Accommodations

We provide services for people who have any verifiable disability that poses a limitation on the person's ability to be educated.  Although not every disability needs accommodations, many do.  Sometimes the educational limitations are very subtle and interfere in ways that are not obvious to the casual observer.  Other times the limitations are obvious.  In either case, the DSP&S provides services that are pertinent to each individual with a disability.

Testing Accommodations

The procedures for all students using testing accommodations through Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) are as follows:

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Qualified students with a disability are asked to make an appointment a minimum of three working days prior to the date of the exam.  DSPS will continue to allow testing on demand as space and resources are available. However, we cannot guarantee that an appropriate facility will be available for “walk-in” testing.

TESTING TRANSMITTAL FORMS:  Students will continue to bring “Test-taking Transmittal Forms” with their accommodations once they are requested by the student and approved by a DSPS Specialist.

Only services that have been approved test-taking accommodations will be provided during the exam.  Exams may be emailed to DSPStest@riohondo.edu.  A TESTING transmittal form must be submitted with your exams which may be found at  http://www.riohondo.edu/dsps/links.html.

EXTRA TIME: For students who receive extended time and a distraction reduced environment only on their exams, time and one-half is the general standard that is provided. In some cases, double time is allowed. Each request is evaluated individually by a DSPS Specialist based upon the educational limitations presented by a professionally verified disability. Additional assistance is NOT provided to students receiving extra time only.

Test Security: The security and integrity of your exam is a fundamental priority for DSPS staff.  Students take exams under staff supervision with all backpacks, purses, and any unauthorized materials or electronics (cell phones, pagers, etc.) secured in locked cabinets. Electronic video surveillance will also enhance DSPS security measures once that capability is obtained. 

Scheduling: Students are encouraged to take exams on the same day and time as their class.  However, with extra-time considerations this may not be possible.  In those instances arrangements are made as close as possible to the regularly scheduled day and time.

Special Scheduling: In programs where the date and time of exam administration is critical. Faculty may coordinate scheduling issues directly with DSPS test proctors to ensure DSPS availability. 

AFTER HOURS TESTING: Faculty cooperation is encouraged to allow for test-taking accommodations during normal DSPS business hours.  In those instances where all options have been exhausted, DSPS will provide after-hours test-taking services. Considerable advance notice and faculty coordination is requested. 

TESTING ROOMS: DSPS private testing rooms may be occupied by more than one student at a time. Students sharing a testing room will not be taking the same exam.  All students are under supervision during the testing process.    

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR: Students may not ask test proctors for help answering exam questions. In addition, students may not leave during the exam to attend class or take a break, etc. All exams must be started and completed in the same session. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the exam during designated testing hours which do not interfere with other activities, such as class.  Necessary restroom breaks include a DSPS escort.

RESCHEDULING: Once a student has signed up to take an exam in DSPS, that test may be rescheduled ONLY if the instructor has given permission to DSPS to do so. Tests should only be rescheduled due to illness or disability-related issues. All tests will be returned to the instructor no later than the next business day from the original test date, unless otherwise specified by the instructor. An exam may be rescheduled one time only, with a maximum of two rescheduled exams per class.

TARDINESS AND NO SHOWS: The test proctor will wait no more than 20 minutes for students who show up late. The amount of time you are late will be taken off the amount of time you have to complete the exam. After 20 minutes you will be marked as a “no show” and the test will be returned immediately to the instructor. If you have three “no shows” during the semester, you must attend a mandatory meeting with DSPS  to determine if your testing privileges will be stopped for that semester.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Any violations of the Rio Hondo College Code of Conduct including cheating, plagiarism or any other acts of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs and the instructor will be notified.  These actions may be considered an abuse of DSPS services and may result in a suspension of DSPS services.

QUESTIONS?

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT ANY OF THE ABOVE POLICIES please contact DSPS at (562) 908-3420 or via email to mmatsui@riohondo.edu.

Alternate Media

If you require Alternate Media (i.e. Electronic Text, Audio Books, Braille, Large Print, Tactile Graphics, etc.) you will need to meet with your Specialist and the Alternate Media Specialist to go over requirements for your needs. For more information about alternate media check out What is Alternate Media? and Alternate Media Procedure.

Please contact the department regarding Alternate Media ASAP as creating Alternate Media is time intensive and needs at least 2 weeks prep time.