Student Guidance

Please review the information below for guidance on how to utilize test/quiz accommodations. If you still have questions/concerns, contact the CEA via email (ada@uark.edu), phone (479-575-3104) or stop by the office (ARKU 209)  for further assistance! 

Using Test/Quiz Accommodation -  What to Do

  • Step 1: Get registered with the Center for Educational Access (CEA) for academic accommodations.  Visit our Getting Started webpage  for information on the registration options. 

  • Step 2: EACH SEMESTER - request accommodation letters by course via your CEA Student Login to notify your instructors of your academic accommodations.

  • Step 3: Contact your instructors before your exam(s) (1 week recommended) to determine how your test accommodations will be implemented.  You do NOT have to disclose the nature of your disability.

    • How test/quiz accommodations are provided varies based on the nature of the course and exam structure/design (ex: Online, Paper-Pencil, In-Person, etc.).  Some accommodations may be already be built into an online course design (ex: assistive reading software - ReadSpeaker), while others may require additional planning to be provided by instructors (ex: extra time).  

    • Therefore, it is very important for students and instructors to discuss the structure of the course and exam to determine which test accommodations are needed and how they can be facilitated.

  • IMPORTANT NOTE to STUDENTS:

How In-Class Test Accommodations May Be Implemented

  • Instructors proctoring tests: Per APS 1520.20, faculty should strive to provide test accommodations within their department in order to provide students with disabilities access to instructor or proctor familiar with the course & exam for questions. For Example: distraction-reduced environment 

    • Examples of a  distraction-reduced environment include a separate classroom or conference room with a proctor and several other students taking accommodated exams and a proctor). Inappropriate locations include; a hallway, stairwell, a shared office or busy space (e.g. ringing phones, foot traffic, etc.).

  • Departmental testing spaces: Some academic departments have their own designated testing space for accommodated and/or unaccommodated exams. For example, Math Resource Testing Center (MRTC) is predominantly used for proctoring most 1000 & 2000 level MATH courses.  

  • Campus Testing Center: the  Office of Testing Services, a unit of the Graduate School & International Education, is available to proctor in-class accommodated exams on behalf of faculty, in accordance with APS 1520.20.   If your instructor utilizes Testing Services to provide test accommodations, you must:  

    • Request an exam appointment through your CEA Student Login in advance (1 week recommended; 2 weeks for final exams).  Late exam requests will be considered on case-by-case basis. Please see this screenshot guide or PDF presentation from Testing Services for additional direction.

    • Exams  should be scheduled at a date/time that does NOT conflict with your other classes and is agreeable to your instructor(s).   

    • When possible, reference your syllabi for the course's exam dates and proactively schedule all exams at upon completing CEA registration or at the beginning of each semester.

    • Monitor your UARK E-Mail for updates from the Testing Services and/or your instructor regarding your exam appointments.

    • Notify the proctor of any testing and/or accommodation concerns immediately! 

    • Contact the Office of Testing Services at testing@uark.edu or 479-575-3948 for scheduling assistance.  

 

How Online / Global Campus Course Exams May Be Implemented 

Most accommodations for online exams taken remotely (off-campus) can be easily programmed by the instructor and do NOT require the use of any on-campus proctoring services.  For example, students can identify their own distraction-reduced testing environment at home or on-campus (ex: bedroom, reserved study room at Mullins Library or Student Union).  Extended time can be programmed in blackboard by the instructor.  

Students must still request accommodation letters and discuss which test accommodation(s) are needed with their instructor(s) multiple days BEFORE each exam (1 week recommended) 

ProctorU Exams:

Communicate to your instructor the specific accommodations you want to use before the exam  (1 week recommended).  Your instructor will then submit an Accommodation Request Form to Global Campus to ensure ProctorU is notified of your accommodation(s). 

    • Please visit Testing Your Equipment prior to each exam to ensure the compatibility of any equipment and/or software.
    • Be mindful of your class schedule and extended time (if applicable) when scheduling exams with ProctorU
    • On exam day - remind the Proctor of your accommodations and (if applicable) any assistive technology being used.

Assistive Technology (AT)

Assistive technology (AT) includes products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities. The University has a variety of free assistive software available to all faculty, staff, and students, including text-to-speech, screen-reader & magnification, and more. To download assistive technology, visit IT Servces' Get Software webpage.   

For technical support, contact University IT Services via help.uark.edu or phone (479-575-2905). More information on common assistive software options is available below. Please contact the CEA with any questions.

Text-to-Speech Software

Text-to-Speech (i.e. readaloud) software converts digital text (i.e., words on smartphones, tablets, and computers) into speech for users to listen to.

ReadSpeaker (RS)

  • ReadSpeaker (RS) is a built-in app that can be used with Blackboard. No downloads necessary!
  • Features include text-to-speech, enlarged font/text, screen masking, and more. Voice options include English, German, Spanish, and French. 
  • Functions with Respondus Lockdown Browser for Mac and Windows users. 
  • RS TextAid Tool allows users to utilize ReadSpeaker tools outside of blackboard. 
  • For more information and instructions for using ReadSpeaker, please refer to these How to Videos

Read&Write (R&W) 

  • Read&Write (R&W): Read&Write functions both within and outside of Blackboard and features text-to-speech, screen masking, text highlight, and more.  Recommended for reading aloud word docs and text-based PDFs. 
  • NOTE: Read&Write can be used on Respondus exams for windows users only, and must be opened before Respondus.
    • Mac users are advised to use ReadSpeaker when taking Blackboard exams that require Respondus 
  • To download Read&Write, visit Get Started with Read&Write.  For more information and instructions for use, please see  Read&Write Help Page.

Speech-to-Text Software

Speech-to-text software converts human speech into digital text (i.e., words on smartphones, tablets, and computers).

    • Testing Services has computers equipped with Dragon, a speech-to-text software. 
    • Dictate text in all Microsoft 365 Applications (e.g., MS Word, OneNote, Outlook, etc.) using Microsoft’s Dictation Tool.
    • Talk & Type feature in Read&Write allows you to control your computer through speech recognition. Speech can be detected through your computer’s microphone, a microphone connected to your computer, or a headset.
    • MAC Voice Control: You can dictate text and speak commands to edit text, navigate the desktop and apps, and control your Mac, performing tasks such as scrolling in a document or pressing a button.

Screen-Reader & Magnification:

    • Fusion: Fusion is a Windows-only application that combines ZoomText and JAWS, a screen magnifier and screen-reader, respectively.
      • Visit Get Software to submit an IT request to download Fusion.
    • NVDA: NVDA is a Windows-only screen-reading software.
    • ReadSpeaker: ReadSpeaker has an Enlarged Text Tool that enlarges text being read aloud to help minimize distractions when reading. For additional information, please refer to ReadSpeaker webReader: Enlarge Text Tool. 

 

Additional Resources: