Testing Accommodation Sign-Up Contract

If you need special accommodations while taking a test or quiz, you must submit the Testing Accommodation Sign-Up Contract to your instructor prior to every test or quiz.

Academic Adjustment Letter

An accommodation letter is a letter written by staff from the Student Disability Resources Office at Penn State and given to students who are eligible for reasonable classroom accommodations. It is the student's responsibility to present their accommodation letter to their instructor at the beginning of each semester, or as early as possible, so that the accommodation procedures and policies are clear to both the instructor and the student. Accommodations are not retroactive. Instructors may be approached by a student asking to meet with them during their office hours to discuss accommodations and how they will be carried out through the semester. Students are asked not to present the accommodation letters in front of other students prior to or at the end of class to protect the student's confidentiality regarding their disability and promote a more healthy exchange between the student and the instructor.

Procedures for requesting testing accommodations

Students who receive their testing accommodations through SDR are required to do the following:

  • Schedule a private meeting with the instructor.
  • Present the accommodation letter to the instructor as soon as it is received from SDR.
  • Discuss the testing accommodations stated in the accommodation letter.
  • Leave the meeting with an understanding of the arrangements for testing accommodations.
  • Submit the Testing Accommodation Sign-Up Contract to the instructor prior to every test or quiz.

Procedures to follow with SDR

  • Submit the Test Accommodation Sign-Up Contract to SDR at least five working days prior to the date of the test or quiz. Note that test accommodations cannot be guaranteed if the SDR receives the Test Accommodation Sign-Up Contract fewer than five days in advance.
  • Contact SDR of cancellations and/or changes with your test accommodation schedule.

Procedures for the day of the test or quiz

  • Students must leave all materials, backpacks, cell phones, pagers, etc. with the proctor. Students may only have, in the immediate test area, materials the instructor has given written permission to use during testing.
  • Call SDR if you know you are going to be late for test or quiz. If it is for a legitimate reason, no time will be deducted from the testing time.
  • If you are not satisfied with the testing accommodations, inform the proctor immediately. The proctor and SDR will attempt to resolve the problem immediately.

Scholarships for students with disabilities

Scholarships are available for persons with documented disabilities. In order to apply for these scholarships, please see a staff person at Disability Services or visit the Student Disability Resources Office online.