Exam Accommodations

Exam accommodations may be provided to students to remove barriers to the test-taking process so that students with disabilities are able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. “Exam” as used in this context refers to exams and quizzes taken in conjunction with an academic class.

An exam accommodation refers to approved accommodations which relate to the way a student takes their exam. This includes, but is not limited to, extended time on exams, a distraction-reduced environment, the use of a scribe or reader, and use of assistive technology during an exam. Exam accommodations do not change the content or skills that an exam measures.

This accommodation must be approved by the student’s Accessibility Advisor and will depend on the symptoms and severity of the student’s disability.

Exams are scheduled and proctored in Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), SSC 170, unless otherwise indicated. During high volume times, such as midterms and finals, exams may be administered in other locations. Students will be notified when there are exam location changes.

Request Process

1. To utilize exam accommodations, the student must first sign all agreements, customize their accommodations, and send instructor notifications through their ARC Go portal. This should be done at the beginning of each semester, or as soon as they have become eligible for accommodations. Please refer to the ARC Go tutorial(opens in new window) page and select “How to Request Accommodations.”

2. Students must submit an exam request at least three days prior to the exam, or at least five days prior to a final exam, through the student’s ARC Go portal for each exam or quiz. Please refer to the ARC Go tutorial(opens in new window) and select “How to Request Testing Services.”

3. Students will report to the ARC Testing Center (Student Services Center room 170) for their scheduled exam if the class is in person. Refer to FAQs for Online Courses for information regarding online courses and exams.

Guidelines

• Exams are proctored Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Exams are scheduled and proctored in ARC (Student Services Center, room 170) unless otherwise indicated. During high volume times, such as midterms and finals, exams may be administered in other locations. Students will be notified when there are exam location changes.

• It is important that students submit their exam requests at least three days prior to their exam, or at least five days prior to a final, so that Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) staff have time to receive and process the exam from the instructor. This will help ensure that the student’s exam is ready, and a testing space reserved for the student.

• Exams begin at the time originally scheduled by the instructor. If a student arrives 20 minutes or more late, they will not be allowed to begin the exam without instructor approval and may need to reschedule the exam.

• Upon arrival in ARC, students will check in with the Proctor and will store all personal belongings on the shelf. No backpacks, electronics (laptops, smartphones, smart watches, etc.), books, or other items will be allowed during the exam unless specifically approved by the instructor. Cell phones must be turned off or on silent before being stored in the student’s backpack.

• Upon completion, students will return their exam to the Proctor, and the Proctor will ensure that the exam is returned to the instructor according to their instructions.

• Breaks are not permitted after an exam begins unless the student has an approved “break” accommodation. Students are encouraged to use the restroom in advance of the start of the exam. Unscheduled breaks are reported to instructors.

• If a student needs to reschedule an exam for an earlier or later time during the same day the class will be taking the exam, students must call the ARC office. Based on the instructor’s Testing Agreement, the ARC Proctor will determine if the instructor allows the exam to be taken earlier or later.

• If a student needs to reschedule an exam to a completely different day, the student must receive instructor approval. It is the student’s responsibility to email their instructor, cc ARC at arcdept@csuchico.edu, and forward any instructor emails to ARC that confirm approval for the date change.

• Same Day Cancellations: If a student is unable to make their scheduled exam time, the student must email their instructor advising them they are unable to take the exam due to an illness, emergency, etc. If the instructor approves a new day and time to take the exam, the student must submit a new exam request. The ARC Proctor will verify the new day and time with the instructor and process the exam request accordingly.

• Timely Cancellations: Other cancellations should be made via the student’s ARC Go portal.

• All students are expected to follow appropriate University Code of Conduct during exams.

• Use of any unauthorized materials during an exam will lead to the immediate end of the exam, a report to the instructor via email, and a report generated to Student Rights and Responsibilities.

• If exams require a Scantron or Green Book, etc., it is the student’s responsibility to provide their own. However, ARC does have a small supply available if needed.

• For online exams, students are encouraged to submit exam requests via their ARC Go portal so that instructors are notified about their exam accommodations. See FAQs for Online Courses for additional information about online exams.