Student Accommodations Services

Resources for Faculty & Staff

Proctoring Requests

OU-Health Campus (OKC) Proctoring

Proctoring needs on the OU Health Sciences Campus in Oklahoma City are facilitated by the Bird Library. Please visit the Bird Library's Exam Proctoring website for more information.

Please email questions to SAS-HealthSciences@ou.edu

Proctoring Hours
8 AM - 5 PM | Monday - Friday

Advance Notice for Requests
Five University business days' (one-week) notice in advance of the exam date is requested for all OU-Health Sciences (OKC) SAS proctoring needs.

Confirmations
Confirmation emails will be sent to the faculty/staff member submitting the request form.

If SAS cannot accommodate the exam date/time, you will be notified as soon as possible.

Modifications to a Previous Request
Please see the instructions from Bird Library to make any modifications to a previously submitted request form.

OU-Tulsa Proctoring

OU-Tulsa Student Accommodation Services offers exam proctoring for students with SAS-approved testing accommodations and modifications. Please submit an OU-Tulsa Exam Proctoring Request Form to schedule proctoring at OU-Tulsa.

Please email Questions to Tulsa-SAS@ou.edu

Proctoring Hours
8 AM - 5 PM | Monday - Friday

Advance Notice for Requests
Two business days' notice is requested for all SAS-Tulsa proctoring needs.

Confirmations
Confirmation emails will be sent to the faculty/staff member submitting the request form.

If SAS cannot accommodate the exam date/time, you will be notified as soon as possible.

Modifications to a Previous Request
Please email us to make any modifications to a previously submitted request form.

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Definitions of Accommodations

Common Accommodations or Modifications

Accessible Educational Materials

  • All educational materials for the student should be provided in an accessible format.
  • When possible, handouts and slide presentations should be provided to the student before class time so the student may read ahead and fully participate in class.

Accessible Electronic Textbooks

  • Please provide an accessible electronic version of any required textbooks. 
  • SAS and the ADRC will work together to provide accessible versions of textbooks, when requested by the student. 

Adjustable Desk

  • Instructors should work with their department to provide an adjustable desk for the student’s use during class.

Announcement to Class Regarding Allergy

  • The student should discuss their needs regarding the announcement with their instructor in advance, privately. 
  • It is important that instructors do not disclose the name of the student when making the announcement.

Arrive Late to or Leave Early from Class

  • The student may need to arrive a few minutes late or leave a few minutes (approximately 5 to 10 minutes) early to accommodate travel between classes. 
  • Their attendance or participation grade for the class period should not be impacted.

Audio Record Lectures

  • The student is responsible for using their own personal device to record class content.
  • Any recorded information is for the student’s personal use only and will be deleted when no longer needed.

Calculator for Math-Based Exams

  • The student may use a basic 4-function calculator on any math-based exam.

Captioning on Video Content

  • Any video content which is required for the student’s course(s) must have accurate captioning/subtitling.

Enlarged Font on Printed Materials

  • Font sizes on any printed exams, quizzes, or other class materials/handouts should be provided to the student in a font size (ex: 18 px, 20 px, 22 px. etc.) pre-specified by the student.

Exams/Quizzes - Reduced Distraction Environment

  • The student may require testing in a reduced-distraction environment.
  • Generally, SAS, and Bird Library in OKC, can accommodate students for proctoring  during normal business hours, or instructors may work with the student to create a reduced distraction environment in another location on campus or at alternate sites.   

Exams/Quizzes - Extended Time

  • Please extend the student’s exam time by the specified amount.  
  • If a time is not otherwise specified, the extended time to be granted is 50% additional time.

Exams/Quizzes - Extended Time and Stop Out Time

  • Please extend the student’s exam time by 50%, and
  • Stop-Out Time is the ability to take brief, 5–10-minute, breaks from the exam to manage their disability without losing exam time (i.e., pause the clock).
    • The student is expected to remain within range of the proctor and is not permitted access to their belongings during these breaks. 
    • If the exam is taken online and it is not possible to pause the student’s exam clock so that they may utilize their Stop-Out Time, please extend the student’s exam time by an additional 50%, for a total of 200% the standard time length (double time). 

Flexibility in Attendance

  • The student may occasionally miss class due to their disability. 
    • The student must communicate their need for an accommodated absence as soon as they are able to by emailing their instructor and copying the Academic Resource Coordinator.
    • The student is not required to provide any additional disability-related information. Instructors should not penalize the student for any disability-related absences. 
    • Arrangements should be made between the instructor and student regarding any assignments or exams that are missed due to the absence.
    • For classes being given remotely, as an alternative to missing class, the student may utilize this accommodation by attending class with their camera off. In this instance, instructors should not call on the student or penalize them for lack of participation.

Food/Drink in Class

  • The student has permission to bring food and/or drink into class.
  • Instructors may have additional requirements for the student such as keeping food/drink in a sealed container or stepping away from any workspaces/lab tables/etc. to eat and/or drink.

In-Class Materials in Advance

  • When possible, instructors should provide any materials used in class (handouts, PowerPoints, slide presentations, etc.) to the student at least 24 hours prior to class time so the student may read ahead and fully participate in class.   

Occasional Assignment Extensions

  • The student is responsible for meeting course deadlines, but may need a 24–48-hour extension due to their disability. 
    • The student and instructor should discuss any necessary deadline modifications for assignments or projects, ideally before the due date, when feasible.
    • Exams and Quizzes are not covered by this accommodation. 
    • When utilizing an extension, the formal request should be made via email to the faculty, and the SAS Academic Resource Coordinator should be copied on the email.

