Testing and exam accommodations

The Disability Services Testing Center provides testing services for students with disabilities when instructors are unable to provide these accommodations in their own departments. Call 612-624-1666 or contact the Testing Center for more information.

General Information

What Students Need to Know

What Faculty Need to Know

General Information

Where is the DS Testing Center located?

The DS Testing Center is in Suite 180 of the McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street S.E. on East Bank of the U of M campus.

When is the DS Testing Center open?

DS Testing Center hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday of finals week.

Why are U of M e-mail addresses required for correspondence between the DS Testing Center, students and faculty?

Use of U of M e-mail addresses for correspondence regarding U of M business is required per University Policy: Using Email as Official Communication This policy exists for the protection of the Universities' and students' private data.

What Students Need To Know

How do I receive testing accommodations if I have a disability?

If you have a documented disability, you must first meet with a disability specialist who will determine your eligibility for services. They will then identify any reasonable accommodations that can be provided and prepare a letter detailing these accommodations. You will deliver this letter to your instructor and discuss accommodations in the classroom or department. If you have not met with a specialist at Disability Services for the semester, you will need to arrange an appointment by calling the DS reception desk at 612-626-1333.

It is optimal for you to be accommodated in the classroom or department. This determination should be made prior to a test request being submitted to the DS Testing Center. If it is determined that the instructor is unable to accommodate you in the classroom or department, you may schedule your tests with the DS Testing Center at least 7 days in advance of test time.

Do I need to schedule my tests with the DS Testing Center if my instructor is handling my accommodations?

No. Arrangements for accommodation in the classroom or department will be handled between you and the instructor. Students and faculty are welcome to copy the disability specialist or DS Testing Center on any classroom or departmental arrangements as a point of information.

If my instructor cannot accommodate me in the classroom or department, how do I schedule my test at the DS Testing Center?

You can schedule your tests online by going to ds.umn.edu, clicking on "Request Services" on the left hand side of the screen, then on "Schedule an exam with the Testing Center" under "Request Accommodation Services" in the center of the page.

What if I am unable to schedule my tests online?

The online form will not allow you to schedule your exams less than 7 days in advance of test time. If you are unable to schedule your tests for other reasons, you may call the DS Testing Center at 612-624-1666 or register in person at 180 McNamara. The DS Testing Center will confirm your request via e-mail within 24 hours.

Complete testing information must be submitted 7 days in advance of test time via the online form, voice mail or in-person for your submission to be considered complete and the deadline met.

Student Information
First Name:
Last Name:
Current phone:
U of M e-mail address:
Disability Specialist:

Course Information
Course designator (4 letters):
Course number (4 numbers):
Instructor First Name:
Instructor Last Name:
Instructor Phone:
Instructor U of M e-mail address:

Test Information
Test date:
Test time:
The amount of time allowed for the test (without extra time accommodation):
Alternative format (Braille, Kurzweil, Large Print, Electronic/Rich Text Format):
Reader/Scribe needed?:
Notes:

How far in advance do I need to arrange my accommodations at the DS Testing Center?

You must schedule tests with the DS Testing Center no less than 7 days in advance of test time. The DS Testing Center must have all required test information by this time for a request deadline to be considered met.

For example, if your test is on Monday, December 8th at 1 p.m., you will need to request it with the DS Testing Center by 1 p.m. on Monday, December 1st.

Students are strongly encouraged to schedule tests as soon as they know they will need to take them at the DS Testing Center.

It is expected that exam schedules will be provided by faculty in the syllabus at the beginning of the semester. If an exam is not listed in the syllabus , faculty are asked to notify you of upcoming exams at least 2 weeks in advance of testing time so that any necessary arrangements can be made. You may schedule tests for the entire semester at once.

Why must exam requests be submitted to the DS Testing Center 7 days in advance of test time?

The Disability Services Testing Center arranges and proctors several thousand tests of different types every semester. As such, our scheduling needs to be as pro-active as possible to adequately schedule staff and testing space, verify and arrange accommodations (including document conversion and adaptive technology), verify test logistics and retrieve the test from the instructor.

What information is required to schedule my tests?

You will need the following information to schedule their test online.

Student Information
First Name:
Last Name:
Current phone:
U of M e-mail address:
Disability Specialist:

Course Information
Course designator (4 letters):
Course number (4 numbers):
Instructor First Name:
Instructor Last Name:
Instructor Phone:
Instructor U of M e-mail address:

Test Information
Test date:
Test time:
The amount of time allowed for the test (without extra time accommodation):
Alternative format (Braille, Kurzweil, Large Print, Electronic/Rich Text Format):
Reader/Scribe needed?:
Notes:

For a blank, printable worksheet of this information, please select from:

Testing Info Worksheet (DOC)

Testing Info Worksheet (PDF)

When do I need to start my test at the DS Testing Center?

