Chapter 5 - Alternative Testing

DAS Testing Services offers proctoring for registered DAS students taking in-person, on-campus courses. DAS can provide alternative testing accommodations for students at both the Corvallis and Cascades campuses. Please note that proctoring services for accommodated tests are available for Ecampus courses and implementation occurs outside of DAS.

Please select from the links below for more information about student/instructor responsibilities and locations and hours of operation for on-campus proctoring.

DAS Corvallis Testing Center Location and Hours of Operation

DAS Testing Center: Heckart Lodge, 3rd floor 

2900 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331 

Regular hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00am–10:00pm and Friday 8:00am–5:00pm 

  • Mon-Thurs: all tests must end by 9:30 pm. Depending on a student’s accommodations, the test may need to start earlier in the day to ensure the student is finished by closing time.
  • Friday: All tests must be completed by 4:30pm
  • Hours are subject to change based on space, staff availability, and when the last scheduled test ends. When there are no scheduled evening tests, the Testing Center may close at 5:00pm.

Finals week: Monday–Thursday 7:30am–11:00pm and Friday 7:30am–5:00pm 

  • Mon-Thurs: all tests must start no later than 8:00pm. Depending on a student’s accommodations, the test may need to start earlier to ensure the student is finished by closing time.
  • Friday: all tests must start by 12:00pm

Summer Term: Monday–Friday 8:00am–4:30pm 

Academic Integrity

The DAS Testing Center follows OSU’s Student Code of Conduct regarding disruptive behavior and academic dishonesty. This applies to all tests, including those administered by DAS.

DAS may stop a test if a violation occurs (e.g., use of unauthorized materials). All violations are reported to faculty and may also be referred to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards.

Examples of violations:

  • Possession of prohibited items
  • Exceeding time limits
  • Using unauthorized materials
  • Receiving from or giving test content to other students
  • Not following staff instructions

Refer to Academic Regulation 15 for more on academic misconduct.

Alternative Testing Accommodations

DAS provides reasonable accommodations for seated tests in on-campus courses. Accommodations are determined individually and may include:

Reduced Distraction Environment

A quieter space with minimal interruptions. May include tools like noise-canceling headphones or study carrels in a group space.

Extended Time

Applies only to timed, in-person tests —not take-home or multi-day assessments.

Accessible Formats

Tests may be converted to accessible Word, PDF, Braille, etc.

Computer Text to Speech (TTS)

Requires highlightable PDFs or Word docs to be used with text to speech features or screen readers. Canvas assignments support Ally or Immersive Reader; Canvas quizzes require Kurzweil’s “Read the Web.”

Computer Word Processor (CWP)

Students type responses using a computer.

Computer Speech to Text (CST)

Dictated speech is transcribed into text. Students must edit for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Reader

Reads test aloud without interpreting or explaining. Students guide tone and pace.

Scribe

Writes dictated responses verbatim. Students direct spelling, grammar, and corrections. For scantrons, students approve the final form before submission.

Clocks, ear plugs, noise-canceling headphones, Toobaloo, and DAS-approved music are available to all students upon request. These items are provided as a courtesy and are not considered an accommodation.

Spell Checker Accommodation

For students with documented spelling-related disabilities, reasonable accommodations may include:

  • Spell-check devices
  • Microsoft Word spell check
  • No penalty for spelling errors that are non-essential to subject matter vocabulary

Instructors may dispute accommodations if they compromise academic standards. Concerns should be directed to the DAS Advising Team —not handled independently by the instructor.

Process:

  • DAS notifies instructors of students who indicate they plan to utilize testing accommodations.
  • Instructors complete a Course Instruction Template for DAS-proctored tests.
  • For instructor-proctored or online-proctored tests, instructors must adjust settings to allow spelling aids.

Calculator policy   

Arithmetic Computation Accommodation

Students with documented disabilities affecting math computation or calculation may be eligible to use a simple calculator as a reasonable accommodation.

Test Settings:

  • DAS Testing Center: Instructor completes a Course Instruction Template, specifying calculator type.
  • Instructor/TA Proctored Tests: Instructor identifies and communicates approved calculator.
  • Online-proctored Tests: Instructor/TA adjusts security settings to allow calculator use.

