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Nicholls State University
Office of Disability Services

Providing classroom accommodations for students with disabilities.

Exams with Accommodations

Exams with accommodations are available through the Office of Disability Services with the cooperation of the instructor. Based upon the extent of the student’s disability, testing accommodations may include the use of a reader, a writer, extended time, a distraction-reduced environment, use of tape recorders, computers and/or adaptive equipment.

Arranging Testing Accommodations

  1. At the beginning of the semester, (or in advance of requesting accommodation), students must give the instructor a copy of the accommodation letter provided by the Office of Disability Services.
  2. Students must also meet with their instructor at the beginning of the semester (or in advance of requesting accommodation) to discuss their disability and exam accommodations.
  3. The instructor is not obligated to allow accommodations unless the above is done.

Scheduling an Exam with Accommodations

  1. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to take their exams with accommodations under the direct supervision of their instructors or their designees. If not possible, students may take their exam in the Office of Disability Services lab.
  2. Exams are to be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Exams can be scheduled in person, by phone or e-mail. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule exams.
  3. Students requiring the assistance of a reader or scribe should inform the Office of Disability Services at the time the testing appointment is made.
  4. Exams must be scheduled at the same time as the classroom exam. Exceptions, such as evening exams or when extended time accommodations conflict with another class period, must be arranged with your instructor and the Office of Disability Services on a case-by-case basis.
  5. Prior to test day, students should remind instructors that they will be taking their exam in the Office of Disability Services lab.
  6. The exam time begins at the time scheduled; the exam will be terminated at the completion of the approved extended time accommodation. Any variance or adjustment to this must be approved by the Office of Disability Services director.
  7. During exams, students are not allowed calculators, books or other items unless approved by the instructor. Backpacks, cell phones and purses must be left in the designated area.
  8. Suspected or confirmed cheating will be reported immediately to the instructor.

Rescheduling or Canceling an Exam

  1. If rescheduling an exam is necessary (illness or other emergency), students must notify their instructor and the Office of Disability Services as soon as possible. The office must have written or verbal permission from the instructor before the exam is rescheduled. Exams not taken on the scheduled date will be returned to the instructor unless otherwise notified.
  2. If an exam has been canceled by the instructor, students should inform the Office of Disability Services as soon as possible.