Faculty Guidelines

Accommodated Testing at the ARC

See the ARC Faculty Guide for step-by-step instructions on using the AIM Alternative Testing Module.

If your course has one or more students approved to test at the ARC Main Testing Room (AD 2.224) or the ARC Synergy Park Testing Room (SP2 11.175F), as specified in their accommodation letters, you must:

1. Complete the Alternative Testing Agreement (ATA): Submit the ATA to provide ARC staff with exam administration instructions for the semester.
2. You can access the ATA via the link in the student’s accommodation letter or via the AIM Instructor Portal; refer to the ARC Faculty Guide. 
3. Students cannot schedule exams until exam dates are specified in the ATA.
4. Complete the ATA early in the term for each course to allow students to meet the five-business-day advance notice requirement.
5. Upload Exam Files (if applicable): Upload any exam files that need to be printed at least two business days before the scheduled exam via the AIM Instructor Portal.
6. You will receive an email reminder with a direct upload link two days in advance.
7. eLearning Exams: Follow the Online Exam Setup Instructions to ensure exam settings are configured correctly and to prevent potential delays on exam day.

After submitting the ATA, students approved to test at ARC locations can schedule exams through the AIM Student Portal. You will receive an email notification once ARC staff have approved a student exam request.

Flexible Scheduling Parameters

• Please allow flexibility for students with extended time accommodations, as they may be unable to test during the regular class period due to overlapping classes or limited testing hours.
• Students are encouraged to consult with you if they need to test outside the exam window specified in the ATA.
• If a student submits a request outside the specified window, you will receive an email prompting you to review and approve the request.

Accommodated Testing Arranged by Faculty (e.g., UTD Testing Center)

Students not approved to test at an ARC location must coordinate directly with their instructors to arrange accommodated testing at the UTD Testing Center or another distraction-reduced location. These students cannot use AIM to schedule exams.

UTD Testing Center

Instructors must first set up the exam via RegisterBlast before students can schedule their exams. Please refer to the Accommodated Testing Outside the ARC Guide and the Testing Center’s Faculty Guidelines for detailed instructions.

Note: The UTD Testing Center operates independently of the ARC. ARC staff do not have access to the Testing Center’s scheduling system and vice versa.

Alternative Testing Location

If you choose to arrange a distraction-reduced testing space outside the UTD Testing Center, please consider the following when making the arrangements:

• Quiet environment: The room should be free from noise such as conversations, traffic, or other disturbances. Soundproofing or the use of white noise machines can help maintain a quiet atmosphere.
• Controlled lighting: Lighting should be adequate but not harsh. Natural light is preferred, but if artificial lighting is used, it should be adjustable to reduce glare or flickering.
• Minimal visual distractions: Select a space with plain walls and minimal decorations or visual clutter to help students stay focused.
• Comfortable furniture: Provide ergonomic chairs and desks suitable for extended periods of testing. Furniture should be arranged to offer ample personal space.
• Temperature control: Maintain a comfortable room temperature to prevent discomfort that could distract students during the exam.
• Limited access: Only students taking the exam and authorized personnel should be present to minimize interruptions. While some disturbances may be unavoidable on a busy campus, students should be made aware of this possibility in advance.
• Clean and organized space: A tidy and well-organized environment contributes to a calm and focused testing experience.
• Access to necessary resources: Ensure that all approved accommodations (e.g., readers, scribes, assistive technology or computers) are available, functioning properly, and ready for use.
• Proper supervision: A proctor should be present to oversee the exam, provide support if needed and maintain the integrity of the testing environment without causing disruptions.
• Clear rules and procedures: Clearly communicate expectations and procedures, including how to enter and exit the room, ask questions, and handle emergencies.

eLearning Exam Setup Instructions

For exams administered through eLearning, please review the Online Exam Setup Instructions (docx) to ensure that exam settings are configured correctly for accommodated testing. This helps prevent potential delays on exam day. This applies to both ARC testing locations (AD 2.224 and SP2 11.175F) and the UTD Testing Center.