Testing

Online Exams

Please note for online exams; you will need to remind your professor of your accommodations. Faculty can extend the testing time to match the Letter of Accommodation (LOA) by going to IT service request or contacting the Center for E-Learning at [email protected]

Traditional In-Class Testing

For traditional in-class testing, you may choose to take exams in the department and/or with the professor, or you can take your exams at the CATE lab. From the information you provide in your email to the CATE Lab ([email protected]) we will arrange to obtain, proctor, and return exams and quizzes to faculty for scoring.

  • Students must email [email protected] when scheduling exams at the CATE Lab. 
  • Exams need to be scheduled 10 days in advance if taken at the CATE Lab if you have testing accommodations.

Please note the following changes at the CATE Lab due to COVID-19:

  • Students are welcomed and encouraged to bring their own headphones and microphones.  We will no longer provide these to students.
  • The CATE Lab will not be able to retrieve personal items from students’ backpacks. 
  • The CATE Lab will not provide any materials beyond a pencil.

Steps to Accommodating Testing at the CATE Lab for Students

  • Step 1: Ensure that you have a recent Letter of Accommodation (LOA)  Expand dropdown

    You will need to email your professor your most recent Letter of Accommodation (LOA)


    Find out more about renewing your Letter of Accommodation
  • Step 2: Meet with instructor - This can be done virtually. Expand dropdown
    The DRC recommends meeting with the instructor so specific accommodations can be discussed including how and where you are testing. This can take place through email if classes are virtual and/or in-person meetings are not convenient. Some faculty may be able to provide students testing accommodations within their department. For example, a student has a night class and needs extended time on a test, the student may be able to take the test within their instructor’s department. Please discuss this with your professor, preferably through email.
  • Step 3: Discuss accommodations with instructor Expand dropdown
    Discuss which testing accommodations listed on your LOA will be needed for the type of exam given. For example, the use of a calculator would not be necessary for an exam in Writing.
  • Step 4: Pick a suitable testing time Expand dropdown

    Due to COVID-19 precautions, the CATE Lab will have limited testing hours available.
    Students need to schedule their testing time so that it corresponds to the day and time of the regular class exam. If that is not possible due to a lab or conflicts with another class, please inform both the instructor and the CATE Lab staff when you schedule. 

    The CATE Lab will attempt to schedule your exam as close to the class testing time and day as possible while we also maintain reduced hours of operation.

  •  Step 5: Be Specific Expand dropdown
    Provide specific times and dates to schedule for testing. For example, “November 2nd at 11 am.”
  • Step 6 : Take Responsibility Expand dropdown
    It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the conversation on testing accommodations with the professor. You will need to email the professor and state that you need accommodations for exams. You will also need to monitor your email account for updates from the professor and CATE Lab concerning testing dates, times and other information. Exams must be scheduled at least 10 days in advance. Due to limited hours of operation and reduced seating capabilities at the CATE Lab, late requests for testing will not be able to be accommodated.
  • Step 7: Submit online request  Expand dropdown
    Email the CATE Lab to request a testing date. When the emailed request for specific testing dates is submitted to the CATE Lab, the CATE Lab staff will verify accommodations granted to the student by cross-referencing the most recent LOA. Only accommodations listed on your LOA will be approved. 
  • Step 8: Approved Date And Time  Expand dropdown
    Your date and time will be entered into the CATE Lab scheduling system. Both your professor and you will receive notification of the test date and time. Approximately 3-5 business days before each exam, the CATE Lab will email instructors a reminder and will inquire about allowable materials for respective exams.
  • Step 9: Arrive on Time Expand dropdown
    Arrive to the CATE Lab 5 minutes early to test or your testing time may be reduced, you will be asked to turn off your cell phone, and you are not allowed to use it during the exam. If there are any violations pertaining to cheating, you will be held accountable through the student code of conduct.  
  • Step 10: Take Exam Expand dropdown
    The CATE Lab staff will gather your test materials for you and guide you to where to take your test. Upon completion, please place the completed exam on the table indicated by the CATE Lab staff.

Scheduling Guidelines for Taking Exams/Quizzes Through the CATE Lab

You initiate exam scheduling by emailing your professor when you plan to use the CATE Lab. Please remember to Cc (carbon copy) the CATE Lab on the email. If possible, refer to your syllabus so you can schedule all of your exams from the course on one testing form. This allows us to plan for accommodations on specific dates.

Inform your instructor that you will be taking exams at the CATE Lab. Please use the following letter format:

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Hello Professor,

I am a student registered with the Disability Resource Center (DRC), and I am
requesting accommodations for my exams, tests, and quizzes. Attached you will
see my Letter of Accommodation. I would like to test with my testing
accommodations at the CATE Lab, which is Cc’d on this email ([email protected]).
Please let me know the dates and times of all upcoming exams, tests, and quizzes.
If some dates are tentative, the CATE Lab will schedule me for those dates and
change them when you or I indicate. Even having tentative dates helps as we plan
ahead. I need to know the following information for each exam, test, and quiz::


Date of exam/test/quiz:
The time that exam/test/quiz will be given to the class:
Amount of testing time allowed for the class:


Thank you for your help and if you have any questions, please let me and the CATE
Lab know to request dates and testing time from your professor. It would be helpful for you to attach your LOA to the email so that your professor is reminded of your specific accommodations. 

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Exams occur at the same time as your class unless using your accommodations would prevent you from attending a class lecture component. If you have a conflict with another class, let us know immediately.

If your exam is scheduled outside our business hours, we will coordinate an alternate exam time with you and your instructor or you can make arrangements with the professor to test in the department.

While we attempt to accommodate late exam requests, there are times where extra steps will be required to arrange accommodations and we will not be able to have you test at the CATE Lab. If this is the case, you may need to test in class or with the professor in the department. Being proactive on your part will result in a less stressful exam day.

If you need to cancel a scheduled exam, (for example, withdrew from class, chose to take exam in class or exam is canceled or postponed) contact the CATE Lab at 734.487.1419 or [email protected].

What to do on Test Day

  • Arrive on time, bringing the items your professor is allowing for the test (if any), such as note cards, calculator, etc.
  • Place all personal items in storage space provided.
  • Cell phones and mobile/electronic devices are not allowed to be near you during exams. You can leave these devices with CATE staff and they will be secured.
  • Final exams: You may be scheduled to take your test in a different location due to volume of exams.

Unauthorized Materials and Cheating

  • The use of unauthorized materials during tests or cheating in any form is not tolerated.
  • The test area is monitored regularly and video cameras are in use.
  • If you are suspected of having unauthorized materials or of cheating in any way:
    • Your instructor will be informed of the suspected incident.
    • You will be referred under Section V of the Student Code of Conduct.
    • Your instructor may choose to impose additional penalties.

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