Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I should request accommodations?

2. How do I request academic accommodations for the first time?

3. How will I know that my accommodation is approved?

4. I have approved accommodations through OARS, how do I notify my professors that I have accommodations?

5. I had a foreign language substitution in high school, do I have to take a foreign language in college?

6. How current must my testing/diagnostic documentation be to be approved for academic accommodations?

7. Once I am approved for academic accommodations, do I have to re-apply each semester?

8. How do I request housing accommodations?

9. Am I allowed to bring my Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to campus?

10. I have housing accommodations, do I have to renew each year?

11. I have an ESA, do I have to renew it each year?

12. I am not getting my accommodations like I thought I would (ex. A student who had the accommodation of “access to professor notes” assumed their professor would just give them the notes each class session). What do I do?

13. I have testing accommodations, how do I use them?

14. I have approved accommodations, but I forgot to request my letter be sent out to my professors. I want my letter sent now; will I get to use my accommodations for the weeks that have already passed?

15. I have accommodations through OARS, but I may not need to use them. Am I required to use them if I have my accommodation letter sent to my professors?

16. Can I get tutoring as an accommodation?

17. I have approved accommodations, but I realize that I need additional accommodations. Do I have to go through the same process again?

1. How do I know if I should request accommodations?

• If you have a medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity such as walking, sleeping, eating, breathing, concentrating, self-care, learning, or performing manual tasks you may qualify for accommodations to provide you with equal access to the activities and benefits of High Point University.   
• If you received accommodations through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, you may choose to request accommodations at High Point University.  Academic accommodations do not automatically transfer over when students begin attending college.  Students who received accommodations in high school must self-identify by formally registering with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS). 

2. How do I request academic accommodations for the first time?

Instructions on how to register with OARS and request accommodations are on the OARS Academic Accommodations page. On this page you may: 

• Fill out the OARS COMPASS Registration  
• Submit diagnostic documentation that verifies a learning difference and/or other diagnosis as an attachment to your application.  You may also submit documentation to our department via fax (336-888-6324) or email OARS@highpoint.edu.  

3. How will I know that my accommodation is approved?

Once you have submitted your online registration and verifying documentation, an Accessibility Support Specialist will review your request to determine appropriate reasonable accommodation(s). You will be notified of the accommodation(s) for which you are approved via your High Point University email. 

4. I have approved accommodations through OARS, how do I notify my professors that I have accommodations? 

Each semester you must request that your accommodation letter be sent to your professors.  To submit a request, you must do the following:   

• Log into your COMPASS Portal. 
• Scroll down this page to the “Select Accommodations” section and check the box by each course you wish to request accommodations. 
• Click the “Step 2 – Continue to Customize Accommodations” button found below your listed courses.
• Check the boxes by the accommodations you wish to receive for each specific class 

– NOTE –  

• • Alternative Testing includes reduced testing environment, four-function calculator, no scantron form for exams, screen reader assistive technology, voice recognition software, and computer for long answer and essay exams. 
  • Textbooks in Alternative Format includes textbooks in an audio or accessible PDF format for that course. 

• Click “Submit Your Accommodation Requests.” 
• You will know your request is successful when you see the message “SYSTEM UPDATE IS SUCCESSFUL” and you are returned to the main account screen. 
• When your accommodation letters are emailed to your professor you will also receive an email which will be sent to the email address you have on file with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services. 

If a course/professor is added after you have requested your letters.  You should submit a new request for the additional professor.  

5. I had a foreign language substitution in high school, do I have to take a foreign language in college?

All students are required to take foreign language 1010 and 1020 unless approved by OARS for a foreign language substitution accommodation. Only students with documented substantial functional limitations, specific to learning a foreign language, are eligible for a foreign language substitution (FLS).  FLS must be specifically requested by the student, as course substitutions do not come automatically. 

To be considered for a foreign language substitution, students must submit the following: 

• OARS COMPASS Registration, if not yet registered with OARS. 
• Send in your most recent psychoeducational evaluation. 

Students who are already registered with OARS should contact OARS via phone or email to request FLS as an accommodation.  

6. How current must my testing/diagnostic documentation be to be approved for academic accommodations?

There is no age limit placed on the documentation we receive however, OARS makes determinations on the most relevant, timely documentation available.  

