ATSD Student Testing Guidelines

Students who has approved accommodations through the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at Texas State University have the right to request to test at the Academic Testing for Students with Disabilities (ATSD). The option to take a test in the ATSD testing center only applies to in-class tests, quizzes, or in-class assessments. However, so that every student is able to access their testing accommodations, each student must follow and adhere to the policies and procedures below.

ATSD Policies

Eligible Assessments for ATSD Administration

ATSD proctors assessments that are administered on campus for a class. For example, students taking an online course where the instructor administers the exams on campus would be eligible to take those exams at ATSD. Take-home exams are ineligible unless the student cannot access their testing accommodations (e.g., the student needs a reader but does not have access to text-to-speech software at home). All questions as to whether or not an assessment is eligible for administration at the ATSD office should be directed to the ATSD Supervisor.

Identification Policy

All students testing at ATSD must present valid photo identification (ID) prior to accessing an assessment. If a student does not have a photo ID, they will not be permitted to test.

Testing at ATSD

• To schedule an exam or quiz at ATSD, students must submit an online test request using the Accessible Information Management (AIM) system.
• A separate request must be submitted for each test, quiz, or make-up.
• It is each student's responsibility to submit assessment requests according to the time periods listed below.
• ATSD will only administer assessments with accommodations that have been approved by the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

Regular Tests and Quizzes

• Three Business Day Rule: Online requests for all in-class assessments must be submitted by 4 PM at least three business days in advance of the requested scheduled date.
  • The Three Business Day Rule does not include weekends or holidays.
    • For example, if a student would like to take an exam on the following Monday at 11:00 AM, they will need to submit their assessment request no later than the preceding Wednesday by 4 PM.
• All changes to submitted test requests require one business day to process.
• Students should submit all assessment requests as soon as syllabi are received to avoid missing the Three Business Day deadline.
  • Submitting testing requests at the beginning of the semester ensures that ATSD will have a reserved place for each student wanting to access his or her approved testing accommodations.

Final Exams

• Ten-Day Rule: Online requests for Fall and Spring final exams must be submitted at least ten business days prior to the requested final exam date.
  • The Ten-Day Rule allows ATSD to ensure that students have access to all necessary accommodations for each final exam.
• Online requests for Summer session finals must be submitted following the Three Business Day Rule.
• Students must request final exams at ATSD according to the University Final Exam Schedule. All final exams at ATSD should be taken on the same date and as close as possible to the start time of the in-class exam administration.

Missing the Deadline for Scheduling

If a student fails to submit an assessment request by the specified deadline, the student has the following options:

• Take the assessment with the rest of the class.
• Ask the instructor to administer the assessment with testing accommodations.
• If the deadline was missed due to extenuating circumstances, email ATSD@txstate.edu to ask for an exception. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • For example, if a student was just approved for testing accommodations from ODS and the student has an exam scheduled in less than three business days, ATSD might be able to grant an exception to the Three Business Day Rule.

Failure to Report for an ATSD Scheduled Exam or Quiz

If you miss your exam or quiz for whatever reason, any rescheduling must be done in accordance with your instructor's make-up policy and student rules. You should first speak with your instructor before attempting to reschedule your exam or quiz.

• Late Arrivals: Students must arrive at ATSD at least 10 minutes before their scheduled start time. If a student arrives more than 10 minutes after the scheduled start time, they will not be able to test. If this occurs, the student may:
  • Seek instructor approval to reschedule the assessment with ATSD. After obtaining approval, submit a request for a make-up exam or quiz.
    • It is at the instructor's discretion to approve rescheduling the assessment with ATSD.
  • Ask your instructor to administer the exam with testing accommodations. It is at the discretion of the instructor to allow for make-up exams.
• No Shows: Students who do not arrive at ATSD for an assessment scheduled on or before the last day of regular classes will have two options:
  • Seek instructor approval to reschedule the assessment with ATSD. After obtaining approval, submit a request for a make-up exam or quiz.
    • It is at the instructor's discretion to approve rescheduling the assessment with ATSD.
  • Ask your instructor to administer the exam with testing accommodations. It is at the discretion of the instructor to allow for make-up exams.
• If a student misses a final exam scheduled at ATSD, the student can do any of the following:
  • Make arrangements to take the final exam with their instructor.
  • Contact ATSD to reschedule the final exam. All rescheduled finals are taken on the last day of final exams at the time slot available per ATSD. *All rescheduled finals are contingent on instructor approval.
  • If a student misses a final exam scheduled at ATSD during a summer session, they will have to make arrangements with their instructor to make up the final exam.