Accommodations for Spelling

While correct spelling is expected of all students at the university level, for students with learning disability-related impacts linked to spelling, access to a spelling aid on tests and assignments may be a reasonable accommodation. 

The reasonableness of this accommodation is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the learning outcomes of a course as determined by the instructor and/or academic unit involved in consultation with DAS.

If an instructor has concerns that this accommodation is unreasonable, such concerns should be brought to the attention of DAS using the accommodation dispute process.

Please note: Given the specific analysis for each course, it is entirely possible that the use of a spelling aid may be allowed for some tests and not others.

A spelling accommodation may include use of a spellcheck device, access to Microsoft Word, access to a word list, or a lack of penalty for spelling errors.

If a spellcheck device, Microsoft Word, or a word list are utilized, students will be held to the same spelling standards as students without this accommodation. Spellcheck devices should not provide access to definitions, synonyms or antonyms.

Once access to this accommodation is approved and the student and instructor are notified by DAS, the following steps must be completed:

For tests proctored by the DAS Testing Center-

  1. Instructors must complete the responsibilities outlined in Chapter 5 Alternative Testing and clarify the appropriate spelling aid to be used.
  2. Students must request use of this accommodation when scheduling course tests in the DAS Student Portal.

For tests proctored by instructors or teaching assistants:

  1. Instructors or teaching assistants must identify the appropriate spelling aid to be used and provide this information to the student.

For Ecampus tests proctored using software:

  1. Instructors or teaching assistants must identify the appropriate spelling aid to be used and provide this information to the student.
  2. Instructors or teaching assistants must adjust online proctoring software security parameters to allow for use of a spelling aid.

Instructor Concerns

If an instructor believes the accommodation compromises academic standards or alters the course, they must contact DAS upon receiving the “Notification of Academic Accommodations.” The determination that an accommodation is unreasonable is an institutional decision that must meet legal and educational requirements. Instructors should not unilaterally render and attempt to implement a judgment that an accommodation is unreasonable.

Process

  1. DAS notifies instructors of student’s plan to utilize the accommodation.
  2. Instructors should contact DAS with concerns.
  3. Disputes follow the formal accommodation review process.

Memory Aid Guidelines

During proctored tests, students with documented disabilities affecting long-term memory retrieval may be approved to use a memory aid—a tool that prompts recall.

Students are responsible to:

  • Learn course material
  • Create their own aid
  • Obtain instructor approval prior to using the memory aid during a test

This accommodation appears in the “Notification of Academic Accommodations” as “Permission to bring and use a memory aid as pre-approved by the instructor.” It may be labeled as a Cue Sheet or Formula Sheet.

Instructor Concerns

The determination that an accommodation is unreasonable is an institutional decision that must be made within legal parameters and in consultation with DAS. Instructors should not unilaterally render and attempt to implement a judgment that an accommodation is unreasonable. Students should direct instructors who express concerns to their DAS adviser.

Memory Aid Format

Approved styles vary by instructor but typically include:

  • One side of an 8½” x 11” sheet or large index card
  • Typed or written in 10–12 pt font

Types:

  • Cue Sheet: Prompts like word banks, mnemonic devices, or images
  • Formula Sheet: Contains formulas only; allowed only when applying formulas is tested—not recalling them

Memory aids do NOT include:

  • Full notes, definitions, examples, or course slides
  • Lists of facts, concepts, or processes
  • Open notes or access to textbooks
  • More than one page

The instructor must review the memory aid 2 business days before a test and upon approval, upload it to the DAS Instructor Portal in Alternative Testing by selecting the box next to the name of the students' upcoming test request or emailing [email protected]. If the student does not receive their approved memory aid with the test, they need to inform the Testing Center immediately during the test.

DAS Testing Services: Student Responsibilities

  1. Complete the DAS Testing Services Policy and Procedures Agreement in your DAS Student Portal.
  2. Request accommodations each term through the portal.
  3. Schedule tests in the DAS Student Portal: Alternative Testing only if DAS is proctoring and a Course Instruction Template has been submitted.

When Scheduling Is Not Available

You cannot schedule tests in the DAS Student Portal if:

  1. Instructor is proctoring the test
    1. Contact your instructor at least one week before the test for location details.
  2. Instructor indicates there are no tests
    1. No scheduling is needed.
  3. Instructor has not completed a Course Instruction Template
    1. Contact DAS Testing Center to ensure instructor completes the template.