Click HERE to download a copy of the Documentation Criteria for Academic Accommodations

7. Once I am approved for academic accommodations, do I have to re-apply each semester? 

No. Once you are approved for an academic accommodation, it is an approved mitigating measure while you are enrolled at High Point University. However, you are required to request for your professors to be notified of your approved accommodation(s) each semester.  To submit a request for your accommodation notification letters you must:

• Go to the Accommodation Letter Request page through your OARS COMPASS Portal (see question 4).

8. How do I request housing accommodations? 

To request accessible housing, students must:  

• Complete the OARS COMPASS Registration (if not yet registered with OARS) or the Additional or Renew Accommodation Request (if already registered with OARS).
• Submit a Request for Accessible Housing form completed by a qualified medical or mental health professional.**
• Set up an appointment with an Accessibility Specialist to review the request.

– NOTE – 

• Accessible housing requests must be made on an annual basis. 
• Students must adhere to all deadlines set forth by the Office of Student Life. 

9. Am I allowed to bring my Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to campus? 

High Point University does not allow pets. Students with a documented disability who have a pre-existing relationship with an ESA can request to bring their ESA to campus.  To apply for an ESA, students must: 

• Complete the OARS COMPASS Registration (if not yet registered with OARS) or the Additional or Renew Accommodation Request (if already registered with OARS).
• Submit an ESA Documentation Form completed by a qualified medical or mental health professional.**
• Submit up-to-date veterinary records of your animal’s immunizations, flea and tick treatments, and/or wellness visit.
• Complete an In Case of Emergency (ICE) removal form. This will require the Resident to identify an off-campus person who is not a current HPU student who will take possession of the animal if the animal must be excluded from campus under Section VI of the ESA Policy.
• Review and sign the  Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.
• Set up an appointment with an Accessibility Specialist to review the request.
• Optionally obtain a verifying tag and door decal for the ESA.

– NOTE –

• Accessible housing requests must be made on an annual basis. 
• Students must adhere to all deadlines set forth by the Office of Student Life. 

** A qualified medical professional, for our purposes, is defined as a non-family member whose professional training qualifies them to diagnose and treat the impairments associated with the student’s disability. The student must either be a current patient of the professional or have a documented established history of treatment.  Each question on the required forms must be completed by the medical professional.**

10. I have housing accommodations, do I have to renew each year? 

Yes.  If you would like to continue to receive housing accommodations for the next school year, you must: 

• Submit an Additional or Renew Accommodation Request through your COMPASS Portal.  
• Set up an appointment with an Accessibility Specialist to review the request.

Housing accommodation renewals through OARS should be completed along with Housing deadlines (i.e. by February 15). 

11. I have an ESA, do I have to renew it each year? 

Yes.  If you plan to bring your ESA to campus next school year, you must do the following: 

• Complete the Additional or Renew Accommodation Request through your COMPASS Portal, located on the left side of the page.
• Submit up-to-date veterinary records of your animal’s immunizations, flea and tick treatments, and/or wellness visit.
• Complete an In Case of Emergency (ICE) removal form. This will require the Resident to identify an off-campus person who is not a current HPU student who will take possession of the animal if the animal must be excluded from campus under Section VI of the ESA Policy.
• Review and sign the electronic Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal through the OARS COMPASS Portal.
• Set up an appointment with an Accessibility Specialist to review the request.
• Optionally receive an identification tag and door decal for the ESA, if not already obtained.

ESA renewals through OARS should be completed along with Housing deadlines (i.e. by February 15th). 

12. I am not getting my accommodations like I thought I would (e.g. A student who had the accommodation of “access to professor notes” expected their professor to give them the notes after each class session but has not). What do I do?  

At the beginning of each semester, after requesting your accommodations, you should meet privately with each professor during their office hours to discuss how you will use your accommodations in each specific class.  You will be required to sign an Accommodation Agreement Form through your COMPASS Portal to confirm that you and your professor have discussed your accommodations.  It is your responsibility to request and use your accommodations each semester.  If you believe that you are not receiving your accommodations appropriately, contact your Accessibility Support Specialist at 336-841-9026 or by email at OARS@highpoint.edu.  We are here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. 

13. I have testing accommodations, how do I use them?

Students must log in to their COMPASS Portal and schedule an exam at least 3 business days before the exam/quiz date and at least 6 business days before the midterm/final date. Students may schedule an exam by clicking “Alternative Testing” under “My Accommodations” in their OARS COMPASS Portal.

