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Disability Support Services

202 Wilson Hall
371 Wilson Boulevard
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-3266
Fax: (248) 370-4327
DSS@oakland.edu

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Disability Support Services

202 Wilson Hall
371 Wilson Boulevard
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-3266
Fax: (248) 370-4327
DSS@oakland.edu

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

computer screen with Oakland University displayed and headphones hanging over the top

Testing Accommodations

Occasionally, a student in a class will need to arrange an alternative method for taking course examinations and quizzes due to disability. The decision for extended testing time is based upon the findings in the student’s documentation and a discussion regarding the particular functional limitations of the student’s individual disability. Whatever testing method is adopted, it is important that it measures the student’s knowledge of the course content and not the student’s disability. Not everyone registered with the DSS Office is eligible for testing accommodations.

Students are expected to speak with faculty regarding testing accommodations when they present their Faculty Notification Letters (FNLs). Working collaboratively with the student is the best way to implement testing accommodations. Students must request testing accommodations with reasonable advance notice. A minimum of 3 days before a test is required (7 days for a final exam). Any request after this time will be noted but not guaranteed.

Extending Testing Time

Extended testing time is permitted only if the student would be disadvantaged taking an exam in a given time frame.

A common testing accommodation is 50% extra time, or time and a half. This accommodation can be used by students with information processing difficulties such as learning, attention deficit, psychiatric or brain injuries, etc.

Certain circumstances warrant 100% additional time (double time). Examples of these circumstances include: cognitive impairment, use of readers/scribes, multiple diagnosis, use of adaptive equipment, etc.

Readers

A reader is a person who reads printed material for a student who is unable to make effective use of printed material due to a disability. A computer screen reader may also be used.

Screen readers or an in person reader:

  • Are an accommodation provided during an exam/quiz.
  • Can be asked to repeat information.
  • Will only read what is on the printed page. They cannot be asked to explain, substitute words, define or interpret the meaning of statements or words.
  • Need information from you to be effective. Let your reader know the reading speed/rate, tone etc. that works best for you, or adjust these items on your computer.
Scribes

A scribe is a person who writes or types for a student who is unable to write effectively due to a disability.

  • Scribes are an accommodation provided during an exam/quiz.
  • Scribes will write down verbatim what you have dictated. At any time, you will have the opportunity to review what the scribe has written either by reading or having it read to you.  You should direct the scribe to make corrections, ie. spelling, punctuation etc.
  • Scribes are not responsible for organizing or paraphrasing your thoughts into final form.
Use of Computer for Essays/Writing

Students with disabilities that make it difficult to handwrite an exam. These students may sign up to take their exams in the DSS Office on a DSS Computer, monitored by a DSS proctor.

Enlarged Font for Exams

Students that require an exam enlarged as a result of their disability may request this at the DSS office. Professors may also provide this accommodation.

Procedures for Implementing Testing Accommodations

Students who are approved for extended testing time 1 ½ time and require no other testing accommodations, will test with their professors and do not need to contact the DSS Office.

When the impact of the disability requires additional support i.e. double time, test readers or scribes, assistive technology, word processor, the student must contact the DSS Office for their testing arrangements. (The DSS Office is prepared to provide this level of support in test administration.) In some cases, professors may request to provide this additional support. This is acceptable.

Signing up for an exam: Contact the DSS Office a minimum of 3 days prior to the testing date (7 days prior for final exams). The DSS Office has to make arrangements to find a room, hire a proctor, and get a copy of the exam from the professor. If sign up occurs with only 1-2 day notice, the DSS Office will do the best they can to administer the test at the time requested with no guarantee.

No Show/Late Exam Policy:

  • DSS administers exams according to prearranged instructions from the professor. The instructor, the student and DSS have agreed to a specific date and time for each exam. For DSS to effectively administer and schedule exams these practices are followed:
    • No Shows – Your professor will be notified that you did not take the exam. It then becomes the student's responsibility to meet with his/her instructor to make other arrangements.
    • Late – Beginning Fall 2019 students may arrive up to 15 minutes late for an exam. (The amount of time the student was late will be deducted from the total testing time).  After 15 minutes the proctor, will be dismissed. The student will need to discuss other arrangements for taking the exam with the professor.
    • Illness The student is responsible for contacting the instructor when illness occurs to make other arrangements. If the instructor agrees to a make-up exam, the student should call the DSS office to reschedule.
Exam Proctoring Policy

DSS has the responsibility to administer the exam according to faculty instructions. Please refer to your Oakland University catalog regarding the “Academic Conduct Policy”.

Faculty instructions will be reviewed with the student before he/she begins the exam.

The student is responsible for following these instructions at all times.

The student may take in the testing room only necessary items when testing. All other items are not allowed, e.g., cell phones, bags, purses, hats, jackets, food, drinks, etc. All non-essential items can be placed in the DSS Office back room.

Breaks during testing are not customary. Please tend to hygiene needs before beginning your exam.

Proctors will be present during all testing. Any suspected evidence of cheating will stop the exam. This will be documented and reported immediately to the appropriate faculty member. As a result, the student may be charged with academic misconduct.