 Additional Guidelines

  • If you cannot schedule an exam, notify the DAS Testing Center promptly.
  • If you cannot take an test at the scheduled time due to a disability-related reason, contact DAS Testing Services.
  • After scheduling, check your confirmation email carefully for test time and location, or view the request in your DAS Student Portal under Alternative Testing.

Scheduling Tests with DAS

Students must submit DAS-proctored test requests by DAS deadlines and according to the course syllabus.

General Guidelines:

Tests are scheduled through the DAS Student Portal.

  • Schedule tests to match class time whenever possible.
  • Email [email protected] (Corvallis campus) for scheduling issues.
  • Submit requests early in the term:
    • Midterms/Quizzes: +/- 1 week in advance
    • Finals: +/- 2 weeks in advance

See Chapter 4 – Timely Requests for details.

  • Use the ‘Additional Note’ section in the request form to share special circumstances or instructions.
  • Note: DAS cannot guarantee specific testing spaces.

Late Requests

  • Submit late requests via DAS Student Portal.
  • Requests made 2–4 business days in advance may be approved based on availability.
  • Same-day requests are not accepted (requests after 4:00 PM for the next day count as same-day).
  • Frequent late/reschedule requests may require academic coaching with a DAS Adviser.

Modifying Requests

  • Students can modify test requests (e.g., date/time changes) through their DAS Student Portal before the scheduled test date.

Cancellations

Students must cancel DAS test requests in advance via their DAS Student Portal.

Reviewing DAS Testing Center Policies and Procedures 

Before the Test

  • DAS sends a reminder email to students and instructors 2 business days before each test with time and location details.
  • Read carefully—locations may change due to space or staffing

Check-In Procedures

  • Arrive ten minutes in advance of the scheduled testing start time; late arrivals will receive time remaining.
  • Bring a valid photo ID (student ID or driver’s license). If not available, DAS will take a photo and send it to the instructor for verification.
  • DAS proctor will review test instructions and allowed materials.
  • Only authorized items are allowed in the testing room. Personal items must be stored in the lobby lockers.

Prohibited Items:

  • Phones, smart/analog watches
  • Bags, wallets, purses
  • Unauthorized electronics
  • Hats/jackets (if removed, must be placed on chair or floor—not desk)

Food/Drink:

  • Allowed if non-disruptive. Only bottled water is allowed in computer testing rooms.

During the Test

  • Students cannot leave the testing center once the test begins.
  • Rooms and computers are monitored via staff, mirrors, and testing security software.
  • Tests end at the scheduled time—no extensions.
  • Students must track their own time; clocks available upon request. DAS may offer 15-minute warnings, but they are not guaranteed.
  • Breaks or restroom use do not add time to the exam.

Ending the Test

  • Proctor announces end of exam.
  • Completed tests are sealed in a DAS envelope, signed by the student, and delivered or emailed to the instructor.

Late Arrival

  • Students arriving late for a test forfeit the missed time; no extra time will be given. Parking issues, childcare, missed alarm, forgetting to print necessary approved items for the test or not checking the DAS Student Portal for confirmation are not a DAS Approved reasons for a late start.
  • If the student is traveling from a class that requires them to be there for part of the class before traveling to the Testing Center, students will be given their full time. Proctors will wait up to 15 minutes before marking the student as a "No Show."

No Show

  • If a student misses an exam, a “No Show” email is sent to both the student and instructor. To reschedule, the student must obtain written instructor permission, or a screenshot and forward it to: [email protected].

Rescheduling Tests Due to Illness or Other Reasons

Students must obtain written instructor permission via email or a screenshot and forward it to: [email protected] (Corvallis campus).

Instructor Responsibilities

Review & Respond to Accommodation Notifications

  • Review the Notification of Academic Accommodations email or check the DAS Instructor Portal.
  • Complete the Course Instruction Template within 2 business days.
  • One template per course section is sufficient and can be copied to other sections.

Complete a Course Instruction Template in your DAS Instructor Portal

Use the Instructor Portal to complete a Course Instruction Template within two business days of receiving the notification. The Course Instruction Template identifies who will proctor the exam/quiz, test location and necessary test instructions.