Pop Quizzes

Students with accommodations should meet with their instructor to discuss the best option for administering pop quizzes. Students wanting to access their accommodations for a pop quiz have three options:

• The instructor provides testing accommodations to the student to take the quiz during class.
• The instructor arranges for the student to meet outside of class to complete the pop quiz, during which the instructor provides testing accommodations to the student.
• The instructor contacts the ATSD supervisor via email at least three business days before the class administered pop quiz to reserve a place for the student. (This is the only instance when an instructor can sign up a student for testing at ATSD.)
  • Students wanting to access their accommodations at ATSD should have their instructor contact the ATSD Supervisor to coordinate the administration of pop quizzes.

Tests for Incomplete Courses & Graduate Comprehensive Exams (Comps)

• Test requests for incomplete courses and comprehensive exams must be submitted following the Three Business Day Rule.
• Requests for incomplete courses and comprehensive exams must be submitted via filedrop to https://securetransfer.txstate.edu/filedrop/TEMC-testingcenter-files. The following ten items must be included in the email:

Accommodations for Readers & Scribes

Oral exam administration accommodations will primarily be provided by text-to-speech software, including but not limited to Kurzweil. Kurzweil allows an examinee to select the voice, reading speed, and other tools for a customized experience. Training will be offered prior to the first exam with Kurzweil. If an exam is equation-based or no software accommodation is listed, a reader will be provided.

Assistance with writing will primarily be provided by speech-to-text software, including but not limited to Dragon. Training will be offered prior to the first exam with Dragon. If no software accommodation is listed, a scribe will be provided.

Use of a computer accommodation will be provided for all exams that have a written component. If the exam does not contain a written component, no computer will be assigned.

Braille

ATSD can convert most tests to Braille format. The student must indicate their need for Braille format via email to ATSD@txstate.edu. Students should also notify their instructor to ensure ATSD receives the test at least two business days before the assessment date. Instructors will need to send the test in Microsoft Word format.

Interpreters

Interpreters may accompany any student who needs interpreting assistance. The student will need to indicate this via email to ATSD@txstate.edu to ensure the appropriate room is assigned for testing. An interpreter must stow their personal belongings in a locker during testing. Any questions regarding this policy can be directed toward the ATSD Supervisor.

Appropriate Behavior at ATSD

Each student using ATSD services is expected to follow the Texas State Honor Code, the Code of Student Conduct, and ATSD policies and procedures. When students request a test for the first time at ATSD, they will be asked to acknowledge the Student Policy and Procedure Agreement within AIM. The Student Policy and Procedure agreement is a document that acknowledges that students have read, understand, and agree to abide by the ATSD Student Guidelines, the Texas State Honor Code, and the Code of Student Conduct. ATSD reserves the authority to ask any student to leave the Testing, Evaluation, and Measurement Center (TEMC) if they do not have a valid reason for being in the facility. Disruptive students will be required to leave, regardless of their reason for being on the premises. Any breach of this contract will result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to:

• Meeting with the ATSD Supervisor to discuss the behavior that needs to be corrected. Both parties will create and sign an action plan to correct the behavior during this meeting.
• Meeting with other officials employed at Texas State University.
• Continued and repeat offenses will require the involvement of the Student Behavior Assessment Team or Student Justice.