You must begin your test at the time indicated in the "start time" area of the test request.

Scheduled test times must begin or overlap with the rest of the class. If an additional time accommodation requires an earlier start time, this must be noted to the DS Testing Center and instructor in the "notes" section of the registration form.

For example, if the class begins at 2:00 p.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. and you need to begin ½ hour earlier because of an additional time accommodation, you would enter 1:30 for your start time and note to faculty and the DS Testing Center in the "notes" section that you need to begin your exam sooner because of your time accommodation. Your exam would still end at 3:00 p.m.

How long will I have to complete my test?

You will have the same amount of time allowed to students testing in the classroom plus any additional time accommodation as documented in the accommodation letter.

When scheduling tests with the DS Testing Center, you should provide the amount of time allowed to students testing in the classroom. The DS Testing Center will calculate your additional time per the accommodation.

Students will be expected to hand in all test materials (including completed answer sheets) at the designated end time for the test - no exceptions.

What if my test time extends to hours outside of the DS Testing Center's hours or conflict with another class?

If such a conflict arises, you should discuss this with your instructor as soon as possible to let them know you may require an alternate start time for your exam. When you schedule the exam, you must notify the DS Testing Center and instructor of exceptions to the regularly scheduled class test time in the "notes" section of the online registration form.

For example: The DS Testing Center closes at 8 p.m. Your class has 2 hours for an exam and begins at 6 p.m., but you have a 1.5 time accommodation (which gives you 3 hours). To finish by 8 p.m., you will need to schedule your exam for 5 p.m. and should state in the "notes" section of the registration form that you need to begin earlier to stay within Testing Center hours. The same scenario would apply with a class conflict.

What materials will I be allowed to have with me in my test?

You are only allowed required testing materials with you in the test room - all other materials must be left with the DS Testing Center staff. Possession of electronic devices in the testing rooms (cell phones, iPods, calculator, flash drives, etc.) other than those with prior authorization for use on the test is prohibited. Any possession of unauthorized items will be considered a possible breach of academic integrity and reported to faculty.

Please review the University of Minnesota Math Department Calculator Policy.

Are accommodations the same for every test?

Accommodations may not be the same for each class, nor are all accommodations necessary for each test. As such, the accommodations available to you are listed as options to select when you schedule your test.

What if I need an ASL interpreter for my test?

Students must request ASL interpreters separately from the DS Testing Center request form by completing an Interpreter Request Form.

How will I know that my test is confirmed to be taken at the DS Testing Center?

You will receive an e-mail to your U of M e-mail account acknowledging that we have received your testing request. If not, you should contact the DS Testing Center immediately at 612-624-1666. You should leave your exam information on the voice mail to consider your exam submitted and deadlines met.

Student Information
First Name:
Last Name:
Current phone:
U of M e-mail address:
Disability Specialist:

Course Information
Course designator (4 letters):
Course number (4 numbers):
Instructor First Name:
Instructor Last Name:
Instructor Phone:
Instructor U of M e-mail address:

Test Information
Test date:
Test time:
The amount of time allowed for the test (without extra time accommodation):
Alternative format (Braille, Kurzweil, Large Print, Electronic/Rich Text Format):
Reader/Scribe needed?:
Notes:

The DS Testing Center will verify accommodations and schedule testing space for you. 6 days prior to the exam, the Testing Center will request the exam from the instructor and send you a final confirmation of your arrangements.

A complete list of your scheduled tests can be provided via e-mail upon request.

How will my instructor be notified to send my test to the DS Testing Center?

Once a test is confirmed and scheduled, the DS Testing Center will request the test from the instructor via e-mail to their U of M e-mail account.

How will the DS Testing Center and instructor know what accommodations and materials I require for my tests?

You will deliver your accommodation letter to your instructor and discuss arrangements initially. All accommodations outlined in the letter are on file with the DS Testing Center.

There is also a "notes" section available on the online test registration form for you to communicate any additional test details to the DS Testing Center and instructor, such as the need for use of books, notes, calculator or audio/visual equipment.

What if I am late for a test?

If you arrive late for a test you will be allowed to take the test but will be held to the initially scheduled end time. For example, if you were to begin a test at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:15 p.m. but you were 15 minutes late, you would still need to end by 12:15. If you are more than 30 minutes late for a test, you will be allowed to take the test only under extenuating circumstances and with instructor approval.

What if I need to cancel or re-schedule a test with the DS Testing Center?

If you have a test that requires a scheduling change or cancellation, you must e-mail the instructor and copy dstest@umn.edu in the same e-mail message. Change requests that are not copied to the instructor and the DS Testing Center in the same message cannot be verified as proper notification and will not be processed.

The DS Testing Center will reschedule tests as space is available and confirm any processed changes with you and the instructor via e-mail. Unless you receive confirmation of instructor approval from the Testing Center, the test will remain as originally scheduled.

