
  • Exams are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Inform Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible if you need to reschedule your exam.

Alternative Testing Policies

  • Follow the Alternative Testing Policy and Procedure.
  • Follow the Student Success Center Testing Center Policy.
  • Discuss the need for accommodations with the instructor.
  • Notify Student Accessibility Services and/or the instructor of any changes in the arrangements.
  • Be on time for the scheduled exam.
  • Report any problems to Student Accessibility Services and/or the instructor immediately so appropriate steps can be taken to correct the situation.
  • Adhere to the University of Mary Honor Code and Honor System.
  • Discuss with students their approved testing needs. Determine where each student will take the assessment throughout the semester.
  • Provide the testing adjustments authorized by Student Accessibility Services. For example, work with the student to find a mutually agreed-upon testing time and suitable testing room.
  • Give the student adequate notice of exams so that the student can make arrangements with Student Accessibility Services to proctor the exam. Notify the student as soon as possible of any changes to exam dates listed in the syllabus.
  • Include your policy for missed exams in the course syllabus. When a student is more than 15 minutes late for an exam or doesn’t show up for an exam, follow your policy for missed exams.
  • Fill out Section B on the Exam Reservation form for each exam proctored by the Student Success Center.
  • Make arrangements to deliver the exam by 4 pm on the day before the exam when the Student Success Center is providing the testing space. If the exam is not provided by the time the exam is scheduled to begin, the student will be directed to reschedule the exam with the instructor, who will be responsible for providing the necessary adjustments.
  • Be available during the testing time for questions from the student or Student Accessibility Services proctor or scribe. If you will be taking the exam at that time and not in your office, provide a cell phone number so that you may be texted questions from the student.
  • Inform Student Accessibility Services if the completed exam has not been received in a timely manner. Exams that do not include a scantron form will typically be scanned and emailed to ensure prompt delivery. During midterm or finals week, the instructor may need to pick up the exam or arrange for a designee to pick up the exam if it is needed promptly.
  • Notify Student Accessibility Services if a designee is delivering or picking up the exam.
  • Consult with Student Accessibility Services when appropriate.

Alternative testing adjustments may include but are not limited to extended test time, a distraction-reduced testing environment, and tests read aloud. Student Accessibility Services is responsible for:

  • Identify the specific testing adjustments the student is eligible to use.
  • Provide appropriate assistive technology, alternate format, or testing space when not available in the academic department.
  • Deliver the completed exam to the instructor.
  • Consult and/or problem-solve with the instructor when appropriate.
  • Adhere to the University of Mary Honor Code and Honor System when violations occur.

Exams should be taken on the same date as the regular exam is scheduled, preferably at the same time the class is completing the exam. When this is not possible, the exam will need to be scheduled within the time parameters outlined by the course instructor.  

The exams are proctored in the Student Success Center according to the options available to the student (e.g., calculator, open book) as indicated by the instructor on the Exam Reservation Form. Changes to the options available to the student during the exam must be communicated by the instructor.

The exam will begin (i.e., the clock will start) at the scheduled time, regardless of when the student arrives at the exam. Time will not be extended for students who arrive late to the exam. If the student is more than 15 minutes late or does not show up for the exam, the exam will not be administered, and the student will be referred back to the instructor. The instructor will make the determination whether the student will be allowed to reschedule in the academic department or with Student Accessibility Services at another time. The instructor should follow his/her course policy for missed exams. The student will not be allowed to reschedule the exam with Student Accessibility Services until the instructor has given confirmation.

Students taking the exam in the Student Success Center must follow the Student Success Center Testing Center Policy, which is posted outside the Testing Center. Violation of the policy may result in the forfeit of the exam or additional disciplinary actions outlined in the University of Mary Academic Honor Code and Honor System.

Students are responsible for following the Alternative Testing Policy and Procedure and taking appropriate steps to correct any problems. This accommodation may be suspended if a student does not follow the policy and procedure. The student must contact Student Accessibility Services to resolve any difficulties or misunderstandings before the accommodation can be reinstated.