14. I have approved accommodations, but I forgot to request my letter be sent out to my professors. I want my letter sent now; will I get to use my accommodations for the weeks that have already passed? 

Accommodations are NOT retroactive. It is important to request your accommodations at the beginning of each semester.  Accommodations are only provided AFTER you have requested your accommodation letter and have met with your professors to discuss your accommodations and sign your Accommodation Agreement Form.    

15. I have accommodations through OARS, but I may not need to use them. Am I required to use them if I have my accommodation letter sent to my professors?

No. The choice to use your accommodations is completely up to you. OARS strongly suggests that you always request your accommodations for every class at the beginning of each semester so they are in place and ready to use should you need them. 

16. Can I get tutoring as an accommodation?

Tutoring is not an accommodation, however, HPU offers peer tutoring for all students.  Any student can request tutoring through Academic Tutoring Services HERE. 

17. I have approved accommodations, but I realize that I need additional accommodations. Do I have to go through the same process again?  

No. Submit an Additional or Renew Accommodation Request through your COMPASS Portal or schedule an appointment with your assigned Accessibility Support Specialist by calling 336-841-9026 to discuss the additional accommodations you think you need. 

1. Do a student’s high school accommodations automatically transfer to college?

2. What type of academic accommodations are available in college?

3. If a student has always had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, can the most recent IEP and/or 504 Plan be used to get academic accommodations?

4. If a student was exempt from taking a foreign language in high school, are they automatically exempt in college?

5. What is my student’s role in implementing their approved accommodations?

6. Do the professors know why my student has accommodations?

7. Will a member of OARS follow up with my student to ensure they are using the accommodations?

8. If a student is injured or develops a medical condition during the semester and as a result, needs accommodations; can OARS assist with this?

9. Once a student is approved for academic accommodations, do they have to re-apply each semester?

10. Is tutoring available for students through OARS?

11. Should students disclose/submit documentation regarding learning differences when they apply for admission?

12. Should students submit their  OARS COMPASS Registration and submit the supporting documentation PRIOR to starting their first semester?

13. What is necessary to apply for housing accommodation(s)? 

14. How does a student apply for an emotional support animal (ESA) due to a disability?

1. Do a student’s high school accommodations automatically transfer to college?

No, accommodations received in high school may not be appropriate in a collegiate setting, e.g. providing face to face instructions, study guides, decreased number of assignments, etc.  Instructions on how to register with OARS and request accommodations are on the OARS Academic Accommodations page.  To apply for accommodations, students must:  

• Fill out the OARS COMPASS Registration  
• Submit diagnostic documentation that verifies a learning difference and/or other diagnosis as an attachment to the application.  Students may also submit documentation to our department via fax (336-888-6324) or email OARS@highpoint.edu.  

2. What type of academic accommodations are available in college?

The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) provides accommodations for each individual student on a case-by-case basis according to their specific functional limitations.  Common accommodations include, but are not limited to: 

• Extended time on tests 
• Testing in a distraction–reduced environment 
• Note-taking assistance 
• Books in an alternate format 
• Interpreting/Transcribing  
• Accessible classrooms 

3. If a student has always had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, can the most recent IEP and/or 504 Plan be used to get academic accommodations?

No, an IEP and/or 504 plan are considered historical documentation. Neither an IEP nor a 504 Plan alone are sufficient documentation to qualify a student for academic accommodations. Academic accommodations for a learning disability, auditory processing disorder, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are based upon documented disability-related limitations from a diagnostic and/or psychoeducational evaluation completed by a qualified professional.  Documentation must include objective measures substantiating a diagnosis and related functional limitations.  Students are welcome to send their IEP or Section 504 plan in addition to their psychoeducational testing to provide a history of previous accommodations.   

4. If a student was exempt from taking a foreign language in high school, are they automatically exempt in college?

No.  Each accommodation is determined on a case-by-case basis and must include objective test scores that substantiate functional limitation(s).  Multiple sources of information are considered in the request to substitute classes for the foreign language requirement. Students should provide their transcripts, their IEP/504 Plan, and psychoeducational testing to be reviewed in whole by an Accessibility Specialist.  All pieces of information are considered from a holistic perspective and determined by an Accessibility Specialist.   

