Once a student has been approved for a testing accommodation the student will discuss the appropriate arrangement for tests in each course with their faculty.

Prior to the first test, faculty and students should meet about the testing process and requirements of the course. This discussion provides an opportunity to identify expectations and possible options that are workable for both students and faculty.   

Testing Guidelines

To receive testing accommodations such as extended time, distraction-limited testing environment, use of a computer, or use of a 4-function calculator:

  1. Students register with Student Accessibility and Support Services Office and request accommodations. 
  2. Once eligibility is determined, SASS will notify faculty by sending an official accommodation letter via email through our accommodate system.
  3. Faculty and students should discuss the testing process and requirements of the course. This discussion provides an opportunity to identify expectations and possible workable options for both students and faculty. That is, if additional time is warranted, will you start early or finish late? If an alternate test location is appropriate, where will that be? SASS staff are available to assist with the negotiations as needed.
  4. If your testing accommodations require assistance from SASS — for example, if we need to provide an exam in an alternate format such as electronic, Braille or enlarged text — students must notify our office at least three work days in advance of the scheduled exam.
  5. Alternative testing location arrangements are made directly between the student and instructor whenever possible to ensure that accommodated students have equitable access to their instructor during testing.
  6. If faculty are unable to provide space for a student, SASS has limited space that may be available. Students can book a testing space using the Accommodate system. We recommend ten business days in advance, however, we do require at least 3 days. Spaces are available from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. While SASS collects bookbags and personal items prior to the start of the tests, SASS does not provide active, in-room proctoring. These rooms are assigned on a first come first serve basis.
  7. Faculty need to deliver printed and proofed exams at SASS by noon the day before the exam.
  8. SASS also has a fleet of reservable laptops that can be used for testing. Email sass@kenyon.edu or call 740-427-5453 three days in advance to request a laptop a student can pick up immediately prior to their test.
  9. The deadline for students to request final exams through SASS is Nov. 1, 2022.
  10.  The deadline for faculty to deliver printed and proofed final exams to SASS is 4:30 p.m. the Friday before exam week. 
  11. Final exams must be taken at the regularly scheduled time and cannot be given at alternate times without special permission from the dean of academic advising

It is the student’s responsibility to follow the above guidelines. Failure to do so will result in an inability to coordinate appropriate accommodations.

Distraction Limited Testing

A distraction-limited environment means that the student needs to take the exam in an area that is reasonably quiet with low stimuli when compared to the classroom. The environment doesn't need to be a silent private setting. The environment can include taking the test with other students and the room chosen must allow for students to start and finish their exams with limited interruptions. Tools that may help further reduce distractions for students may include noise-canceling headsets, ear plugs, study carrels, etc. 

Examples: 

  • Reasonable locations include: a reserved conference room, office, or lounge with a door
  • Unreasonable locations: a hallway, or a room that people frequent and can't be reserved.
  • Distractions that need to be avoided include, but are not limited to ringing telephones, conversations, the rustling of chairs/papers, coughing, excessive movement, typing, traffic, etc.

Alone Testing

A private room accommodation means that the student needs to take an exam in a reasonably quiet with low stimuli room on their own. A TA or professor can be in the room to proctor a test/quiz. However, the proctor must be mindful of creating distractions. 

Examples: 

  • Reasonable locations include: a reserved conference room, office, or lounge with a door (with no other students/unnecessary persons around)
  • Unreasonable locations: a hallway, or a room that people frequent and can't be reserved.
  • Distractions that need to be avoided include, but are not limited to ringing telephones, conversations, the rustling of chairs/papers, coughing, excessive movement, typing, traffic, etc.

Required Testing Information

Accommodations at the post-secondary level are based on complete neuropsychological or psycho-educational assessments. These assessments are used to determine the current impact of the disability on the students in specific academic settings. Documentation typically includes both aptitude and academic achievement testing, information processing, and/or other test data relevant to the specific diagnosis. IEPs or 504 plans provide helpful additional information in addition to a full educational evaluation.