Alternative testing procedures can only be utilized by students who have the accommodation approved in their accommodation plan. Therefore, students who are granted accommodations such as extended testing time, distraction-reduced testing, or use of a reader, scribe, or technology are eligible for Alternative Testing Services.

The Process:

1)  Eligible students are required to get a Test Request Form and take it to their professor prior to test date.

• The form is completed by the professor and then given to the the student to submit to Disability Support Services no later than two business days prior to the test date.
• The form allows the student and professor to agree on possible dates and times for testing, and opportunity for a reserved testing room. The Test Request Form also outlines options for how the test will be delivered to Disability Support Services and returned to the instructor.

2)  Instructors have two options to get the test to the DSS Office: 

• Email the test to: dss@169577.com. Tests that are emailed are retrieved by professional staff only and placed into a sealed envelope with the student’s and professor’s names on the exterior.
• Hand deliver it to the DSS Office.  The professor should seal the test materials in a closed envelope, and if desired, add a signature or other mark across their seal for added assurance of security. DSS staff will notify the instructor of any indications that a breach of security has occurred with a test.

3)  Once the sealed test is received in Disability Support Services:

• DSS staff will complete a test tracking form and attach a sequentially numbered tamper proof envelope to the sealed envelope containing the test materials.
• When the student completes the test, they will place the completed test into the tamper proof envelope and seal it before exiting the testing room and return the tamper proof envelope to one of the DSS staff.  Student workers DO NOT touch an open test at any time.

The Details:

• Students must arrive on time to scheduled tests. 
• Students are not allowed to take personal belongings into testing rooms.
  
  • A professor should specify in writing on the Test Request Form if the student is allowed to have certain notes, maps, books, or technology during test taking. Students will be permitted to take the items specified by the professor into the testing room, but all other items must remain in the office of Disability Support Services. A locked area will be provided, however it is suggested that the student arrive without baggage at testing time.
• Only a professional staff member or graduate student will be utilized as a reader or proctor for test taking.
  
  • Undergraduate students such as student workers are not permitted to serve as readers or to handle any test that is not in a sealed envelope.
• Completed tests are returned to the location designated by the professors on a daily basis by student workers or other DSS staff.
  
  • These completed tests are in a tamper-proof sealed envelope with a tracking number. A signature will be obtained from the person receiving the tamper-proof envelope, and note the date and time the test was delivered.
• Due to limited availability of testing room, all testing will be by appointment.
  
  • All tests must be scheduled no later than 48 hours prior to test time, and may not correspond to classroom test time. Testing may occur with more than one student per room, but surveillance will continue for all.
  • Only students who have been approved for distraction-reduced testing are guaranteed a private setting.
• If not testing within the DSS Office:
  
  • Students who require extended time on tests or distraction-reduced testing and are not testing within the DSS office must test in an environment appropriate to their stated accommodation.
  • If students encounter an environment that does not meet the requirement of the accommodation, the student should contact the instructor and request to not take the test and offer reasons why.
  • In addition to this, the student must report the concern immediately to the Office of Disability Support Services for follow-up.

All Testing Rooms are Equipped with Security Cameras for Monitoring Test Takers.

• Students are monitored for any signs of academic dishonesty via computer.
  • The cameras will be monitored by staff members primarily from within the DSS office. Digital video can be replayed, snapshots can be taken and used as evidence if necessary.
• If a student exhibits suspicious behavior while testing, a DSS staff member or Graduate Assistant will intervene and address the concerns with the student immediately.
  
  • If the behavior is indicative of cheating, the test will be stopped and removed immediately.
  • The DSS staff member or Graduate Assistant will then complete a Testing Irregularity Form to report to the faculty member what was observed. The incomplete test along with the Testing Irregularity Form will be returned to the instructor of the class.
  • The decision of how to proceed relies on the discretion of the faculty member teaching the course. The student may also face sanctions through the Office of Student Conduct for incidents of academic dishonesty.

If you have questions or concerns about the Alternative Testing Services, please contact DSS at:
256-765-4214
dss@169577.com