1. Instructional Access Accommodations
Access to Food and Drink
Students whose disability requires access to food or beverages during class may bring their own food and drinks. In instructional environments where food or beverages are prohibited due to health or safety requirements (e.g., sterile laboratories), the student should work with the instructor to identify an equally effective accommodation that maintains the essential safety requirements of the course.
Breaks During Lecture and Laboratory Courses
Students may need to briefly leave class or a laboratory session for a disability-related reason. Students should do so as discreetly as possible to minimize disruption to the learning environment. This accommodation applies only to the individual student and does not require breaks for the entire class.
For synchronous online courses, students should remain engaged in the course to the greatest extent possible. If a disability-related break requires the student to step away briefly, they should notify the instructor when feasible and return promptly.
Preferential Seating
Students approved for preferential seating may choose or be assigned seating that best addresses the functional limitations associated with their disability, such as seating near the instructor, away from distractions, near an exit, or in another location that provides equal access to instruction.
Note-Taking Assistance
Students approved for note-taking assistance may use technology such as a laptop, tablet, smart pen, or audio recording device to capture lecture content for their personal educational use. Students may also use approved transcription or translation software when appropriate. We recommend NV Access (NV Access | Download NVDA ). Recordings and notes may not be shared, distributed, or used for purposes other than the student's individual educational needs.
Assistive Listening Devices
Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may use assistive listening devices, such as personal FM systems, to improve access to classroom instruction. Faculty may be required to wear a microphone or transmitter during lectures to ensure the device functions effectively.
2. Instructional Materials & Accessibility
Alternative Format
Students who require textbooks or course materials in an accessible electronic format must submit a request through the Disability Resource Portal. Student Services will coordinate the conversion and delivery of eligible materials in an accessible format. Faculty are responsible for ensuring that all electronically posted course materials are accessible and compatible with screen-reading technology whenever possible.
Course Materials in an Alternative Format
Students with a print disability may receive course materials in an accessible electronic format compatible with assistive technology. Materials containing images, graphs, charts, or other visual content should include appropriate alternative text (Alt Text) whenever feasible to ensure equitable access.
Enlarged Print
Students approved for enlarged print may receive printed examinations, handouts, and instructional materials in an enlarged font. The student is responsible for notifying Student Services of the font size needed to ensure effective access.
Screen Reader
Students approved for this accommodation may use approved text-to-speech or screen-reading software to access digital examination content and other instructional materials. Student Services will assist with setting this up. The software may read text aloud but may not provide definitions, explanations, or other forms of academic assistance unless separately approved.
3. Testing and Assessment Accommodations
Extended Time for Tests, Exams, and Quizzes (1.5×)
Students approved for this accommodation will receive time and one-half (150%) of the standard testing time on timed quizzes, examinations, and other timed assessments.
Extended Time for Tests, Exams, and Quizzes (2×)
Students approved for this accommodation will receive double (200%) the standard testing time on timed quizzes, examinations, and other timed assessments.
Reduced-Distraction Testing Environment
Students approved for this accommodation will complete quizzes and examinations in a testing environment with minimal visual and auditory distractions. This accommodation does not require a private room and may be provided in a shared testing space with a limited number of other students.
Breaks During Timed and Proctored Assessments, including Bathroom Breaks
Breaks during timed and proctored assessments must be completed in person at the Library or another University-approved testing site. It is the student's responsibility to schedule their tests in the LRC or locate and coordinate with a testing center and their instructors.
Breaks are provided only when the standard exam time (prior to extended time) is 60 minutes or longer. Students are permitted one 5-minute break, which may be taken at any time during the exam and is added to their total time. The exam clock does not stop during the break. Students may stand, stretch, or use the restroom but may not access electronic devices, notes, personal belongings, or communicate with others.
Live Reader
Students approved for this accommodation may have a trained human reader read exam questions aloud during assessments. The reader may not interpret, explain, or assist with answering questions.
Simple Four-Function Calculator
Students approved for this accommodation may use a basic four-function calculator (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division only). Programmable, graphing, scientific, or internet-enabled calculators are not permitted unless specifically authorized.
Earplugs
Students approved for this accommodation may use non-electronic foam earplugs or approved noise-reducing headphones during examinations. Devices must not have Bluetooth or communication capabilities.
Mobile Medical Devices During Assessments
Students may use approved medical devices, including mobile applications required for medical monitoring or condition management, during assessments when authorized as an accommodation.
Use of mobile devices for non-medical purposes is strictly prohibited.
Students must notify their instructor or testing center in advance if such a device will be used.
Head Coverings for Religious Purposes
The University recognizes and respects religious head coverings.
If verification of testing integrity cannot reasonably be completed in an online proctored setting, students may:
- Schedule a live proctored exam session, or
- Complete the exam at an approved testing site.
Students are responsible for coordinating arrangements in advance.
4. Testing Environment Procedures
Quiet or Separate Testing Environment
Students approved for this accommodation will take exams in a low-distraction environment. This may include a quiet room or a shared testing space with limited occupancy designed to minimize interruptions.
5. Health-Related Testing Accommodations
Eating During Examinations
Students approved for this accommodation may consume a small, non-disruptive snack during examinations when medically necessary. Snacks must not disrupt the testing environment or compromise exam integrity.
Drinking Water During Examinations
Students approved for this accommodation may have access to water during examinations. Water must be in a spill-proof, transparent container and used in a manner that does not disrupt the testing environment.
6. Attendance and Participation Accommodations
Excused Absences
Each academic program maintains a standardized process for excused absences. Programs may limit the number of absences due to instructional time requirements and accreditation standards.
Students must follow their program’s excused absence process and comply with attendance policies. Requests are considered for a variety of circumstances, and faculty will work with students within program guidelines.
Observance of Legally Recognized Holidays
Students are entitled to excused absences for legally recognized holidays occurring on scheduled instructional days. This applies only to the date of the holiday and does not extend to adjacent days unless otherwise required by policy or law.
7. Academic Flexibility Accommodations
Extensions on Assignments
Each academic program provides a process for students to request short-term assignment extensions, typically 24–48 hours depending on course structure.
Students should contact their instructor to learn the process. Faculty will review requests based on course requirements and learning objectives.
8. Important Academic Integrity Statement
Mobile Devices During Assessments (General Use)
The use of mobile devices for non-approved purposes during exams or quizzes is strictly prohibited, including searching for answers, using AI tools, or accessing course materials.
Violations may result in disciplinary action under the University’s Academic Integrity Policy.