All academic accommodations are determined on a case-by-case and course-by-course basis by the Office for Accessible Education (OAE). A diagnosis alone does not guarantee specific accommodations, and all requests must be determined reasonable before approval.
Reasonable academic accommodations are intended to remove disability-related barriers and ensure equal access—not to provide an unfair advantage or guarantee academic success. Accommodations must not fundamentally alter essential course requirements, lower academic standards, or impose undue hardship on the university. Requests that compromise safety or violate these principles are considered unreasonable and will not be approved.
Reasonable academic accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
Testing Accommodations
Students with approved testing accommodations may be eligible for one or more of the following supports, depending on their documented needs:
Students may receive additional time to complete in-class quizzes, tests, or exams. The amount of time is determined on a case-by-case basis, in alignment with documented need.
Please Note: “Unlimited” or “untimed” tests are generally not considered a reasonable accommodation in postsecondary education due to academic integrity and time-bound course standards.
Students may take assessments in a separate space with minimal noise or interruptions. This may include the university’s Assessment Center, or another location arranged in coordination with faculty.
When necessary, students may be approved to use trained individuals to:
- Read test content aloud (reader)
- Write or type dictated responses (scribe)
- Interpret test instructions for communication access (interpreter)
These services are coordinated by the OAE in partnership with the Assessment Center.
Some students may require technology or format changes to access test content, including:
- Screen readers or magnification software
- Braille or large print materials
- Assistive writing tools such as a C-Pen or speech-to-text software
Students must request accessible formats with reasonable advance notice to allow time for preparation.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Assistive technology (AT) includes any item, equipment, software, or system used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities for individuals with disabilities. While some AT qualifies as an auxiliary aid or service, the term is broader and includes a wide range of tools that support access and independence.
The following AT services and tools are available through the OAE:
The OAE offers a limited number of C-Pens (a portable scanning text-to-speech tool) for checkout by eligible students.
Students are required to return the C-Pen between semesters so it can be inspected and maintained. Lost or damaged devices may result in replacement fees.
Eligible students may be registered for a Bookshare account at no cost, providing access to a large library of accessible digital texts.
Students approved for this accommodation must submit their textbook list each semester to ensure timely access to required materials. Advanced notice is encouraged, as delays in providing book information may lead to delayed access to accessible content.
Students with visual disabilities may request Braille or large print versions of course materials, including handouts, exams, and required readings.
The OAE works collaboratively with faculty to obtain or produce these materials. Students are encouraged to make requests as early as possible, as creating accessible formats can require significant preparation time.
Auxiliary Aids and Services
Auxiliary aids and services are provided to ensure effective communication for students with disabilities, particularly those with hearing, vision, or speech impairments. These services help ensure that all students can fully access and engage with course content and instruction.
Examples of auxiliary aids and services may include, but are not limited to:
Sign language interpreters may be provided for students who are deaf or hard of hearing and use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary mode of communication.
Interpreters are scheduled through the Office for Accessible Education (OAE) and may be present for:
- In-person or virtual classes
- Lectures, labs, and discussion groups
- University-sponsored events, programs, or meetings
Advance notice is required for scheduling interpreters, especially for ongoing class sessions or special events. Students are encouraged to submit accommodation requests as early as possible each semester to ensure timely coordination.
Closed captions may be provided for videos, recorded lectures, and other audiovisual materials used in class to ensure equal access.
Accurate captioning helps all students, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing, fully participate in the learning experience. Faculty or eligible students who have concerns about captioning quality should contact the OAE for support.
Coming Soon
CART services provide real-time captioning for spoken content in lectures and class discussions. A trained captioner transcribes the instructor’s words and displays them on a screen in real time for the student.
Instructors may be asked to wear a clip-on microphone to capture clear audio for accurate captioning and are encouraged to repeat student comments or questions, as the mic typically does not capture others in the room. Advance notice is required to schedule professional captioners. Eligible students should notify the OAE as early as possible to ensure services are in place by the first day of class.