Implementing Common Accommodations
AAS assigns a wide variety of accommodations to reasonably and appropriately meet each student’s unique needs. Some accommodations address a large number of disability impacts, so they may appear more frequently on students’ accommodation plans. The information provided here is designed as a guide for instructors when implementing those more typical accommodations.
There is sometimes overlap between students’ need for academic accommodations and their use of academic consideration. Students with disabilities are still expected to adhere to the processes outlined in both policies. Click the Accommodation vs. Consideration button in the Quick Links menu (right) to learn more.
In person, accommodated tests and exams are scheduled and administered through the university's Accommodated Test Centre. Students book their accommodated tests using the AAS Student Portal. In person test requests can be made up to 10 days prior to the test date, however there are exceptions to this timeline.
Once the student submits their test request:
- You will receive an email prompting you to review their request on the AAS Faculty Portal.
- To review the request: click on the link provided and log in with your credentials.
- Confirm the booking request and set parameters for the test (eg. start time, length/duration, delivery instructions, etc.). Ensure all information is correct as students may enter incorrect dates, start times, parameters, etc.
- Upload the test copy as a Microsoft Word file or accessible PDF. You can log in to the AAS Faculty Portal at any time to upload the test. All tests should be uploaded up to 24 hours before the scheduled test date.
- The completed test will be returned to you according to the instructions your provide in the portal.
Some students may have accommodations for a memory aid, such as a formula sheet or memory cue sheet. Students using this accommodation will schedule and write their in-person tests in the Accommodated Test Centre. Follow all Test Centre procedures for confirming and uploading the test after the student has booked.
Memory Cue Sheet Guidelines:
- Single side of 8”x11” page
- Includes coded memory “cues”, such as acronyms, lists, images, etc…
- Does not include verbatim course content
See a (google doc) memory cue sheet example. (external link, opens in new window)
Formula Sheet Guidelines:
- Single side of 8”x11” page.
- Unelaborated/expanded and unlabelled root formulas.
If a student in your course requires a memory aid for a quiz, test or exam:
- They are expected to send you their draft at least 3 business days prior to their test.
- Review the submitted memory aid for adherence to the guidelines.
- Provide specific feedback informing revisions, if needed.
- Approve the aid with an email message or by signing and dating the hard copy.
- Upload the approved memory aid on the AAS Faculty Portal (with the test file) or email the aid to testcentrefaculty@torontomu.ca.
If a student’s aid is not approved and they still choose to use it:
The Test Centre will email you to indicate the potential breach of academic integrity, in accordance with Senate Policy 60 and Policy 135. The unauthorised aid will be included in the test material returned to you.
Students with an accommodation for extensions on assignments may request an extension if they need one due to disability-related impacts.
If a student in your course requires an extension:
- Consider the request in good faith. Students cannot be expected to disclose personal or medical information in order to apply this accommodation.
- Respond to student extension requests within a reasonable time period.
- Evaluate the request with respect to course structure, as well as administrative deadlines, essential requirements, and academic integrity.
- Approve the request or negotiate a revised submission date.
Please visit the Peer Note-Taking webpage for more information about this accommodation.
Please visit the Audio Recording webpage for more information about this accommodation.
All Test Centre practices and procedures are aligned with and uphold relevant Senate policies:
For more information, or to discuss accommodations not listed here, contact the Student Accommodation Facilitator listed on the student’s accommodation plan.