5. What is my student’s role in implementing their approved accommodations?

Upon a student’s initial approval by OARS, a decision letter will be sent to the student’s High Point University email.   Each semester students are responsible for requesting their accommodations, identifying themselves to their instructors, and discussing the implementation of their accommodations.  It is the student’s responsibility to utilize those accommodations as needed.  Neither OARS nor the Professors will “remind” students to use their accommodations.   

6. Do the professors know why my student has accommodations?

No.  Documentation of any disability is maintained only in the student’s OARS file.  Documentation is maintained under FERPA regulations and a student’s disability is never shared with faculty or staff.  Accommodation letters sent to professors only contain a list of the student’s approved accommodations.  ONLY the student can disclose confidential information regarding their disability. 

7. Will a member of OARS follow up with my student to ensure they are using the accommodations?

No.  Students are welcome to come to or contact OARS at any time during regular business hours for assistance or questions regarding their accommodation(s).  Accessibility Specialists do not reach out to students on a regular basis; however, students can meet with them as often as necessary.  Appointments can be scheduled, or students can utilize walk-in hours on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 am-12 am and 1 pm to 4 pm.  The responsibility to request, implement, and get assistance with accommodation(s) is that of the student. 

8. If a student is injured or develops a medical condition during the semester and as a result, needs accommodations; can OARS assist with this?

Yes! OARS can assist students who need temporary accommodations due to an accident/illness or a short–term disability.  These are addressed on a case by case basis.  Please contact the OARS at 336-841-9026 or oars@highpoint.edu for assistance. 

9. Once a student is approved for academic accommodations, do they have to re-apply each semester?

No.  Once students are approved for an academic accommodation(s), it is an approved mitigating measure while they are enrolled in High Point University.  However, students are required to request accommodations in each class every semester, so faculty are notified of approved accommodations in each specific class every semester.  Students must request specific accommodations in each of their classes every semester and meet with faculty privately to discuss the implementation of their accommodations.  This is done individually with each faculty member so students have the opportunity to discuss how their accommodations will be implemented in each of their classes.  If a student feels they need additional accommodations not previously approved; they should meet with their Accessibility Specialist as soon as possible to discuss their concerns and needs.   

10. Is tutoring available for students through OARS?

OARS does not provide or arrange for tutoring for students.  However, tutoring is available for all students through Academic Tutoring Services.  HPU has a great peer tutoring program under the direction of Dr. Craig Curty.  Students can request a peer tutor for most 1000 and 2000 level classes HERE.   The Writing Center is available to all students, as well as Math Lab, which takes place 3 days each week from 11:30-1:00 under the direction of various math professors. 

11. Should students disclose/submit documentation regarding learning differences when they apply for admission?

This decision should be made by each student depending on their preferences.  The presence of a disability will not influence the admission decision. Consideration for disabilities is not part of the enrollment decision. OARS cannot access and process disability-related information until AFTER a student has been admitted to the University. 

12. Should students submit their  OARS COMPASS Registration and submit the supporting documentation PRIOR to starting their first semester?

Yes!  It is not required, but it is more convenient for students to have their accommodations in place prior to the beginning of classes. 

13. What is necessary to apply for housing accommodation(s)?

To apply for accessible housing, students must:  

• Complete the OARS COMPASS Registration (if not yet registered with OARS) 
• Contact OARS directly to make the request (if already registered with OARS)  
• Submit a Request Medical Documentation for Accessible Housing form completed by a qualified medical or mental health professional.**
• Meet with an Accessibility Specialist to discuss the request. 

– NOTE –

• Accessible housing requests must be made on an annual basis. 
• Students must adhere to all deadlines set forth by the Office of Student Life. 

14. How does a student apply for an emotional support animal (ESA) due to a disability?

Students must have a previous relationship with an emotional support animal (ESA) and provide documentation from a qualified and licensed medical provider of their diagnosis which substantiates the need for the ESA.  To apply for an ESA, students must:  

• Complete the OARS COMPASS Registration (if not yet registered with OARS) 
• Contact OARS directly to make the request (if already registered with OARS)  
• Submit a Documentation Standards for an Emotional Support Animal completed by a qualified medical or mental health professional.**
• Submit up-to-date vaccinations and proof of flea and tick treatments. 
• Meet with an Accessibility Specialist to discuss the request. 
• Review and sign the  Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.
• Optionally obtain a verifying tag and door decal  

– NOTE – 

• Accessible housing requests must be made on an annual basis. 
• Students must adhere to all deadlines set forth by the Office of Student Life. 

