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Test Accommodation Service

Wendy Palmer, Coordinator of Access Resources | 503-977-4483 | TTY: 503-246-4072

OSD offers an optional Test Accommodation Service (TAS) for instructors with students who need testing accommodations in their courses. These are always proctored and may include accommodations such as:

• an Aide to read and/or transcribe the test
• extended time (time and one half or doubled time). “Unlimited time” is not available
• a distraction-reduced site
• special equipment (such as a word processor or CCTV)
• a raised workspace

How To Obtain This Service

1. Contact a disability service counselor to determine your eligibility.

2. Use your “Approved Academic Accommodations” letter to discuss your specific testing needs with your instructor. The two of you may agree to make your own test accommodation arrangements or use OSD’s optional Test Accommodation Service.

3. If you choose to use OSD’s service, you and your instructor must complete an appointment request form and submit it to the Coordinator of Access Resources by the deadlines.

Student Responsibilities

1. You must submit test appointment forms on time. You are ultimately responsible for requesting the service. If you don't give your instructor or OSD adequate notice that you need accommodations and arrangements cannot be set up in time, you must either accept the accommodations available or accept the instructor's policies regarding late/make-up exams.

2. You may not leave the testing area during an exam unless you receive permission from the test proctor. You may leave the room to use the restroom or water fountain only once an hour and you may not leave the building. Your exam time limit will not be adjusted for the break.

3. You must arrive on time for your testing appointment and be ready to work. If you are late, your appointment time will not be adjusted and you will have to complete your exam in the remaining appointment time. Be sure to take care of personal errands prior to your appointment (such as using the restroom and purchasing a scantron).

4. If you are suspected of or caught cheating, your instructor will be notified immediately and will be responsible for appropriate discipline. See the college’s academic integrity policy.

5. All testing areas have been designated as fragrance-free areas. You must avoid wearing perfumed products in the testing area.

6. The test must be completed in one session. You may not begin the exam, stop it, and then return at another time to finish it.

7. Only items approved by your instructor (and listed on your appointment form) may be taken into the testing area. All other belongings (including purses and cell phones) must be left outside the testing area and PCC accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Prior arrangements must be approved for beverages and food to be in the testing area. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off while you are testing.

8. Instructor approval is required to reschedule an exam appointment.

9. Testing staff are not responsible for providing you with any testing supplies such as scan-tron sheets, blue books, writing instruments, rulers, graph paper, or calculators.

Other Information

1. Many students find it helpful to submit all test appointment forms for a course at the beginning of the term. You can always contact OSD to change your appointment if the exam date is changed.

2. Instructors occasionally do not deliver exam materials on time. To ease your stress on the exam day, you may wish to contact OSD a day or two ahead of time to be sure everything is ready. This will give you time to contact your instructor for a courtesy reminder.

3. If instructions are not given on the test appointment form as to how a test is to be returned to the instructor, OSD will mail the exam materials to the instructor’s office through the college’s inter-campus mail system.