Accommodated Testing Center Overview & Information for Instructors
The Accommodated Testing Center is an accessible environment for students to complete exams, quizzes and tests. The testing center is a collaborative effort and relies on a strong partnership between students, faculty and the staff in Academic Services. The testing center includes ten private rooms, ergonomic chairs, and options for lighting. The testing center also utilizes white noise machines to reduce distractions. Each testing room is equipped with a camera for monitoring.
Eligibility
Students become eligible to use the testing center after going through an intake meeting with the Learning Access Coordinator. Students are required to provide documentation to be eligible for accommodations. Student eligibility is based on both the documentation provided and the Learning Access Coordinator’s assessment from the intake meeting. In some cases, students in clinical programs meet additional eligibility requirements. To learn more, visit: .
Types of Testing Accommodations
Common exam accommodations include (but are not limited to): extended time, distraction reduced testing environment, exams in alternative format, readers, scribes, assistive technology, use of a computer without internet access, adjustment to lighting, and/or adjustable desks or chairs.
Exam Procurement
When a student schedules an exam in the testing center the following takes place prior to exam procurement:
- Verification of student eligibility to use the testing center
- Review of other relevant accommodations (scribe, assistive technology, lighting adjustments, etc.)
- Confirmation of course meeting date/time and faculty member聽
Once these steps are completed, faculty are notified via email that a student scheduled an exam. At that time, faculty are asked to submit a copy of the exam to Academic Services either in-person or via email (learningaccess@lewisu.edu).
Once an exam is received the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet is closely reviewed to ensure the exam can be proctored to the specifications of the faculty member. The exam is then placed in a secure envelope with any additional items (scantron, scratch paper, lined paper, etc.) and the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet is placed on the front of the envelope. Envelopes are stored in a secured cabinet.
Procurement of nursing exams is arranged by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Exam Check-In Procedures
Exams are proctored to the specifications outlined in the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet. Students are asked to arrive five minutes before their scheduled exam time and have to show their student ID and complete the check-in process. Students must leave all materials that are not approved for use during the exam at home or use one of the lockers provided by Academic Services (including cell phones, watches/eyeglasses that access internet, other electronic devices, hats, backpacks, or bags). Prior to going into the testing room, the proctor inspects clothing, calculators (if approved), oversized sweatshirts, and pockets. Additionally, food or drink will be inspected at check-in time and may be approved or denied by the proctor.
Once the student check-in process is complete the student is directed to their assigned testing room. The student is given the exam and any related materials from the secure envelope once in the testing room.
Exam Proctoring & Academic Integrity
During the exam the student is monitored via camera by the Administrative Assistant and at least one other professional staff member in Academic Services. Each staff member in Academic Services has the monitoring software installed on their computer. Any incidents or instances related to academic integrity will be documented and reported to the faculty and all appropriate areas within the university.
When the exam is completed the student returns to the main office of Academic Services with the exam and the exam is placed back in the secure envelope. At that time, the staff in Academic Services ensure everything related to the exam is also in the envelope (scantron, notes pages, scratch paper, etc.) and sign and seal the envelope for return. When necessary, completed exams are returned to a secured cabinet until exam return is possible. 聽
Exam Return
Exams are returned using the return instructions provided by the faculty member on the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet. Return of nursing exams is arranged by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Exams can be returned in the following ways:
- Picked up by a faculty member or department representative.
Exams will only be given to the person listed by the faculty member on the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet. Anyone picking up an exam must show an ID and will need to sign for the exam.
- Returned by a student runner.
Exams will be dropped off at the location listed by the faculty member on the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet. Student runners track exam drop off location, date and time and, when applicable, the student runner will request the name of the person and a signature. Once an exam is dropped off it is no longer the responsibility of Academic Services.
- Returned via email.
Exam will be scanned by a professional staff member and sent directly to the email provided on the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet. Scanned copies of exams are not kept or filed by Academic Services.
聽Online Exams
- Computers with Lockdown Browser software are available in the test center to administer online exams.
- Contact the Academic Services office or the Faculty Center for instructions on how to extend the timer on a Blackboard exam, prior to the student’s test time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access exams?
Professional staff and graduate assistants in Academic Services can access exams. If a faculty member selects a student runner as the return method for the exam, the student runner will also have access to the secured envelope with the exam.
What if a student arrives late for an exam in the Testing Center?
Students who arrive more than 30 minutes late for an exam will not be allowed to start the exam without instructor permission.
Does a student need to stay the entire time they are scheduled for their exam?
No, once an exam is complete the student can return the exam and leave the testing center.
What can students bring with them in the Testing Center?
Students can bring in the exam and any related items described by the faculty member in the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet. Academic Services also offers a clock to allow students to keep time. Food or drink may be permitted, but will be inspected. Students requiring supplies, devices or equipment related to a disability or medical condition will be permitted to bring these items into the testing center on a case-by-case basis. All items will be inspected.聽
Can students use the restroom or take breaks during an exam?
Yes, a student can use the restroom during an exam. Permission for breaks is determined by the faculty member on the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet. In some cases, students may be entitled to breaks during an exam as a pre-approved accommodation.
What happens if a student does not show up for their scheduled exam?
The faculty member will be notified and the exam will be returned as requested by the faculty member in the Accommodated Exam Instruction Sheet.
What if there is an incident of academic dishonesty?
Any incidents or instances related to academic integrity will be documented and reported to the faculty and all appropriate areas within the university.
Can I tour the testing center?
Yes, we welcome faculty and staff in the testing center! Please note tours can only be provided when the testing center is not in use.
Accommodated Testing Center Quick Facts
| Spring 2019 Test Center Usage
|
| Number of registered students with disabilities |
207 |
| Number of course instructors served |
312 |
| Student usage (number of students who utilized, including English Language Learners and special arrangements for Athletes): |
127 |
| Exams Scheduled |
524 |
| Exam Readers Scheduled |
34 |
| Exams with special equipment or assistive technology |
12 |
| Final Exams Scheduled |
168 |
| Fall 2018 Test Center Usage
|
| Number of registered students with disabilities |
199 |
| Number of course instructors served |
343 |
| Student Usage |
105 |
| Exams Scheduled |
572 |
| Exam Readers Scheduled |
25 |
| Exams with special equipment or assistive technology |
9 |
| Final Exams Scheduled |
167 |
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