** A qualified medical professional, for our purposes, is defined as a non-family member whose professional training qualifies them to diagnose and treat the impairments associated with the student’s disability. The student must either be a current patient of the professional or have a documented established history of treatment.  Each question on the required forms must be completed by the medical professional.

1. What information should I include on my syllabus for students with disabilities?

2. How do I know if a student has approved accommodations?

3. What if a student insists that they have an accommodation that is not on the accommodation notification letter from OARS?

4. What if a student has accommodations but is not actively using them in my class, should I contact OARS?

5. What is the OARS policy for students who request to take their test in an OARS testing room?

6. If a student has extended time on tests and wants to take the exam in the classroom, what are my responsibilities to that student?

7. I have a student who missed a scheduled exam and needs to make it up.  Can the student take the exam in Smith Library with OARS?

8. If a student takes an exam using their test accommodations, how do they ask questions during the exam?

9. If a student has books in an alternate format for an accommodation, what are my responsibilities to the student?

10. If a student has extended time on tests, does this apply to quizzes as well?

11. If a student has the accommodation for “Reader Assistive Technology” for exams, what is my responsibility to the student?

12. Do I have to allow students to use laptops or other electronic devices in the classroom for note-taking purposes?

13. What does it mean if a student has ‘consideration for absences’ as an accommodation?

14. Can I allow students to use exam accommodations in the classroom, or can students only use exam accommodations in the OARS office?

1. What information should I include on my syllabus for students with disabilities?

It is imperative to include all the learning outcomes of the course as well as the format in which students are required to demonstrate mastery of the learning outcomes. Please describe all requirements related to labs, clinicals, class participation, and/or other class experiences that must be completed with specific dates and/or related timelines.      

You must include a statement on your syllabi instructing students on how to request accommodations in your classes.  An example of information to include on your syllabi is below:  

“High Point University is committed to ensuring all students have equal access to all services and benefits while at High Point University.  If you are a student with a disability and require academic accommodations due to a diagnosed disability, you must register with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) and submit the appropriate documentation.  Requests for accommodations should be made at the beginning of a course.  Accommodations are not retroactive.  Contact OARS at OARS@highpoint.edu or by telephone at 336-841-9026, for additional information.  OARS is located on the 4th Floor of Smith Library.”  

2. How do I know if a student has approved accommodations?

If student has requested accommodations in your class, you will receive an email from OARS detailing their specific accommodations in your class.  Students must request their accommodations at the beginning of every semester for every class.  If students request any accommodations which are not addressed on their official accommodation letter from OARS, please refer the student to OARS for review of their approved accommodations. 

You can also view student’s accommodations through your COMPASS Portal.   

3. What if a student insists that they have an accommodation that is not on the accommodation notification letter from OARS?

ONLY the approved accommodations listed on the letter from OARS or in the COMPASS Portal are to be honored by the instructor.  Although you may have received an accommodation notification on behalf of a student in a previous class and/or semester, you should not under any circumstances provide accommodations until you receive a notification from OARS specifically for the current class and/or semester, and the student has met with you to discuss the implementation of his/her accommodations.  

Accommodations provided by faculty without authorization from OARS are legally considered University authorized accommodations even if the student doesn’t have documentation substantiating their need for the accommodation.  Such circumstances open the University to possible litigation, as the student would have an established history of being considered a person with a disability and eligible for such accommodation(s).  Consequently, it is inappropriate to provide any accommodations that are not authorized by OARS.    

If you have not received a student’s accommodation notification letter, or a student requests an accommodation that is not on their approved accommodation notification letter, please have them contact OARS as soon as possible at OARS@highpoint.edu or by visiting during walk-in hours, located on the 4th floor of Smith Library, to properly request their accommodations for the current term.  

4. What if a student has accommodations but is not actively using them in my class, should I contact OARS?

The decision to utilize accommodations is completely up to the student.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor or OARS to remind students to use their accommodations. 

5. What is the OARS policy for students who request to take their test in an OARS testing room?

Any student with accommodations for extended time testing, distraction-reduced testing setting, reading software, etc. are welcome to take any and all exams (this includes tests or quizzes) in the testing center.

