Exam Accommodations

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If your exam is in person, you should schedule it with SLDS Exam Services. In some cases, your instructor may provide accommodations directly. Exams may be taken:

• On the scheduled exam day, or
• Up to 2 business days after, based on the Course Instruction Template (CIT)
  • The Course Instruction Template (CIT) is completed by your instructor and outlines exam dates, expectations, and proctoring instructions. 

Students submit all scheduling requests through AIM after sending their Course Accessibility Letters.

• Log into AIM and select 'Alternative Testing' under My Accommodations.
• Select your class and choose 'Schedule an Exam'.
• Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Complete all required fields and submit your request.
• You will receive an email confirming approval or next steps. 

• It is important to schedule exams as early as possible to ensure availability.
• Quizzes/exams during weeks 1-2 should be scheduled as soon as possible.
• Quizzes/exams during week two and after (not including finals week) must be scheduled at least seven (7) days in advance. Finals Week deadlines are firm and will be announced at the beginning of the semester (e.g., Spring 2026 deadline is April 1, 2026 at 11:55 PM). 

Requests submitted after the deadlines above are considered late.

• When placing a late request, you must acknowledge the late policy and provide a reason in AIM.
• Late requests are reviewed by Exam Services staff and cannot be guaranteed approval.
• Decisions are final and cannot be overridden by instructor approval. 

• Go to 'Alternative Testing' and locate your Upcoming Exams.
• Select 'View' to modify or cancel.
• For same-day changes, please call the office at (614) 292-3307. 

Rescheduling requests depend on availability and instructor approval.

• Instructor approval is typically required.
• Same-day requests depend on availability.
• Next-day requests must be submitted before 12:00 PM. 

The following policies apply to all exam scheduling requests:

• Requests submitted after deadlines are considered late.
• Requests submitted after 12:00pm for the next business day will be denied.
• Same-day requests are not accepted. Non-finals exams may be scheduled within a 3-day window (exam day plus two business days). 

Finals week follows stricter scheduling requirements.

• The 3-day testing window does not apply.
• Exams must follow the CIT unless instructor permission is provided.
• Final exam schedules are confirmed at least two weeks in advance.
• Students should remain available for the entire finals week period.
• Makeups typically occur the next business day after finals week. 

• You must acknowledge that the CIT is not yet complete.
• Your request will remain in processing until the CIT is submitted.
• A seat is not reserved until the CIT is completed.
• It is your responsibility to follow up with your instructor or Access Specialist if needed. 

You cannot test with SLDS until the CIT is completed, even if your request was submitted on time.  

• Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
• Students arriving later than scheduled exam start time may need to use remaining time or reschedule.
• Bring a valid photo ID (BuckID or driver's license).
• Bring all required testing materials; availability of supplies is not guaranteed.
• Unauthorized materials are not allowed unless approved as an accommodation.
• Phones must be silenced and stored during testing.
• All students must sign an Academic Integrity Agreement.
• Exams are monitored and suspected misconduct will be reported.
• Snacks and drinks are permitted; full meals are not.
• Exam start time begins at check in. Breaks do not pause your time.
• You may not leave the testing area unless approved by Exam Services staff and all testing materials must remain in your testing space.
• Report any concerns/issues to Exam Services staff immediately. 

• Work directly with your instructor to apply accommodations.
• Confirm time limits and availability settings in Carmen before starting.
• Please contact your Access Specialist if you are unable to resolve issues with your instructor. 

See above "How to Schedule Exams in AIM."

Students may schedule exams within a 3-day testing window (the class exam day plus two business days). Due to proctoring demand, faculty are expected to allow flexibility in scheduling.

Some departments do not permit students to begin exams prior to the class exam time. Be sure to review departmental policies.

Yes. To reschedule, submit a request through AIM or contact Exam Services at slds-exam@osu.edu.

Some instructors allow rescheduling without additional permission as long as the exam remains within the 3-day testing window. If permission is required, Exam Services will communicate next steps via email.

A Course Instruction Template (CIT) is a series of questions that provides SLDS Exam Services with the information necessary to proctor your accommodated assessments. CITs must be completed at the beginning of each semester, once per course and section, when accommodated exams apply. CITs should not be completed for:

• Courses without exams   
• Exams designed to be taken at home   
• Exams proctored within the department

You may still submit scheduling requests with SLDS Exam Services; however, a seat will not be reserved, and you will not be able to test until the CIT is completed. You should first attempt to contact your instructor. If you are unable to connect with them, contact your Access Specialist for assistance and next steps.

Due to the high volume of exams during finals week, SLDS operates on a block scheduling system:·      

• Exams 3 hours or less: 8:00am, 11:00am, 2:00pm, or 5:00pm.   
• Exams longer than 3 hours: 8:30am, 12:30pm, or 4:30pm.

If your instructor has concerns about exam integrity, you should schedule the block closest to the class exam time. Instructors may also provide an alternate version of the exam. If an instructor does not permit a different exam time, they may:     

• Administer the exam themselves with accommodations, or     
• Arrange proctoring through the OSU Testing Center on Lane Avenue

If you are running late, notify Exam Services as soon as possible by calling 614-292-3307 or emailing slds-exam@osu.edu.

If this happens before your exam, contact your instructor regarding rescheduling. If you do not receive a response before your scheduled exam time, contact Exam Services and ask to speak with an Access Specialist.

If this happens during your exam, notify Exam Services staff immediately so an Access Specialist can be consulted. You may choose to resume the exam or discuss rescheduling, depending on your situation.

For procedural questions, ask an Exam Services staff member. For content-related questions, staff will attempt to contact your instructor by phone or email. If immediate contact is not possible, you may continue your exam. If the instructor does not respond, you may submit a comment form detailing your concerns. This form will be sent to the instructor with your completed exam.

Notify an Exam Services staff member if you are not receiving your approved accommodations or feel you would be more comfortable in a different testing space.

Yes. You will receive automated emails after submitting scheduling requests, determination notices (approval or rescheduling required), and reminder emails two days prior to your scheduled exam.