Breaking the Texas State Honor Code

Students suspected of violating the Texas State Honor Code will be subject to the following procedures:

1. When a proctor suspects a student is breaking the Texas State Honor Code, the ATSD Supervisor or Professional Staff is called to view the screen and watch the student in question.
2. The Supervisor or Professional Staff will decide whether or not the student is in violation of the Texas State Honor Code.
3. If a violation does occur, the Supervisor or Director will briefly stop the test and remove the student from the testing room.
4. The Supervisor or Professional Staff will explain the incident and review any items related to the incident. The Supervisor or Professional Staff will review any electronics, and then the student will stow the item.
5. The student will resume the test while the instructor is contacted for instructions on how to proceed.
   1. If the instructor is successfully contacted, then the situation will be explained. At this time, it is up to the instructor how to proceed.
   2. If the instructor cannot be reached, the test is completed as usual.
6. When the student is finished testing (or if the instructor requested to stop the test), they will review the proctor's allegations on the ATSD Alleged Academic Dishonesty form and fill out the student portion. This form will be attached to the exam and sent to the instructors.

ATSD School Closure Policy

Partial or Single Day Closure: If a weather-related issue or emergency situation causes Texas State University to close for one school day, then no exams scheduled at ATSD during such a closure will be administered. ATSD will reschedule all examinations for the next class day for the course, at the original requested start time, unless: (1) an email notification is received from the instructor with a new rescheduled date and time; or (2) the student sends an email to ATSD@txstate.edu with a requested rescheduled date and time for the exam. All rescheduling requests are contingent on faculty approval. It may take ATSD 1-2 business days to process all rescheduling due to a University closure. However, the student and faculty member can monitor the progress of the rescheduling using the AIM Testing System. Once a request has been rescheduled, a confirmation email will be sent to the student and the instructor via their Texas State email accounts.

Multiple Day Closure: If a weather-related issue or emergency situation causes Texas State University to close for multiple school days, students scheduled to test with ATSD during such a closure will receive an email from ATSD with rescheduling instructions for each request. The new date and time of testing will be contingent on faculty approval. All affected students and faculty should monitor their Texas State email account for communication from ATSD regarding rescheduling.

Testing Procedures

Day of Scheduled Test

• Arrival
  1. Students should arrive at ATSD at least 10 minutes before the scheduled test time. You are not allowed to start your exam or quiz early, but you need to be on time for your exam or quiz.
     1. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late for an exam will be marked as a "No-Show" and not be allowed to test.
  2. Since Nueces Testing Areas are cell phone-free areas, students should turn off their cell phones before entering the testing area. Additionally, phone calls and texting are prohibited.
  3. Upon arrival, all students must check in at the ATSD front desk with a photo ID.
  4. After checking in, students should wait for their proctor in the waiting area near the check-in area.
  5. If the student leaves the building they will be checked out and need to recheck in.
  6. Students should have all approved testing materials out.
  7. An ATSD proctor will call students by first name and last initial in the waiting areas.
  8. Each student will need to place their belongings in a locker. The following items must be stored:
     1. Backpacks/purses
     2. Heavy winter coats
     3. Hats
     4. Notebooks or notes (unless approved by instructor)
     5. Textbooks (unless approved by instructor)
     6. Scratch paper (unless provided by ATSD)
     7. All food or drink, except for water with a lid
     8. Personal laptop computer (unless approved by instructor)
     9. Cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, or MP3s (all turned off)
     10. Tablet or laptops (all turned off)
  9. After each student stores their belongings, the proctor will walk each student to the appropriate testing room.
     1. **Students should not leave the testing room after an exam has begun.**
  10. All testing will be monitored via a closed-circuit video camera. Test sessions may be recorded.
  11. The proctor will ensure students adhere to the approved materials and accommodations listed on the testing request.
  12. Proctors do not make decisions regarding the testing environment or accommodations.
  13. If the student has questions or concerns during a test, please have the proctor contact the Graduate Assistant, ATSD Coordinator, and ATSD Supervisor.
  14. If the proctor is a scribe, they will only write what the student dictates.
  15. If the proctor is a reader, they will only read what is written on the test or what is written by the student.
• Returning the Completed Test
  1. You must complete your exam or quiz in the allotted time. This includes completing your scantron.
  2. A student will not be allowed to leave ATSD with a test unless specified by the instructor.
  3. Tests are picked up by the instructor or delivered via courier within 24 business hours of the exam end time.

