Exam accommodation

Exam accommodations is a general term that refers to a wide variety of alternative exam delivery methods and procedures, including the following:

• location (virtual or in person)
• extended time
• document format
• structure of exam
• delivery method
• type of exam (alternate assessment)

Exam accommodations are intended to ensure an equitable opportunity for students to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills in a course. If you require accommodations due to accessibility, functional, or cognitive challenges, please contact us.

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Types of exam accommodations

Many exam accommodations do not require faculty approval and have minimal impact on evaluation delivery or procedures. The following accommodations are included in this category:

• location or environment (i.e., private room, distraction-free, natural lighting)
• support aids (ergonomic chair, footrest, pillow, earplugs)
• health-related supports (drinks, snacks, medications)
• extended time
• support services (scribe, personal aid, sign language interpreter)
• alternate format of the exam (oral, braille, word processor, paper)
• use of assistive technologies or literacy tools (i.e., a screen reader, hard copy dictionary, memory aid).

Some accommodations may take longer than 20 days to arrange. They require prior discussion with Accessibility Services and approval of the course coordinator. Such accommodations may necessitate revisions to the exam structure, the format of questions, delivery, or evaluation procedures. Additional medical verification may be requested to support an accommodation outlining the associated need due to the impact of a disability. The following examples of accommodations are included in this category:

• Exam structure: split the exam, revise the order of questions, etc.
• Exam delivery: write an exam over multiple days, other exam platforms, take home, etc.
• Question types: multiple-choice, essay, etc.
• Evaluation responses: oral exam, video, or paper exam
• Alternate assessment: unique exam created for a student

These examples of accommodations are not all-inclusive due to the individual nature of accommodations that may be required.

It is important to understand that Accessibility Services has a responsibility to help the university ensure the integrity and security of exams. Some exam accommodations are not possible given the essential learning outcomes of courses.

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Accommodation set-up

Upon registering with Accessibility Services, you received a Letter of Accommodation and Accommodation Plan. The approved exam accommodations are listed including the process to request an accommodated examination.

Each course has different course outcomes and evaluation methods. Review your exam accommodations upon enrolling in each course to ensure your individualized needs are addressed.

If you need to adjust your accommodations for a particular disability related barrier you experience, please discuss this with an accommodated exam administrator in Accessibility Services at least 30 days prior to your desired exam write date.

In short, the review of accommodations considers the following:

• Provided details on previous exam accommodations received.
• Identification of how the accommodations were of assistance to you.
• Information from medical or assessment documentation.
• Accessibility Services will work cooperatively to identify what reasonable accommodations will be recommended while maintaining academic standards.

Ensure your invigilation site can provide your needed accommodations prior to requesting the examination with Athabasca University. Accessibility Services can provide you your Letter of Accommodation if required. It is your responsibility to inquire with your chosen invigilator.

Accessibility Services will provide a confirmation of the approved exam accommodations to you and your invigilator once the exam is processed for writing.

Students are responsible for any invigilator fees, exam rescheduling fees, and supplemental fees as outlined in the Calendar.

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How to write exams

There are many courses at AU that don’t require exams. For those that do, you have several options: virtual invigilation of your online exam with ProctorU, in-person invigilation of your online exam at an approved external invigilation site, and requesting an alternate assessment.

Athabasca University’s exam invigilation centers in Athabasca, Edmonton, and Calgary have been closed since the beginning of the COVID-19 global pandemic; nearly all exams are now being offered online instead of in person.

Review the AU Hub for announcements and exam writing practices on the exam options page https://news.athabascau.ca/words-of-the-wise/three-options-for-your-au-exams/. The information does change so staying informed is important.

Option 1: ProctorU

AU has partnered with ProctorU to host online invigilation services. If your exam is available to write online, ProctorU is your first choice. It allows you to write your exam from the comfort of your own home and is available 24/7 for learners who meet the technical requirements.

There is a 2-step process for booking your exam with ProctorU. You must first book your exam-invigilation appointment with ProctorU at least 20 calendar days prior to when you’d like to write your exam, then login to myAU and request your exam for the same date you’ve booked through your invigilator.

Please note that ProctorU may from time to time update their process, so it is important to always review ProctorU’s exam readiness guide and test your equipment before your exam.

Learn more about using ProctorU for your AU exam.

Option 2: Approved external invigilator

AU encourages learners to use ProctorU wherever possible but recognizes you might prefer to have your online exam invigilated in person.

You can have an online exam invigilated by any third-party invigilators who are already approved as part of AU’s Exam Invigilation Network. These invigilators’ services are subject to change, so learners are responsible to confirm an invigilator’s ability to supervise their exam prior to booking.

The same 2-step process for booking your exams applies: you must first book your exam-invigilation appointment with your invigilator of choice at least 20 calendar days prior to when you’d like to write your exam, then login to myAU and request your exam for the same date you’ve booked through your invigilator.

Third-party invigilators may have COVID-19 preventative measures in place, but AU cannot guarantee that learners will not contract COVID-19 due to attendance at a third-party invigilation site.

Learners assume and accept all COVID-19 related risks arising out of the learner’s attendance and/or participation at the third-party AU-approved invigilator or invigilation centre. Learners who choose to write exams with a third-party AU-approved invigilator or invigilation centre are responsible for ensuring that they are comfortable with COVID-19 precautions in place at that site and that they will abide by them. Any specific requirements should be confirmed with invigilation sites directly.

Option 3: Requesting an alternate assessment

If you’re unable to book with an approved external invigilator, and you are unable to use ProctorU, you can contact your faculty for alternate arrangements:

• Faculty of Business
  • Contact the Student Support Centre
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Contact your course coordinator
• Faculty of Health Disciplines
  • Contact your course coordinator
• Faculty of Science and Technology
  • Contact the Student Success Centre

If your request for alternate assessment is due to the impact of a disability and you are registered with Accessibility Services, we can facilitate the conversation upon your request.