ALTERNATIVE TESTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Faculty, students and the McBurney Disability Resource Center share responsibility for accommodating test-takers with disabilities with the Testing and Evaluation Office (T & E) serving in a limited capacity as an administrator of nonstandard test accommodations (e.g., scribe, adaptive equipment, etc.). Per Faculty Document #1143, faculty members are responsible for the educational activities of the institution, including the assessment of student learning in their courses. Thus, they are expected to work with students to identify and provide reasonable accommodations for assessment (Faculty Document #1071).

The expectation is that all students, disabled and nondisabled, will take exams within the department. Coordinating test administrations, including accommodated exams, within departments maintains exam integrity and security. It offers students the opportunity to have questions answered. Keeping students with disabilities in the class for exams gives them an equal opportunity to participate in the same exam process as all other students.

In unique situations where nonstandard accommodations cannot be provided within the department, faculty may request assistance from T & E. Such situations may include a student needing an adaptive computer or scribe as part of the recommended accommodation. Faculty and students need to be aware of and adhere to T & E's policies and procedures (see T & E's web site).

1. McBURNEY RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   1. Verify disability documentation and verify student eligibility for disability-related services.
   2. Recommend appropriate disability-related testing accommodations on the student's Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations form (VISA). Recommendations for alternative testing are made by a McBurney accommodations specialist based on the student's individual needs, disability documentation, history of alternative testing services, recommendations from health care or educational specialists and other relevant factors.
   3. Assist with converting exams to alternative formats.
2. FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   1. Meet with the student to review recommended accommodations on the student's VISA and reach agreement on appropriate test accommodations for course exams.
   2. Provide reasonable accommodations that do not fundamentally alter the nature of the course.
   3. Complete written Alternative Testing Request Form with student. Keep one copy of request.
   4. Arrange for proctoring within the department for all exams with standard accommodations. See wwww.mcburney.wisc.edu/services/alt_tst/faculty for resources and additional information.
   5. Follow Testing and Evaluation's Office procedures for nonstandard accommodations or for exceptional circumstances that have been approved by T & E. Information on T & E's alternative testing process can be found at http://testing.wisc.edu/at%20info%20for%20faculty.html.
   6. Maintain a student's confidentiality and avoid singling a student out from the rest of the class.
   7. To address concerns, faculty can speak directly with the student, contact the McBurney Center or their department's Access and Accommodations Resource Coordinator. Faculty Document #1143 outlines faculty policy on alternative testing.
3. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   1. Obtain training on how to use the alternative testing service. For training instructions, see http://www.mcburney.wisc.edu/services/servicetraining.php.
   2. Meet with instructors no later than the first 3 weeks of the semester. Students who incur or recognize a disability and the need for accommodation during the semester should immediately consult with the instructor.
   1. The following should be done when meeting with instructors to discuss testing accommodations:
      1. Bring a copy of the VISA.
      2. Bring a copy of the Alternative Testing Service Faculty Letter (FAQ's-Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities).
      3. Bring the course syllabus and a copy of the class schedule.
      4. Consider describing how a disability affects exam taking and how accommodations attempt to compensate for any impact that disabilities have on taking exams.
      5. Discuss exam format if it impacts your accommodation needs.
      6. Share information (brochures) about the McBurney Center; often instructors are eager to assist students but are unfamiliar with methods or resources.
      7. Encourage your instructors to contact the McBurney Center or the department's Access and Accommodations Resource Coordinator (AARC) if they have questions or need some assistance.
   2. McBurney Center staff are available to provide you with ideas on how to approach faculty.
   3. If an assessment of your needs results in testing accommodations being recommended for you after the third week of a semester, meet with your instructors immediately. Requests made later in the semester may be difficult or impossible to accommodate.
   3. If an instructor wants to modify any recommended accommodations, speak with that instructor before taking the exam to decide upon reasonable accommodations. Once you've taken the exam and a grade is assigned, the test results generally stand. Accommodations or changes to grades are not made retroactively under most circumstances.
   4. Uphold the integrity of the examination process. You are subject to procedures for academic misconduct outlined in Section 17.13 of the Student Disciplinary Guidelines.
4. TESTING AND EVALUATION OFFICE RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   1. Coordinate and administer accommodated exams for students with disabilities when faculty/departments are unable to administer exams due to nonstandard accommodations or exceptional circumstances. Policies and procedures for taking exams at T & E are listed on T & E's web site.

If you have questions or concerns please contact your McBurney accommodations specialist. Additional information about McBurney services is also available on our web page at www.mcburney.wisc.edu. Campus ADA policies can be found at www.wisc.edu/wiscinfo/policy/disability.html.