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Myths and Facts about Final Exams

MYTH: Students who request accommodations for exams must be proctored by DSS.
FACT: DSS proctors exams as a service for faculty members who are unable to accommodate student requests for extended time, use of a computer, readers, etc.  It is our belief that the student benefits from having you present and available for answering any questions or providing clarification.  If you are able to accommodate a student’s needs on your own, we strongly encourage you to do so.
 
MYTH: Any student who has presented an accommodation letter which states that the student is eligible for extended time on exams gets this accommodation automatically.
FACT: The test accommodation process is separate and distinct from the accommodation letter. Students are expected to discuss their individual needs with you in advance of any exams. DSS will only proctor an exam for students who have completed a Test Accommodation Request Form at least 7 days in advance of the test date and that has been approved by you.

MYTH: Proctoring requests from multiple students in the same class can be handled together rather than individually.
FACT: DSS administers exams on an individual, case-by-case basis, and our proctoring space is limited and reserved in advance. Even if several students in your class are already scheduled to take an exam with DSS, we cannot accommodate last minute additions.

MYTH: Any changes in the date or time of a previously scheduled exam are only important to the student or faculty member.
FACT: DSS needs to be advised of any changes faculty members make in the scheduling and administration of an exam as soon as possible.

MYTH: DSS can administer "untimed" or "unlimited time" exams.
FACT: Exams given with no time constraint require no accommodation for students with disabilities and should therefore be administered by the faculty member.