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Test Accommodation Service

Wendy Palmer, DAS District Coordinator | 503-977-4483 | TTY: 503-246-4072

DAS offers an optional Test Accommodation Service (TAS) to assist faculty in providing the required testing accommodations indicated on a student’s AAA letter. Accommodations may include:

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

This service is provided in rooms located on each campus and at the SE Center. Check with the DAS District Coordinator or DAS testing staff for service days and hours at your particular site.

How To Obtain This Accommodation

1. Eligible students may discuss their testing accommodation needs with their instructors when they meet to review the “Approved Academic Accommodations” letter. They may choose to make their own test accommodation arrangements or to use the DAS service.

2. If the student and instructor decide to use the DAS service, the student initiates the process by giving the instructor a request form. Forms are available in the DAS office (Sylvania ST 229), DAS testing rooms, campus testing offices, and on this website (DAS Test Accommodation Service Appointment Request).

3. The student and instructor complete the request form. If this exam is for an on-line course, contact the DAS District Coordinator for assistance in coordinating the paperwork.

4. The student submits the form to the DAS District Coordinator a minimum of five work days prior to the requested appointment date. Finals Week appointments are due the Monday prior to the testing week.

5. Student and instructor follow the instructions provided in the email confirmation message they receive from DAS. Communications are only sent to MyPCC email accounts.

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 DAS 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. You must check your MyPCC email account regularly for appointment confirmations and messages about appointment problems. Respond promptly so your arrangements can be made in a timely manner. If you have submitted a request form and have not received a confirmation, contact the DAS District Coordinator. You may wish to follow a faxed request with an email or phone call to verify receipt.

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

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

Other Information

1. This service is on a first-come, first-served basis. Space and aide availability may be limited at peak use times so submit your request forms as early as possible. Many students find it helpful to submit all test appointment forms for a course at the beginning of the term. You can always contact DAS to change your appointment if the exam date is changed.

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

3. POP QUIZZES: If an instructor wishes to surprise a student with a pop quiz, arrangements can be made with the DAS District Coordinator. Time deadlines still apply.

4. TAS Rooms:

   1. Food and drink are not allowed near the computer but may be consumed in other parts of the center. You are responsible for cleaning up any mess you make.

   2. Remember to speak quietly when you are in the TAS room so that you don’t disturb others. Don’t visit with students or staff in the room.