What if I fail to show for a test without notifying the DS Testing Center?

You, your instructor and your disability specialist will all be notified via e-mail of no-shows for tests. Repeated failure to show for a scheduled test may result in disciplinary action including suspension of services.

You are responsible for re-scheduling any missed exams as a new request, and notice 7 days in advance of test time is required.

What other rules apply?

The same testing rules that apply in the classroom apply at the Disability Services Testing Center and are outlined in the University of Minnesota Board of Regents Policy

Any suspected violation of the code of conduct will be reported to appropriate faculty for disciplinary action.

What Faculty Needs To Know

How far in advance should I notify a student with a disability of an upcoming exam?

It is expected that test schedules are available to all students in a syllabus at the beginning of the term. A student with a disability should, at a minimum, be notified of tests 2 weeks in advance to make any necessary arrangements.

What if I can accommodate the student in the classroom or the department?

It is optimal for a student with a disability to be accommodated in the classroom or department. This determination should be made prior to a test request being submitted to the DS Testing Center.

How much time is a student with accommodations allowed to take a test?

Students will have the same amount of time allowed to students testing in the classroom plus any additional time accommodation as documented in the accommodation letter.

When scheduling tests with the DS Testing Center, students are asked to provide the amount of time allowed to students testing in the classroom. You should verify this information accordingly when you receive the test request. The DS Testing Center will calculate the student's additional time per the accommodation.

Students will be expected to hand in all test materials (including completed answer sheets) at the designated end time for the test - no exceptions.

What should I do when I get a test request e-mail from the DS Testing Center?

If the student is approved for accommodations, you will have received a general letter of accommodation from the student's disability specialist. Once this has been confirmed, please:

1. Verify the test information provided in the test request
2. Identify any materials allowed for the test (notes, books, calculator etc.)
3. Indicate whether or not the student is allowed to take any testing materials with them after the test
4. When possible, provide a method of contact should the student have questions during the test
5. Send the test to the DS Testing Center

How should tests be sent to the DS Testing Center?

Please respond directly to the e-mail request you receive from dstest@umn.edu and attach the test electronically in Word or PDF or Rich Text format. E-mailed exams are the most secure method of delivery, as University e-mail is encrypted and only DS Testing Center personnel have access to this e-mail address.

If you are unable to electronically send a test or only hard copy is available, you can hand-carry or fax the test to the Disability Services Testing Center.

Please print the test request e-mail or complete a test identification form and attach it to the front of your test when dropping off (these are also available at the DS Testing Center front desk). To help the DS Testing Center appropriately identify and administer your test, please be sure to provide this information when delivering tests.

Exam Delivery Form (DOC)

Exam Delivery Form (PDF)

Disability Services Testing Center
180 McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak Street S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-624-1666
Fax: 612-626-9654
e-mail: dstest@umn.edu
http://ds.umn.edu

Please note that due to inability to guarantee security or track delivery of tests via campus mail, this method of delivery for test materials to the DS Testing Center is discouraged.

When should I send the test to the DS Testing Center?

Due to the high volume of tests we arrange and the need to convert some documents to accessible formats, the Testing Center appreciates receipt of the test 48 hours after you receive a test request. If the DS Testing Center has not received the test 24 hours in advance of test start time, they will send you a reminder e-mail.

How will completed tests be returned to the instructor?

Completed tests are hand-carried by courier in a sealed envelope twice daily to the main departmental office where a signature will be obtained for tracking.

Delivery runs occur between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.

If you require an alternate delivery location or would like to pick up the test from Disability Services, please be sure to indicate this when sending the test and ensure that a signature can be obtained at the delivery location provided.

What if I need to cancel or re-schedule a test?

If you have a scheduling change or cancellation for a test that your student has scheduled at the DS Testing Center, please e-mail the student and copy dstest@umn.edu in the same e-mail message at least 48 hours in advance of the originally scheduled test time.

Change requests that are not copied to students and the DS Testing Center in the same message cannot be verified as proper notification and will not be processed.

The DS Testing Center will reschedule tests as space is available and confirm any processed changes with the student and instructor via e-mail.

Unless changes are confirmed by the Testing Center, the test will remain as originally scheduled.

What if my student fails to show for a test?

You, the student and the students' disability specialist will all be notified via e-mail of no-shows for tests. Repeated failure to show for a scheduled test may result in disciplinary action including suspension of services.

The student is responsible for re-scheduling any missed exams as a new request, and notice 7 days in advance of test time is required.

What if I have questions regarding the accommodation of my student?

If there are questions or concerns about test scheduling and details, please contact the DS Testing Center at 612-624-1666.

If you have questions about the student's disability or the accommodations outlined in the letter you have received, please contact the Disability Specialist who wrote the letter or call the DS receptionist at 612-624-1333 and ask to be connected with the students' specialist.