Accommodations

Introduction

From WSU Student Accommodations and Disability Resources: "Reasonable accommodations remove or reduce barriers to the university environment, allowing students an equal opportunity to engage in learning." For WSU ROAR students to receive accommodations through the WSU Access Center, they must submit an application and meet with an access advisor. 

In WSU ROAR, we recommend that our students make appointments with the WSU Student Accommodations and Disability Resources to receive official accommodations for their audit classes. Though audit students do not earn credit for their coursework, learning to advocate for themselves in a classroom setting is a part of their education at WSU. These accommodations are like those for any student with a disability and are designed to support access to course content and learning environments. 

How This Applies To You

If a ROAR student in your course has an accommodation plan, it may include supports such as:

• Extended time on quizzes or exams

• Flexible deadlines on assignments

• Note-taking assistance

• Access to assistive technology

• Proctored testing

• Or other accommodations depending on individual needs

You are not expected to redesign your course or significantly alter your teaching style. The WSU ROAR team and the Student Accommodations and Disability Resources team work closely with students to implement accommodations in a way that fits your course structure. If a student presents an accommodation you're unfamiliar with, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support both you and the student. 

Testing Accommodations

The following are some accommodations that WSU ROAR students have requested in the past regarding testing and exams.

Distraction-Reduced Environments or Private Rooms for Exams

If the student has requested either of these accommodations, consider having them take their exams on paper or on Canvas with a WSU ROAR staff member proctoring the exam. Generally speaking, providing the student with a separate room for testing is enough. We have quiet study rooms where the student can take the exam. To do this, simply email a copy of your exam or tell us where we can find it on Canvas. We will proctor the exam according to your rules (e.g. open or closed book, open or closed notes, etc.).

Paper Exams

Similar to the above, some students may request a paper copy of the exam instead of taking it on Canvas. WSU ROAR can support this by acting as a proctor, scribe, or reader for the student. You do not need to print the exam; WSU ROAR provides printing services for our students. Simply email a copy to us, and we will take care of it. The student will bring the exam to you during your next class, or to you directly during office hours.

Listen to Music During Exams

Students may request to use headphones or earbuds to listen to music during test time as it may help with calming or concentration. If you feel that this may be a distraction in your classroom, consider asking the student to sit towards the back of your room, or ask WSU ROAR staff to help proctor the exam instead.

Extended Time

Students who request extended time for exams may be accommodated easily depending on how you give the exam. If the exam is on paper in class, simply giving the student more time is sufficient. If your exam is on Canvas, you can set extensions for the student individually by updating your exam's settings. See this page for information on how to do so.

Classroom Accommodations

The following are some accommodations that WSU ROAR students have requested in the past regarding their classrooms.

Accessible Materials Before Class

Some students may prefer to follow along with your lecture by looking at your lecture notes/slides at the same time. Simply post them on Canvas and point students to them. If you do not wish for these to be posted for the rest of your class, you can create a new page on Canvas with links to the materials, then choose "Assign To" to allow only certain students access to the materials. See this page for details.

Alternatively, you may choose to simply email the materials to the student or WSU ROAR. We will respect the access of these materials, limiting their reach only to the student and no one else.

Alternatives to Group Work or Presentations

If a ROAR student requests this accommodation, we recommend allowing the student to join a group as an observer and/or note taker. In place of presentations, you may instead assign the student to take notes on their peers' presentations and submit a reflection or summary. 

Approval to Record Lectures

Some students may be approved to record class sessions as an accommodation. If you have concerns, you can request audio-only recordings or allow screen-only recordings (without recording yourself on video). Students who receive this accommodation sign a formal agreement ensuring recordings are for personal use only and will not be shared or distributed. 

Arrival and Departure Flexibility 

Some students may need to arrive late or leave early due to scheduling or mobility needs. Students are instructed to enter or exit quietly to avoid disruption. Instructors are encouraged to set clear expectations to maintain classroom flow. For example, "You're welcome to arrive a few minutes late - just please enter quietly so we can stay focused." 

Participation Preferences 

Students may vary in how they participate in class. Some prefer to observe, some may contribute occasionally, or some may actively participate. If a student requests to only be called on when they raise their hand or prefers a heads-up before being called on, please honor that request. It helps foster a safe and supportive learning space for all. 

Use of Laptop or Tablet for Note-Taking and In-Class Written Work

If your class has a no-device policy but a student has an accommodation to use a laptop or tablet: 

• Work with the student to find a solution that minimizes distration (e.g., sitting near the back or side of the room) 

• You may acknowledge the exception respectfully to the class: "[Student] has an approved accommodation to use a laptop for note-taking. I ask that all other laptops remain put away." 

For more information on how to allow accommodations requested by ROAR students, please contact WSU ROAR or the WSU Access Center.

A Note on Proctored Exams

Although ROAR students audit your course and do not earn grades, many still choose to take exams or quizzes as a way of assessing their progress. If a student would like to participate in an exam, WSU ROAR staff are happy to proctor the exam on your behalf. All we ask is that you either:

• Send us the Canvas exam access code, or

• Email us a copy of the exam

We will handle printing and administering your test, and we will follow any parameters you set (e.g. open- or closed-notes, time limit, etc.). Once completed, the student will either return the exam to you during the next class session or we will direct them to deliver it to you during your office hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Accommodations are meant to provide equitable access to course materials for all students. ROAR students are no exception. Providing different ways for them to access content and submit their work gives them a wonderful chance to learn and grow. 

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