Options for Implementation
Instructors are legally responsible for ensuring accommodations are provided either through proper EAC procedures or within their department.
Implementing exam accommodations involves discussing and planning with your student(s) to determine the best approach for your students' accommodations and course setup.
While the Exam Accommodation Center (EAC) is available as a resource, it is not the only option for implementing accommodations. Depending on the accommodations a student has, instructors may be able to implement them on their own, use the regular ISU testing centers, or utilize the EAC.
Who is eligible for Exam Accommodations?
Students must be approved for exam accommodations through SAS prior to receiving any services through the EAC.
- Instructors should not provide exam accommodations to students who are not approved for them through SAS.
- However, instructors may make short-term adjustments at their own discretion if the same flexibility would be offered to any student, such as allowing one reschedule of an exam due to illness or emergency.
- Instructors should not provide ongoing or disability-related accommodations (e.g., extended time on every exam) without formal approval from SAS, as this may create legal and academic liabilities for the instructor.
- If a student requests disability-related accommodations without approval, refer them to SAS rather than accommodating them directly.
Timeline for Implementing Exam Accommodations
When are exam accommodations expected to be in place?
Instructors are given a reasonable window of time to prepare. Here's how the process works:
- The student is approved for accommodations and requests that their official notification letter be sent to the instructor.
- The student contacts the instructor to discuss how exam accommodations will be implemented in the course.
- Once contacted by the student, instructors have up to one week to make the necessary arrangements.
Reminder: Instructors are not expected to make last-minute changes for an exam in under a week if a student has only just reached out.
If there are concerns about timing or implementation, instructors should contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) right away for support.