Service Animal in Class/Clinical Spaces

  • An individual’s right to use service dogs is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
  • A service animal must be individually trained to complete specific tasks. 
  • A service dog may accompany their handler to any building or facility where the public and program participants are allowed and are therefore allowed in OU classrooms and field placement sites. 
  • An accommodation from Student Accommodation Services is not required for students to have a Service Animal in campus spaces. Please contact us with any questions or support. 

Short Breaks in Class

  • The student may need to leave class for a brief period of time. 
  • The student will do so while attempting to minimize disruption to the educational environment.   

Speech-To-Text (Dictation)

  • The student may use dictation software for exams/quizzes or assignments.

Text-To-Speech (Screen Reader)

  • Please ensure all educational materials, including exams, are accessible for a screen-reader.

Use of Stool for Lab Courses or Clinicals

  • Instructors or clinical coordinators should provide a stool or chair for the student and allow them to participate while seated when standing for extended periods of time is otherwise expected.

Other Accommodations

Depending on a student's individual needs and documented disabilities or temporary medical conditions, additional accommodations or modifications may be approved. If instructors or clinical site coordinators have questions or concerns about any accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact Student Accommodations Services via email or by calling 405-271-5557, ext. 40220.

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Faculty Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does "reasonable accommodation" mean?

  • The University of Oklahoma will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship, alter the fundamental nature of the program, or impose excessive financial or administrative burdens. 
  • Accommodations are determined by Student Accommodation Services (SAS) and based on appropriate documentation, the Academic Resource Coordinator’s expertise, and an interactive discussion with the student.
  • Reasonable accommodations are not privileges, but necessary to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.

What's the difference between an accommodation and a modification?

  • Accommodations are adjustments that provide equal access for students with disabilities and are protected under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
  • Modifications are temporary support adjustments for students with short-term medical conditions (e.g. a broken arm) or are responsive to a student's temporary pregnancy status, as protected under Title IX.

How does SAS determine student eligibility for accommodations?

    • Eligibility for accommodations is determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the student’s self-report, past accommodations, provided documentation, and the expertise of SAS staff leading the interactive intake appointment with the student.

What do I do if a student isn't registered and is asking for accommodations?

  • Please refer the student to the Academic Resource Coordinator (ARC) on their respective campus to begin the initial registration process.

What if a student wants accommodations before they have completed the registgration process with SAS or instead of registering with SAS?

  • No arrangements, promises, or other manifestations of individual accommodation should be made by any University employee (faculty, staff, administrative) prior to official notice of accommodations or modifications have been distributed by Student Accommodation Services (SAS). 
  • Only those accommodations/modifications authorized by SAS should be implemented. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.

Why am I receiving notice of a student's reasonable accommodations in the middle of the semester?

  • Though students are encouraged to initially register or request a renewal of their accommodations prior to the start of a semester, they are permitted to request them at any time during the semester.
  • Late accommodation requests can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the student only recently completed the initial registration process with SAS, the student wanted to try a class without accommodations but then changed their mind, or the student forgot.
  • Regardless of the timing or the reasoning, accommodations/modifications are not official until the communication from SAS is distributed to the student's college representatives.

Why did I receive an updated memo for a student?

  • Students may request for SAS adjust their accommodations during the semester to better support their needs. They can request additional accommodations at any time to ensure equal access to educational opportunities. When students are approved for new accommodations by SAS, you will receive an updated memo by our team that highlights the newly-approved accommodations and provides an effective date. These newly added/approved accommodations should not be applied retroactively.

When are students with testing accommodations expected to take their exams at SAS testing locations?

  • Generally, students are expected to take their exam at the same time as the rest of the class or as close to that time as possible.
  • If a student has another class immediately after your exam, the faculty should start the proctored exam earlier or schedule their exam at another mutually agreed upon time.
  • Evening courses and exams should allow students with exam accommodations an alternate exam time when SAS proctoring is available or instructors may work with the students and department staff to create a reduced distraction environment at another location on campus.

What are my responsibilities concerning confidentiality?

  • SAS takes student confidentiality very seriously and adheres strictly to the confidentiality guidelines as set forth by FERPA.  Below are general guidelines for following FERPA in the classroom:
    • Students registered with SAS should not be identified to others in the course. To maintain confidentiality, please avoid sending group emails about accommodations or SAS registration. Instead, contact students individually or include a general statement about SAS accommodations on your syllabus or course platform (e.g., Canvas).
    • Please refrain from sharing a student's disability-related information or registration with other faculty, staff, or students who do not have a need to know such information.  Please keep in mind that a student's registration with SAS is confirmation that a disability is present; the accommodation memorandum sent to faculty at the beginning of each semester does not include the nature of the disability, it does confirm a student’s registration with SAS and as such is to be kept confidential. 
    • Students are not required to disclose their diagnosis or diagnoses to faculty and should never be asked to do so.
    • SAS firmly believes in and encourages students to self-advocate. However, if you have questions regarding a student's accommodations, please contact SAS.
    • If an accommodation discussion is necessary, faculty should identify a time and place which is both private and safe for the student to discuss their accommodations.

What if I believe a recommended accommodation may be a fundamental alteration?

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Information Resources

Located on the OU-Health Sciences campus in Oklahoma City, the Center for Learning and Leadership, Oklahoma’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (CLL|UCEDD) is a resource for all OU faculty, staff, and students who are interested in evidence-based best-practice supports and services for individuals with disabilities. To learn more visit the Center for Learning and Leadership website. 

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1106 N Stonewall Avenue, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, OK 73117

Monday - Friday
8AM - 5PM

(405) 271-2416 ext. 40220
SAS-HealthSciences@ou.edu