Instructors share different approaches to accommodated testing at Purdue

Last updated: March 1, 2023

Everyone at Purdue University shares the responsibility of making our campus equitable and accessible for all Boilermakers. When it comes to accommodated testing, it is the responsibility of students to request accommodations, the responsibility of instructors to fulfill accommodations, and the Disability Resource Center (DRC) Testing Center’s responsibility to be a resource for both parties.

Last semester, the DRC Testing Center administered 6,800 exams, supporting instructors in nearly 1,000 courses. This semester, the demand for their services continues to grow. That’s why some instructors are exploring creative approaches to ensure exam accessibility inside and outside of the Testing Center.

Whether relying fully on the DRC Testing Center to proctor exams, using a hybrid approach with some students testing at the DRC Testing Center and some in off-shoot classrooms proctored by teaching assistants, or bringing on staff to oversee accommodations, the following interviews provide insight into the various ways departments across campus approach exam accessibility. 

 

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AYHAN IRFANOGLU, PROFESSOR AND ASSOCIATE HEAD OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, LYLES SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Q: How do you approach accommodations for exams? 

A: In my undergraduate and graduate courses, I encourage students to work with their DRC Access Consultant to get the accommodations they need to succeed. 

Our class exams usually start at 8 p.m., but the DRC Testing Center closes at 9 p.m. For this reason, I allow students with accommodations to take their exams the next day. 

Most of my students use the DRC Testing Center. For those who cannot schedule with the Testing Center for whatever reason, we typically reserve a classroom in Hampton Hall and have a teaching assistant proctor the exam.

 

Q: What are the benefits of this approach? 

A: I’m not an expert in student accommodations, so the DRC’s professional help is a great resource. I just provide the exam to the Testing Center, and they ensure students receive the accommodations they need.

 

Q: What has your experience been like with the Disability Resource Center?

A: I received an email a few weeks ago that said the DRC Testing Center administered over 6,000 exams last semester. Even though they’re that busy, their staff is always willing to help out and make sure students receive the right accommodations.

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ARSHAK PETROSYAN, PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS AND ASSOCIATE DEPARTMENT HEAD, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

Q: How do you approach accommodations for exams? 

A: The best-case scenario is that our instructors are able to lean on the DRC and its Testing Center for help with accommodations. However, this doesn’t always work for our department’s larger courses, some of which have upwards of 3,000 students. 

We worked out a plan with the DRC so that our Undergraduate Office can ease some of the strain on the Testing Center. We reserve rooms and provide proctors when the DRC Testing Center reaches capacity.

 

Q: What are the benefits of this approach? 

A: Using the DRC Testing Center while also having a backup plan through our Undergraduate Office works well. It ensures students and instructors always receive the support they need.

 

Q: What has your experience been like with the Disability Resource Center?

A: The staff of the DRC and its Testing Center want to make our campus more accessible. Whether it’s providing resources to students or working with departments to find the best approach to accommodated testing, they are always a huge help.

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MARYBETH MILLER, SENIOR INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST & MELISSA ROADRUCK, SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Q: How do you approach accommodations for exams? 

A: In our roles, we help instructors keep track of students’ various accommodations. When it comes time for exams, we reach out and remind students to schedule their exams at the DRC Testing Center.

For those who forget, we reserve a large classroom on the evening of an exam and provide a proctor to oversee accommodations.

 

Q: What are the benefits of this approach? 

A: Flexibility is our greatest asset with accommodations. Being able to tap into the DRC’s knowledge while having the autonomy to supplement accommodations within our department is the best of both worlds.

 

Q: What has your experience been like with the Disability Resource Center?

A: Our students know they can seek help and get the accommodations they need to be successful. We know the DRC staff will support our instructors and share their expertise. We’re grateful for all they do.

To learn more about the DRC and its Testing Center, please visit purdue.edu/drc.