Accommodations

Testing Accommodations: General Information

Students are responsible for sharing their Accommodation Letter with instructors with enough time to implement accommodations (timelines below). Both students and instructors are responsible for discussing how testing accommodations will apply to the specific course and making a plan for each individual assessment.

  • Students are expected to take their assessment during the regularly scheduled time unless this causes conflicts with other courses. In these situations, the student should proactively work with the course instructor to discuss alternative arrangements. For example: The student may start the assessment earlier or later that day to avoid academic time conflicts.
  • If an assessment needs to be scheduled at the Testing Center, it is the student’s responsibility to complete this process. Scheduling the assessment through MyProfile needs to be done at least 7 days in advance for semester assessments and 14 days in advance for final exams.

No matter the accommodations or testing location, students are still expected to show up on time for assessments.

  • If a student arrives late, the assessment will still end at the scheduled time.
  • If a student misses an assessment or needs to reschedule, they should contact their instructor. Only instructors can authorize rescheduling.
  • If an assessment is missed for non-disability related reasons, students should be held to course policies for rescheduling as determined by instructors.

Tips for students:

  • Do not wait until the last minute to get your accommodations arranged.
  • Talk to your instructor(s) at the start of term – if there are any issues with your accommodations, reach out to RCPD immediately.
  • Do not skip talking to your instructor and jump right to submitting assessment requests with the RCPD office – we have limited space for testing and have to prioritize availability based on specific accommodations. RCPD may contact your instructor.
  • Reach out to your Access Specialist or the MSU Testing Center any time you have questions or concerns about alternative assessment accommodations.

Providing Alternative Testing Accommodations

Course instructors are responsible for providing testing accommodations, in collaboration with their appropriate administrative unit(s) (colleges, departments, schools and/or programs), and in consultation with students and RCPD specialists.

Instructors should engage students in individualized planning about their accommodation needs and take the following actions depending on context:

  • If an instructor has a student who requires accommodation such as extended time, low distraction needs, or separate room needs, the instructor can:

1.  Work with the student directly to accommodate their needs within the unit;

2. Consult with their academic unit(s) to accommodate a student’s needs; or

3. If options 1 and 2 are not viable, contact the MSU Testing Center to proctor tests—in unit spaces or at the Testing Center—at least seven days prior to the test (14 days during final exams). The instructor will provide the Testing Center with the test materials and parameters. 

NOTE: the Testing Center charges $20 per 4-hour exam administered in the center. Hired proctors for secured spaces will cost the department $30 per hour, per proctor and a $10 administrative fee for each proctor hired. These accommodated test costs are the responsibility of the College/Department/unit(s) offering the course, not the student nor the instructor.

  • If a student’s accommodation requires specialized equipment or needs beyond extended time or separate space, the instructor should refer the student to work with the MSU Testing Center at least 7 days in advance for semester assessments and 14 days in advance for final exams.

For clinical and field settings, students should consult with their Access Specialist and department to consider testing options. An Accommodation Letter Addendum may be created to facilitate these unique situations. Please see information about Accommodation Letter Addendums on the RCPD Student Accommodations page.

Questions about scheduling an assessment with accommodations can be directed to the MSU Testing Center: testingcenter@msu.edu or calling 517-353-8385.