Testing Accommodations
Testing Accommodations for Undergraduate, MBA, and Graduate Students
Testing accommodations are modifications to the way you take a test. They do not lower the standards of the test but simply allow you to better demonstrate your understanding of the course material without the interference of your disability. Examples of testing accommodations include extended time, room with less distractions, a reader, or use of a computer. If you are interested in learning how to submit a request for testing accommodations, visit our Accommodations at Notre Dame page for support.
How to Register for Accessibility Support
Where will I take my tests?
You have two choices. One, you can take the test with your class and be provided with your accommodations by your professor. If you receive extended time, for example, you might arrange with your professor to start early or stay after in the classroom. However, if another class will use the room, then some students have moved to a conference room or the professor’s office to finish.
The second choice is to take your test at the Sara Bea Testing Center. Instead of going to the classroom, you would come to the center on the day of your test. We take care of getting a copy of the test and returning it to your professor.
Once you alert your instructors to your testing accommodations through the AccessND portal, it is your responsibility to talk with instructors about implementation and where you will take your exams. Depending on their schedule, they will also let you know what works best for them.
Are my professors notified automatically every semester?
No. Beginning in Fall 2020, you will log into your AccessND portal and choose which instructors/courses you want made aware of your accommodations.
Can a professor deny my request?
If a professor feels that the testing accommodation you are requesting will significantly alter what the test is designed to evaluate, they must notify the Sara Bea Accessibility Services office immediately. The Dean’s Office will then review the situation to determine if the professor’s concern is valid. It is possible for a request to be denied, but the chance of this happening is very rare. Most common requests such as extended time or a separate room do not interfere with the testing method.
Testing Accommodations for Law School Students
Testing accommodations are modifications to the way you take a test. They do not lower the standards of the test but simply allow you to better demonstrate your understanding of the course material without the interference of your disability. Examples of testing accommodations include extended time, a room with fewer distractions, a reader, or use of a computer.
How can I obtain testing accommodations?
There are three steps in the process for requesting testing accommodations:
- First, you must contact the Sara Bea Accessibility Services office at the start of each semester to request testing accommodations. You must make your request at least 20 class days before your first test.
- Next, Sara Bea Accessibility Services will consult with the Director of Student Services at the Law School concerning your request and then let you know, within 5 class days of your request, of its status.
- Finally, if you are informed that your request has been approved, then you must contact the Director of Student Services at the Law School 10 class days before your test(s) to finalize the arrangements for your accommodations.
What if the Law School does not think my requested accommodations are reasonable?
Because of the Law School’s anonymous grading policy, the Director of Student Services, without naming the student, may consult with the instructor regarding the requested accommodations and their impact on the nature of the course. If the instructor feels the accommodations will fundamentally alter the nature of your test, course, or program, then the instructor must discuss his or her concerns with Sara Bea Accessibility Services.
If the issue is still unresolved, then the instructor must provide his or her Dean, in writing, any concerns about the requested accommodation, and the Dean is responsible for issuing a final determination. Should you have a test while the Dean is considering the issue, you may receive the accommodations determined by Sara Bea Accessibility Services so long as you contact the Director of Student Services 10 class days before your test(s) to arrange for the accommodation.
Accessibility for Graduate, Professional, and Licensing Exams
In an effort to streamline the process for disabled students requesting accommodations for graduate, professional, and licensing exams, we have gathered detailed information about various exams in one place.