FAQ's for Faculty Regarding SAS Testing Services
Q. Why does Student Academic Services (SAS) have a testing room?
Q. Should I coordinate testing accommodations for my students?
Q. If a student submits a testing request from, am I required to let them use the SAS testing room?
Q. If I coordinate accommodations on my own, how do I calculate extended test time?
Q. When is the testing room available to students?
Q. How do I make arrangements for my students to take an exam in SAS?
Q. How do I get my exam to SAS?
Q. How will I get my exam back?
Q. Why do I need to schedule and deliver exams in advance?
Q. What other services does SAS provide to Students?
Q. Why does Student Academic Services (SAS) have a testing room?
A. The SAS testing room was established in 2007 as a resource to help faculty implement approved testing accommodations, including extended test time, testing in distraction reduced location, and use of a computer. Once a student is deemed eligible for accommodation by the Coordinator for Student Access Services, it is Skidmore’s legal responsibility to ensure that accommodations are provided in a manner that is timely and efficient and that minimizes additional steps or processes. The testing room is designed to provide faculty and SAS with a tool for achieving this mandate.
Q. Should I coordinate testing accommodations for my students?
A. Yes. Skidmore recognizes a shared model of accessibility services, and faculty are strongly encouraged to provide accommodations directly to students, particularly those who are eligible only for extended test time. It is extremely important, however, that accommodations are coordinated appropriately, and the Coordinator of Student Access Services is available to consult with faculty regarding implementation methods as needed.
Q. If a student submits a testing request form, am I required to let them use the SAS testing room?
A. No. If you have the ability to appropriately implement testing accommodations on your own, you are encouraged to do so. SAS testing services are meant to provide faculty with support when they are unable to do so themselves. This typically applies to students who require a distraction reduced location or some type of assistive technology. If a student submits a request and you are able to make appropriate arrangements, please contact them and let them know to work with you directly.
Q. If I coordinate accommodations on my own, how do I calculate extended test time?
A. Students are generally approved for 50% additional test time, though in some cases they are approved for 100% additional time. The amount of extended test time will be described in the accommodation letters students provide to faculty.
From a compliance perspective, test time for students with disabilities should extend beyond the amount of time non-disabled students are provided. That is, beyond the time when non-disabled students are dismissed from a test session. Faculty should proactively consider the amount of time they expect non-disabled students will need to complete an exam and calculate extensions based on that amount of time. Importantly, faculty should articulate a cut-off time for non-disabled students and allow those with extended time, which may or may not be based on disability, to remain in class until their allotted time is met.
Typically, faculty design exams to be completed within a class session. In these cases, the calculation would simply be based on an extension of the class period. In other cases, particularly during final exam week, faculty may design exams most students can be expected to complete within 1.5 hours, even though they have a 3-hour block. In these cases, faculty can implement an extension of up to 100% additional time without referring students to SAS.
Faculty are welcome to consult with SAS regarding specific test arrangements.
Q. When is the testing room available to students?
A. The testing room is available for student use Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Exceptions are made when a class falls outside of these hours. More information on the testing room procedures can be found at /accessibility/testing_room.php.
Q. How do I make arrangements for my students to take an exam in SAS?
A. While we encourage students to initiate the process, either students or faculty can complete an online exam request form. We ask that the form be submitted at least three days before a scheduled exam. The form will generate an email confirming the date and time of the scheduled exam to the pertinent students and faculty.
Q. How do I get my exam to SAS?
A. Exams can be sent to AIM link embedded in the email notification that your student has submitted a test request. Due to the volume of exams SAS administers, we request that exams be sent at least 24 hours before the scheduled test time. Please be sure to provide specific exam instructions when sending the exam to the SAS testing email address (i.e., regular exam length of time, if calculators and/or formula sheets are allowed, and any other specific exam instructions).
Q. How will I get my exam back?
A. Our student workers are happy to deliver exams to faculty offices. If a student finishes their exam after regular business hours, the exam will be delivered in the morning. Exams kept in SAS overnight are placed in a lockbox for safekeeping. If you prefer to have your exam delivered in a different way, please just let us know.
Q. Why do I need to schedule and deliver exams in advance?
A. Over time we have experienced steady and significant growth in the number of students eligible for testing accommodations and the number of faculty seeking support for implementing testing accommodations. Given the increase in volume and the limited number of spaces we have available in SAS, advance notice and exam delivery is important for maintaining the integrity of test material and appropriately preparing for exam administration.
Q. What other services does SAS provide to students?
A. SAS promotes high academic achievement and guides students to take full advantage of the wide variety of opportunities available at Skidmore, in the Saratoga Springs community, and beyond. SAS serves all Skidmore students interested in strengthening their academic performance or skills by organizing peer tutoring, drop-in tutoring, and by offering professional one-on-one and small group academic support. SAS collaborates with other campus offices and faculty to support Skidmore students, with specific responsibility to international students, English Language Learners (ELL), students of color, student-athletes, and students with disabilities.