Academic Accommodations

Testing accommodations are changes to the regular testing environment and auxiliary aids and services that allow individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their true aptitude or achievement level on standardized exams or other final testing.

Testing Accommodation Guidelines:

• The student must submit their Semester Request form each semester.
• The student must meet with each instructor at the beginning of the semester to discuss academic accommodations in the course, including appropriate testing accommodations.
• If the instructor is unable to provide testing accommodations, the student must submit a Test Request Form five (5) business days prior to the scheduled test date. The Semester Accommodation Request Form and the Test Request Form are available in MyUWF by searching for "SAR Accommodate - Student Portal."
• Exams are administered at SAR during the scheduled class time unless prior notification of a different date/time is approved by the instructor. Depending on the availability of SAR space, make-up exams can be facilitated only during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• If a student is going to be late, the student must inform the SAR office in advance. If a student is more than 20 minutes late, the exam will be returned to the instructor. Testing time will not be adjusted if the student is late.
• Only approved items will be allowed in the testing room. Students are required to bring their own writing utensils and paper.
• Any student suspected of cheating will be required to stop testing. The exam and other materials will be collected by the SAR staff, and the instructor will be notified immediately.
• Communication with other students, leaving the testing space, and frequent bathroom breaks are prohibited.

Note taking services can assist SAR registered students in recording and organizing information presented during a live lecture. It is not intended to substitute for the student's class attendance or participation.

Note Taking Guidelines:

• Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis and to take notes to the best of their ability. If SAR is informed by an instructor or note-taker that a student has not attended class, the student will be contacted regarding class absences. Services to students who accumulate three notices will be suspended pending a meeting with the SAR Associate Director.
• Notes are for students' use only. They are not to be duplicated and distributed to others. If SAR is informed that the student has distributed copies of his or her notes, the student will be given one written warning. If the student continues to distribute notes after the warning, services will be suspended pending a meeting with the Associate Director.
• Students should not ask the note taker for additional services such as tutoring. If note takers inform SAR that additional services have been requested from them, a meeting with the student will be requested to reassess accommodations and make appropriate referrals.
• Students should notify SAR immediately when the student has determined that note taking services are not needed for a particular course or if the student has withdrawn from a course for which notes were requested. Failure to notify SAR can result in suspension pending a meeting with the Director.

Interpreting services function as a verbal form of translation that is facilitated by a professional interpreter. Interpretation services are used to translate speeches, presentations, conversations, and other spoken languages into the native or preferred language of a given audience.

Interpretive Service Guidelines:

Missing classes without notifying the SAR staff constitutes a financial burden to the University and will result in the suspension of interpreter services. Students who accumulate three (3) or more non-emergency no-shows during a given semester will have services suspended for all classes pending a meeting with the Associate Director to discuss circumstances surrounding the absences. Extenuating circumstances and individual issues will be discussed, and the Associate Director will make the final determination for suspension of services and/or reinstatement. Failure to meet and discuss the absences with the Associate Director will result in an immediate suspension of services.

There are Assistve Technology and service options available for SAR registered students. Please meet with a SAR Staff member to determine the best resources for you.

Assistive Technology and Service Options available:

• Scribes: Scribes are available for testing. They will write down verbatim what is dictated to them.
• Readers: Readers are available to assist with reading exams.
• Enlarged text: Exams and class materials can be enlarged to accommodate specific vision impairments.
• Preferential seating: Preferential seating is available for qualified students with hearing impairment or psychological disorders.
• Digital/tape recorder: Digital/tape recorder is available for qualified students who need to record lectures to review at a later time.
• Reduced Course Load: Reduced course load of not less than nine (9) hours while maintaining a full time status

For additional information about specific accommodations, please contact the SAR at 850.474.2387.

Individuals enrolled in continuing education courses who need accommodations due to a disability can request them by completing the Continuing Education Accommodation Request Form.

Students with documented disabilities are eligible to request special status, which, if approved, would allow them to take a reduced course load of not less than nine (9) hours while maintaining full-time status, so long as the reduced course load does not affect the academic integrity of the program in which the student is enrolled. The University Financial Aid Office is responsible for determining the amount and type of financial aid received. The student must contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss how this accommodation might affect their financial aid status. It is recommended that students meet with a financial aid officer prior to withdrawing from any courses.