  • Instructors are not required to submit more than one Course Instruction Template per course section.
  • The Course Instruction Template submitted will automatically be applied to all eligible students in that course section and can be copied to multiple courses, sections, or terms by the instructor. The instructor should select Course Instruction Template, then select Copy Course Instruction Template and choose the course(s) you wish to copy the template to. 
  • You may designate an additional teacher of record for your course. Just choose Add Instructor in Red on the left-hand sidebar menu of your DAS Instructor Portal.
  • Once the Course Instruction Template has been completed, the prompt to fill out Test Dates and Times will be listed. You are encouraged to list all tests for your course here.

Proctoring Options in the Course Instruction Template

  • DAS Testing Center (Heckart Lodge, 3rd floor or overflow locations)
  • Instructor Location
    • Labs: No fee, e.g. cadaver lab
    • Other locations: Department may be charged (see OSU Fee Book)
  • Instructor Proctored
  • Must be a quiet, private space (e.g., office or reserved room). Distractions that need to be avoided include, but are not limited to: ringing telephones, conversations, rustling of chairs/papers, coughing, excessive movement, typing, traffic, etc.
  • Avoid noisy or high-traffic areas
  • Instructors should let students view the instructor-provided testing locations prior to taking an test to ensure the location meets the student testing accommodation needs.

While instructors may choose to set up alternative testing arrangements, students have the right to take tests at the DAS Testing Center if the testing location provided by the instructor does not meet the accommodations provided by DAS.

  • No Proctored Tests
  • Inform students how assessments will be administered

If a Course Instruction Template is not submitted for an on-campus course, the instructor is responsible for providing the student’s disability related testing accommodations.

Pop Quizzes

  • Accommodations apply. Contact DAS Testing Services to coordinate.

Extended Time

  • Applies only to seated, timed tests completed in one sitting—not take-home or multi-day tests.

Updating the Course Instruction Template

  • Use the portal to update and click “Update Course Instruction Template.”
  • If changes are made less than one day before an exam, contact DAS Testing Services directly.

Providing Tests to DAS

  • Upload tests via the Instructor Portal any time during the term—no need to wait for student requests.
  • Upload at least 8 hours before the exam.
  • Use the same link to upload multiple files (e.g., tables, bubble sheets).
  • To replace a version, select “delete” next to the file or email corrections if close to the test date.

Flexible Test Times

Allowed only for:

  • Class/test time conflicts (confirmed by DAS)
  • DAS scheduling conflicts
  • Limited testing space
  • Specific student accommodations (e.g., only one test per day)

For other reasons, students must get instructor permission and forward it to DAS.

During Tests

Instructor Updates (Typos, Announcements, Changes):

  • Contact DAS Testing Center at (541) 737-8970 or [email protected] (Corvallis campus).
  • After 7:30 PM (Weeks 1–10) or 8:30 PM (Finals), call only—email is not monitored.

DAS Testing Center Responsibilities

  • Send reminder emails to instructors 2 business days before scheduled tests (if student submitted a request).
  • Maintain confidentiality of test materials.
  • Verify instructor permission for tests scheduled outside the standard time (unless due to DAS conflicts or space limitations).
  • Check student photo ID; if missing, take photo and send to instructor for verification.
  • Ensure test integrity—no unauthorized materials allowed.
  • Communicate test corrections or updates to students.
  • Report time violations or suspected academic dishonesty to instructors.

Returning Completed Tests

Email Return:

  • Tests completed by 4:30 PM: emailed same day.
  • Tests completed after 4:30 PM: emailed by 12:00 PM next day.

Physical Return:

  • Delivered to department offices only (requires staff signature).
  • Tests ending before 3 PM: returned same day by 5 PM.
  • Tests ending after 3 PM: returned next day by 12 PM.

Need tests sooner? Contact DAS Testing Center to arrange drop-off.

CASCADES

DAS Testing Location & Hours – OSU Cascades

 Tykeson Hall 210 D

1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend, OR 97702

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

  • All tests must be scheduled in advance.
  • DAS does not approve same-day requests.
  • Requests made after 4:00 PM for the next day are considered same-day.
  • Courtesy Items Available:
    • Clocks, ear plugs, desk dividers (not formal accommodations).

