Accommodated Testing - SMU (Southern Methodist University)

Exams can be designed in ways that are flexible and rarely require accommodations, while others exams create barriers. Testing accommodations can happen in a variety of ways. Due in part to the way most courses are set up at SMU, testing accommodations may be different from what students have experienced at other schools or expect as a student new to the accommodation process.

Accessible tests in the classroom or online

Many instructors design exams in ways that reduce barriers or they make arrangements to provide the necessary accommodations themselves. As a result, you may find that the accommodations you've used in the past for some courses are not necessary.

Examples

Exams designed to be completed in a portion of the class time however the entire class period is available to complete the exam (extra time is built in for all students).
Online exams modified to include the extended time.
Take-home exams, papers or projects.
Having technology, like a computer, available during exams.
Allowing notes or other materials during the exam.

Why testing in the classroom is often better for the student?

You may be able to ask questions during the exam.
Receive information from the instructor for any clarifications.
Don't have to go to a different location.
Don't have to find an alternative time to take the exam.

Students requesting services and accommodations must apply via Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS).To apply for accommodations, SMU students complete and submit an online Accommodation Request Form along with supporting documentation to determine eligibility for services.

Learn more about the accommodations and how to apply on the DASS website.

An SMU students testing accommodation must be approved by a DASS Team Member.

After their testing accommodation is approved, students must apply and be approved for a Semester Request to use your accommodations for a specific course(s). Your instructor(s) will be notified of your desire to use your Testing Accommodations.

Students can schedule tests to be proctored by the University Testing Center.

Go to the DASS Link log-in page and enter your SMU student ID and password just like when you log in to my.SMU.
Select Test Proctoring from the menu on the left.
- NOTE: If Test Proctoring isn't listed in the menu, then you haven't activated testing accommodations in any of your classes. You must request your Accommodation Letters be sent to your instructor(s) before you can schedule a test with DASS. See receive approvals above for more information.
On the Alternative Testing Rooms page, click the New Booking Request button.
From the drop-down menu, select the course that the test is in.
Enter the date of the test in Date Range, and the time of the test in Time Range.
Indicate if the test is a Final Exam. If so, when you click yes to indicate that the test is a Final Exam, a list of final exam testing rooms and times will dropdown for you to select.
From the Building drop-down menu, select Clements Hall.
From the Room(s) menu, select the appropriate testing room (e.g., computer or paper-testing room). Note, you may need to scroll down to see all of the options.
If testing room seats are available at that time and date, they will appear on the right side of the page. Select one. Note that tests must be booked at least 7 days in advance so you will only see options for 7 days in the future and beyond.
A window will open where you will enter a few more details.
- When you confirm your test room booking request, you can deselect any accommodations you do not want to use for the exam. If you have an accommodation which is not available in the University Testing Center, it will display as unavailable and cannot be selected. If you have one of the listed Time-intensive Testing Accommodations AND you plan to use it/them on this test, please don't forget to check the box(es). This option may require you to take your test with DASS in the Loyd All-Sports Complex.
- Name the test under Name of Test. For example, CHEM 1303-03 exam 3.
- Add special instructions or considerations to Notes.
Review the request and click Submit.