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Timed Evaluation Accommodations

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Test & Exam Accommodations

When accommodations on timed evaluations (such as exams, tests, or quizzes) have been deemed necessary as a disability-related accommodation by AAS, it will be listed in the student’s accommodation plan.

Why this accommodation may be required

Students may require extra time, stopped-clock breaks, alternate writing locations, spacing between exams and other accommodations for evaluations if their disability creates barriers for how they demonstrate their knowledge on a timed evaluation.

  • Students with accommodations writing in-person tests, quizzes or exams must write in the Accommodated Test Centre
  • The Test Centre provides an alternate, reduced stimuli writing environment
  • If a student writing in the Test Centre has questions during their test, the Invigilator will make best efforts to contact the instructor, however we cannot guarantee their availability. The Test Centre encourages instructors to provide their contact information so Invigilators can reach out if a student has questions or clarifications about the evaluation. Please note: Invigilators are not able to answer questions regarding content of the evaluation.

The Accommodated Test Centre (ATC) can provide accommodations for both in-person and remote tests, but does not provide remote invigilation. 

Whether a test is being written online (remotely) or in-person, students are required to book their accommodated tests through the ATC.

In-Person Tests:

  • If the class is writing a test in-person, students with test accommodations will also write in-person at the ATC.
Remote Tests:
  • If the class is writing a remote/virtual test, students with test accommodations will also write virtually from a remote location (i.e. not in the ATC).
  • Extra test time for remote tests will be added to the online test platform according to the booking by either the instructor or the ATC. Please learn more on this process here: Accommodated Online Tests.
  • Extra time is communicated on the accommodation letter as a percentage (e.g. 25%, 50%). 
  • For example, a student with 25% extra time on a 60 minute test would have 75 minutes (60 minutes plus 15 additional minutes) of total writing time. 
  • If relevant, you can calculate the total amount of extra time for a specific evaluation using this app (external link) . 
  • Students may need to take breaks during an evaluation for disability-related reasons
  • Break time is listed on the accommodation plan as the number of minutes per hour of testing (e.g. 5 mins/hour, 10 mins/hour)
  • The break time used does not count towards the time students’ have to write the exam to ensure they are not penalized for taking the break. 
  • Break time is calculated based on a student’s total writing time (including extra time). If relevant, you can calculate the total amount of time using this app (external link) . 
  • Students remain under invigilation during break time and are not permitted to leave the Test Centre or access their personal belongings

Some students require a specific amount of time between exams (i.e. 24 hours) as an accommodation 

If students have a scheduling conflict between exams as it relates to this accommodation (i.e. 2 exams scheduled less than 24 hours apart), they should communicate with their instructors to navigate an alternate exam schedule. The following process should be followed:

  1. Students send one email with both instructors, cc’ing their Facilitator, including the following: 
    • Confirmation that their accommodation plan includes an exam spacing accommodation
    • Identify the conflict with the exams in their classes and list the dates and time of the exam for each course.
    • Request to reschedule one of these exams.
  2. At least one instructor responds offering to allow the student to write their exam on a different date (note - this is at the discretion of the instructor and the student may be offered the predetermined make-up date for the class, if available)
  3. Student books their exams with the Accommodated Test Centre (ATC) using the AAS Student Portal by the appropriate deadline
    • If the student does not have the instructor’s approval before the booking deadline, they should book the exam at the originally scheduled time and contact the ATC to reschedule the exam booking after the instructor provides permission. 
    • Students can email testcentre@torontomu.ca with any questions. 

Some students require exams to be scheduled at a particular time of day as an accommodation (i.e. after 10am or before 6pm). 

If students have an exam that is scheduled within the restricted time noted in their accommodation plan (i.e. before 10am or after 6pm), they should communicate with their instructor to navigate an alternative start or end time. 

Students writing in-person exams may be required to stay under invigilation at the Accommodated Test Centre (ATC) for a period of time. For example, if their accommodation plan states they cannot write exams before 10am but the rest of the class starts writing at 9am, the student may need to stay under invigilation at the ATC between 9-10am. 

Students should book their exams with the ATC using the AAS Student Portal by the appropriate deadline. 

  • If the student has their instructor’s permission to change the exam time before the booking deadline, they should indicate this in the comment section of the booking.
  • If the student does not have the instructor’s approval to change the exam time before the booking deadline, they should book the exam at the originally scheduled time and contact the ATC to reschedule the exam booking after the instructor provides permission. 
  • Students can email testcentre@torontomu.ca with any questions. 

Instructions for using this accommodation

If you have an exam that is scheduled within the window you are unable to write as indicated in your accommodation plan, follow the steps below to communicate with your instructors about arranging as detailed below an alternative write time . Please note that exam schedules must be negotiated and booked by the appropriate deadline, with as much notice as possible.

1. Send an email to your instructor

  • Confirm that you sent your accommodation plan, and let them know that it includes an exam time scheduling accommodation.
  • Let your instructors know that there is a conflict between the exam time and your accommodation, and  list the date and time of the exam.
  • Request to reschedule the start/end time of the exam. Include the start/end time you require.
  • You may wish to use the template below. 

2. Await a response from your instructor

  • Your instructor may ask you to write on the make-up date.

3. Book your tests

  • Once the new date is approved, book your test indicating the new date/time via the AAS Student Portal and indicate in the comment section of the booking that your instructor has provided approval for the time change.

Don’t have your instructor’s approval but it’s getting close to the test booking deadline? Book your test for the originally scheduled time. If your instructor provides permission after the deadline, the Test Centre will work with you to reschedule your test booking.

Email Template Example

Dear Professor,

My name is (YOUR NAME). I am a student in your (LIST COURSE NAME, CODE, AND SECTION).

I am registered with AAS and sent you my accommodation plan, which includes that my evaluations are to be scheduled to start after (XX) and/or scheduled to end before (XX).

I understand that it is my responsibility to contact my instructors with advanced notice to reschedule an evaluation if there is a conflict, as per the instructions indicated on the AAS website.

The following test(s)/exam(s) on (LIST DATE AND TIME) conflicts with my accommodation.

I am writing to request if I can write this test/exam at (PROPOSED TIME). If approved, I will forward your response to the Accommodated Test Centre who will reschedule at the agreed upon time. 

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME / STUDENT NUMBER)