Testing Times

ATSD's designated testing start times are established to ensure that students receive proper accommodations and face minimal distractions, given the available testing space. **Testing start times are non-negotiable.**

Regular Tests & Quizzes

• On Monday, Thursday, and Friday, ATSD administers regular tests and quizzes at the following times:
  • 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
  • During the fall and spring semesters, the ATSD office closes at 5:00 PM on these days.
• On Tuesday and Wednesday, ATSD administers regular tests and quizzes at the following times:
  • 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.
  • During the fall and spring semesters, the ATSD office closes once exams finish or at 8:00 PM on these days.
• Summer Sessions: ATSD administers regular tests and quizzes at the following times:
  • 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday)
  • 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday)
• Students selecting time slots that do not allow for the full amount of extended time will have their tests stopped at the office closing time. Students are responsible for requesting a start time to ensure they are provided their extended time.
• Unless you have a time conflict, students should generally be taking regular exams or quizzes at the same time as the class or the ATSD start time that is as close as possible to the start time of the in-class administration. An example of when a student would take a regular exam or quiz at a different date or time is when the student has back-to-back classes, and the only way to receive full accommodations is to take the exam or quiz at a different time.
  • Students who request an exam time slot that is different from the scheduled in-class exam time MUST obtain explicit approval from the instructor prior to submitting a request and forward the approval to atsd@txstate.edu after the request is submitted.

Finals

• During the University's designated finals period, ATSD administers final exams at the following times:
  • 8:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m.
    • If the in-class final is scheduled for December 14th at 8 AM, the student should request to take the final with ATSD on December 14th at 8:00 AM.
  • The ATSD office is open from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM during the University's designated finals period.
    • All exams must end at 9:00 PM regardless of ODS-approved accommodations for extended time. Students are responsible for requesting a start time to ensure they are provided their full amount of extended time.

AIM Testing System

Instructor Role

• Instructors will receive a notice to complete a testing agreement within the accommodation letter email. The testing agreement will outline the approved dates and times ATSD can administer exams for students in the course.
• When an electronic assessment request is submitted, the instructor on record receives an automated email notification.
  • The instructor can dispute a request if they disagree with the date or time.
• An instructor can submit changes to a request at any time. ATSD will notify the student via their Texas State email account of any instructor changes.
• An instructor has the right to determine the length of any regular test, quiz, or final.

Student Role: Submitting a Test Request

• To submit an assessment request, log in to AIM. Students must be registered with ODS and have alternative testing accommodations to access the Alternative Testing module in AIM.
• An in-class assessment should be requested on the same day and as close to the same time as it will be administered in class.
• Students will select the accommodations they request for the assessment. If the accommodations listed are incorrect, please contact ODS (ODS@txstate.edu) and ATSD (ATSD@txstate.edu) as soon as possible.
  • If a student does not select an accommodation for an assessment, ATSD will not provide the accommodation.
• Only items that instructors have authorized, or those listed as approved academic accommodations by ODS, are permitted in the testing room. The instructor must communicate all testing materials prior to the day of the test in the online request or by email.
• After a request is submitted, the student will receive an automatic email via their Texas State account.
• If a student still has questions or concerns regarding testing arrangements, it is their responsibility to discuss their concerns with the instructor and/or ATSD.

Navigating the AIM Testing System

Students must be registered with ODS and have accommodations for testing to access the Alternative Testing module within AIM.

For step-by-step instructions for submitting a testing request, refer to Requesting Exams at ATSD in AIM on the Student Resources page.