Test Accommodations in SDS (Adaptive Test Center)

Services

Test accommodations are provided to eligible students on a case-by-case basis and determined by a clinically documented need. Depending on the test vocabulary, essential elements of the course, and course time (e.g., students who utilize the Adaptive Test Center and who cannot come to the ATC during ATC hours, may be able to receive alternate testing times/accommodations through their instructor by contacting the ATC for further information) and/or the utilization of special test components (e.g. specialized tools or software) instructors may choose to provide the student with approved accommodations directly or by a designee in a location that fulfills the accommodated testing environment in which the student has been approved. It is within the instructor’s purview to determine and arrange to provide students with their approved disability accommodations directly. Test accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

    • Reduced Distraction Environment for exams

    • Utilization of Large print or CCTV

    • Extended testing time (Note: SDS determines the amount of extended time based on objective, documented evaluation from a qualified clinician as well as by the nature and severity of the student's disability and the requirements of the exam/s).

    • Test Reader

    • Test Scribe

Use of computer for essay exams

  • Utilization of Alternative Media and/or Screen Reading Software

In order to uphold the UTSA student code of conduct and to adhere to university academic integrity guidelines, no one who utilizes the Adaptive Test Center will be allowed to take phones and/or electronic devices into the testing rooms. All backpacks, books, purses, coats, sweaters, wallets, and personal items must be stored in the lockers provided by the ATC. If backpacks, jackets, or personal items are too large to fit in an available locker, students will need to make alternative arrangements to store items that will not be allowed in the testing rooms. Student Disability Staff members are not allowed to store any personal items in individual offices or staff workstations. Student Disability Services is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of any cash, valuables or items left unattended. Students should arrive early to their scheduled exams in order to address the storage of personal items and they will not be provided additional testing time to compensate for time spent seeking alternative arrangements to store personal items. Any articles that are left behind by students and found after departure will be kept in the ATC for 24 hours and any unclaimed items will be taken to the UTSA Police Department’s Lost and Found.

 

Procedures for using the Adaptive Test Center in Student Disability Services:

  1. Exams must be scheduled (by submitting a Request for Test Administration Form in Student Disability Services at least 5 business days prior to the test date. (Any exam not scheduled 5 business days in advance may result in you having to take your test with the instructor or a need to reschedule with your instructor for another date/time). Note: Final exams must be scheduled 3 weeks in advance.

  2. Exams should be scheduled at the same time the class is scheduled to take the exam. Any variation in time will require the professor's approval.

  3. Students must be able to provide the course name, course number, and section as well as the instructor's name, date and time of the test, and the type of accommodation needed.

  4. It is the student's responsibility to remind the instructor that he or she is taking the exam in SDS and that the instructor needs to bring the exam to Student Disability Services in MS 3.01.14.

  5. Students must arrive promptly at the SDS office at the time the test is scheduled. If a student is more than 15 minutes late, SDS/student must obtain permission from the faculty in order to administer the test and the time will be deducted from the extended test time. An exception will be made in case of illness, emergencies, or delays resulting from problems with VIA Trans.

  6. Bring a pen, pencil, scantron, blue book, calculator, and/or whatever other materials are needed to complete the test.

  7. SDS will provide a proctor for exams. The proctor will administer the exam according to directions provided by the instructor and ensure that appropriate accommodations are provided. The use of books and/or notes during exams is generally not considered a reasonable accommodation for a disability. Students must have permission from the instructor to use books and/or notes during tests administered by SDS.

  8. If SDS does not receive a proctor checklist or written instructions from the instructor approving the use of books, notes, or any other auxiliary materials or instruments during an exam, SDS will assume the use of additional materials is not permitted.

  9. If the student does not show up for the exam, then the exam will be returned to the instructor the following day.

  10. Students who must cancel or postpone a test are responsible for contacting the instructor and notifying SDS to reschedule.

  11. If a student misses two scheduled testing reservations without notifying SDS during any one semester, he/she must meet with the Coordinator of Testing Services before they will be allowed to schedule any further tests with SDS.

  12. Students who are registered with Student Disability Services and who requested their accommodation letter/s and verified that their instructor/s have been notified of their accommodations must be provided with those accommodations as outlined in their accommodation notification letter. Instructors can choose to provide the student with approved accommodations directly or by a designee in a location that fulfills the accommodated testing environment in which the student has been approved. It is within the Instructor's purview to determine and arrange to provide students with their approved disability accommodations directly.