Alternative Testing Accommodations

  • Accommodations are determined case-by-case and may include:
    • Reduced Distraction Environment
      • Quiet, low-stimulus space (e.g., office or reserved room).
      • Avoid high-traffic or noisy areas.
    • Extended Time
      • Applies only to seated, timed tests completed in one sitting.
    • Room Alone, Wheelchair Access, Accessible Furniture
    • Accessible Formats
    • Tests converted to Word, PDF, Braille, etc.
    • Computer Text to Speech (TTS)
      • Requires highlightable PDF or Word.
    • Canvas assignments support Ally/Immersive Reader; Canvas quizzes require Kurzweil.
    • Computer Word Processor (CWP): Student types responses.
    • Computer Speech to Text (CST): Transcribes speech to text; student edits grammar/spelling.
    • Reader: Reads printed text aloud; cannot interpret or explain.
    • Scribe: Writes dictated responses verbatim; student directs spelling and punctuation.

Student Expectations

For Readers:

  • May repeat info
  • Students guide tone and pace

For Scribes:

  • Students direct spelling, punctuation, and corrections
  • May review written content anytime

Student Responsibilities

  • Request accommodations each term via DAS Online Services
  • Complete the Testing Services Agreement each term
  • If the Alternative Testing Agreement isn’t completed within 2 business days of your request, email your instructor.

If still incomplete, notify your DAS Adviser at least one week before the first exam.

Scheduling Tests at OSU Cascades

  • After instructor submits the Alternative Testing Agreement, email

📧 [email protected] to schedule tests.

Deadlines:

  • Midterms/Quizzes: +/- 1 week in advance
  • Finals: +/- 2 weeks
  • Schedule tests at the same time as your class peers.

If conflicts arise, email [email protected].

Refer to Chapter 4 – Making Timely Requests for Accommodations for more details.

For questions or help, email: [email protected]

Student Responsibilities: Testing Policies & Procedures

  • Arrive on time and prepared. No extra time is given for late arrivals or unfinished tests.
  • Bring a valid photo ID (student ID or driver’s license). If not, DAS will take a photo and send it to the instructor for verification.
  • Only authorized materials are allowed. Personal items must be stored in designated areas.
  • Prohibited items include:
    • Phones, smart/analog watches
    • Bags, wallets, purses
    • Unauthorized electronics
  • Hats/jackets may be worn but must be placed on the chair or floor if removed.
  • Food/beverages are allowed if non-disruptive; only bottled water in computer rooms.
  • Courtesy items (clocks, earplugs, noise-canceling headphones) are available upon request.

During Tests:

  • Students may not leave the testing site once the test begins.
  • DAS does not extend test time for breaks or late arrivals.
  • Students must monitor their own time; clocks available upon request.
  • Tests are collected and returned to instructors at the scheduled end time.

Academic Integrity

DAS follows the OSU Student Code of Conduct. Violations may result in reporting to faculty and the Office of Student Conduct and may affect future accommodations.

Violations include:

  • Possession of prohibited items
  • Exceeding time limits
  • Using unauthorized materials
  • Giving/receiving test content to/from other students
  • Not following DAS staff instructions

Refer to Academic Regulation 15 for more details.

Test Attendance

  • Late Arrival: Missed time is forfeited. After 20 minutes, student is marked as a No Show.
  • No Show: Test returned to instructor. Student must get written instructor permission to reschedule and email it to

[email protected].

Rescheduling & Cancellations

For illness or other reasons, students must obtain instructor permission via email and forward it to DAS.

Cancellations must be emailed in advance to DAS, including:

  • Choosing to take the test in class
  • Class test cancellation
  • Dropping/withdrawing from the course

Instructor Responsibilities

  • Review the Notification of Academic Accommodations email or log in to the DAS Instructor Portal.
  • Complete the Alternative Course Instruction Template within 2 business days.
  • One Course Instruction Template per course section is sufficient and can be copied to other sections/terms.
  • If no Course Instruction Template is submitted, the instructor is responsible for providing accommodations.
  • Accommodations apply to pop quizzes—email DAS to coordinate.
  • Extended time applies only to seated, timed tests completed in one sitting.
  • Email tests to [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance.

 For questions or support, contact: [email protected]

OSU Cascades Proctoring

 

Page updated: 1/2026