When a student with academic accommodations would like to place an exam request, they must log in to their COMPASS Portal and schedule an exam at least 3 business days before the exam/quiz date and at least 6 business days before the midterm/final date. When exam requests are submitted late, the student is responsible for informing the professor that they wish to take the test with OARS and for having the professor send the exam to OARS.

6. If a student has extended time on tests and wants to take the exam in the classroom, what are my responsibilities to that student? 

IF you can proctor the exam for the student’s extended time that is great! However, if you are unable to do so, the student must request to schedule a test with OARS by visiting their COMPASS Portal at least 3 business days before the exam/quiz date, at least 6 business days before the midterm/final date.

7. I have a student who missed a scheduled exam and needs to make it up.  Can the student take the exam in Smith Library with OARS?

If the student is registered through OARS and is approved for academic accommodations, OARS can host the exam.  OARS only provides testing resources to students who are registered for academic accommodations.  The only students who can take tests with OARS are students with approved and active accommodations.  

8. If a student takes an exam using their test accommodations, how do they ask questions during the exam?

Instructors must indicate how they can be reached for questions during the exam (i.e. email, text, phone call) on the Alternative Testing Agreement form. The link to the Alternative Testing Agreement form is included in the Notification of Academic Accommodations email to the instructor.

9. If a student has books in an alternate format for an accommodation, what are my responsibilities to the student?

If the textbook is available for purchase, then the student will work with the Technology Specialist to obtain an accessible copy.  Students must request each textbook and provide proof of purchase before receiving an alternative format.  If you require students to read supplemental material that is not in the required textbook, advise the student to contact OARS to request for the materials to be reformatted.   

10. If a student has extended time on tests, does this apply to quizzes as well?

Yes.  However, quizzes, particularly “pop quizzes”, can be difficult to assure the student receives their accommodation.  Please contact OARS and we can assist you in creating a plan of action.  

11. If a student has the accommodation for “Reader Assistive Technology” for exams, what is my responsibility to the student?

Students who utilize reading software for exams must take their exams in the OARS Testing Center in order to utilize reader software for exams. OARS requires students to provide three business days’ advance notice for exam/quiz accommodations (six business dates for midterm/final accommodations) to allow OARS time to contact faculty to obtain a copy of the exam, reformat it if necessary, and have it ready for the student to take in the testing center.

12. Do I have to allow students to use laptops or other electronic devices in the classroom for note-taking purposes?

Yes. Students with various disabilities may have functional limitations that inhibit their ability to take detailed, beneficial, constructive notes during lectures.  Students may utilize assistive technologies to record lectures, incorporate any class handout or other materials, as well as their own notes they take during class if they have approved accommodations. Examples of assistive technology programs and devices include, but are not limited to; Sonocent, Glean, One Note, Voice Dream, and Transcribe Live. 

You should require students to meet with you to discuss the implementation of their accommodations before allowing the use of electronic note-taking technology in the classroom. Students are NOT permitted to share the lectures, recordings, or files with anyone.  Students who receive note-taking assistance and use of a computer for lecture notes as accommodations are required to sign a copy of the Recording Lecture Agreement form through their COMPASS Portal. 

13. What does it mean if a student has ‘consideration for absences’ as an accommodation?

Some students with disabilities may receive consideration for absences as an approved accommodation.  Students with this accommodation have provided documentation substantiating their medical condition and how it may sporadically interrupt their ability to participate in daily activities.  Students must meet with faculty and complete the Consideration for Absences Course Agreement Plan and submit it to OARS within two weeks of signature.  Students are still responsible for all information missed and assignments due.  There may be some class activities such as labs, presentations, etc. that cannot be replicated and will need to be addressed on a case–by–case basis.    

14. Can I allow students to use exam accommodations in the classroom, or can students only use exam accommodations in the OARS office?

Yes! If students only require testing accommodations that you can provide such as extended time, a distraction-reduced environment, a computer for essay exams, etc., you are able to host students using their testing accommodations. However, if students require accommodation such as reader software, it will be necessary for them to utilize the technology resources in the OARS Testing Center. OARS is always available to host students taking exams with accommodations during regular business hours (8:00 am – 5:00 pm). Students must log in to their COMPASS Portal and schedule an exam at least 3 business days before the exam/quiz date, at least 6 business days before the midterm/final date.