03: Limitations to Accommodations

Accommodations which would create a fundamental alteration to a course may have limitations.

If faculty have questions or concerns regarding fundamental alterations, they should contact the Student Access and Resource Center (SAR Center) upon receipt of the “Faculty Notification Letter” email.

Accommodations are not retroactive

• This means that accommodations go into effect at the time in which they are approved.
• Situations prior to then are not covered by the accommodations and are up to faculty and departmental discretion as to how to handle them.

Calculator (basic 4-function)

Given the specific analysis for each course, it is entirely possible that the use of a calculator will be allowed for some exams but not allowed for others.

Course Substitutions

Certain courses may not be substituted within a specific major. Examples may include but are not limited to:

• Math and Science courses may not be substituted for any STEM major.
• If the course is required for that specific major, it may not be substituted.

Memory Aid

The Memory Aid accommodation should NOT:

• Include course notes, lists of specific facts, details, concepts, or processes being tested.
• Include complete terms and definitions.
• Include specific examples of how formulas are used
• Exceed one page (single sided).
• Include open textbooks.
• Serve as a substitute for studying (a cue sheet will not help if a student has not studied the material).

Spelling/Spell Check/Dictionary

Correct spelling is expected of all students at the university level.

• For students who have a documented learning disability that impacts spelling, using a spelling aid may be a reasonable accommodation for in-course assignments and in-course exams.
• Typical accommodations have included spell-check devices, access to spell check in Microsoft Word, or not penalizing a student for spelling errors.
• The academic decision of whether or not spelling is essential to the course is typically the prerogative of the faculty and/or academic unit involved.

Use of Assistive Device for Notetaking Purpose

This may include but is not limited to typing notes, recording the lecture, taking pictures of the board, and using transcribing tools.

Genio

Genio is a notetaking app which SAR can provide for students if they are eligible.

• With Genio, students can audio record their lectures, which enables them to focus on what they are hearing during the lecture, flag what the faculty identifies as important, and then come back to their recording to create effective notes.
• Students can also import slides and images that connect to their audio recording to create multi-media study resources.
• Genio Resources