Policy 3-3-13: DSS Memory Aid Policy

Policy: Policy 3-3-13: DSS Memory Aid Policy Date Adopted: Dec 03, 2014
Department: Academic & Student Affairs Contact: Coordinator of Disability Support Services
Statement: Some students may be eligible to use a memory aid for exams. A memory aid is intended to help a student recall critical information that he or she has learned for an exam. However, it should not contain information that could be directly copied into the answers of the test questions. For example, the memory aid should not reflect mathematical equations/algorithms, vocabulary words or other key units of information that could be copied into the test answer or used to solve a test question. Rather, the memory aid should be used as a means to help a student remember critical information already learned or memorized for the examination. It may include acronyms, formulas, colors, textures and or/diagrams. To ensure the test integrity is maintained the contents of the memory aid will be dependent upon the instructor's approval. The Disability Support Services office is responsible for determining whether this accommodation is appropriate for a particular student, but not responsible to determine the contents of the memory aid. The student is responsible for presenting the prepared memory aid to the instructor for their endorsement at least 5 days prior to each exam. Upon review, editing and approval by the instructor, the memory aid will be attached to the exam before it is delivered to the DSS office. Memory aids used during an exam will be returned to the instructor with the completed exam. The memory aid will be limited to 8.5x11 inch paper one sided.

Table of Contents:

  1. What a Memory Aid is:
  2. What a Memory Aid is not:
  3. Process for Using a Memory Aid

Section 1: What a Memory Aid is:

  1. Can be handwritten or typed.
  2. Can include diagrams, mind maps, general formulas, acronyms, pictures, etc.
  3. Can be organized chronologically, or by module or chapter.
  4. Only makes sense to the person who created it and will use it.

Section 2: What a Memory Aid is not:

  1. A memory aid is not meant to record all the facts, concepts or processes being tested. This means that a memory aid should not:
    1. Include specific examples of how formulas are used.
    2. Include complete terms and definitions.
    3. Be created instead of studying a memory aid will not help a student if they have not studied the material.

Section 3: Process for Using a Memory Aid

  1. Once a memory aid is an approved accommodation by the DSS coordinator the steps below can be followed in order to use memory aids for tests/exams:
    1. Discussion with faculty. The student will talk to his/her instructors about the use of a memory aid and decide when the memory aid will need to be completed.
      1. Ideally, consultation around development of the memory aid should be at least 5 days (or a mutually agreed upon time frame) before a scheduled exam.
    2. The student schedules his/her test with the DSS office.
      1. The student will indicate memory aid for exams in the other section of the online exam scheduling request form on the DSS webpage.
    3. The student creates his/her memory aid following memory aid specification guidelines.
    4. The memory aid is given to the professor for approval.
      1. The instructor will determine whether information on the memory aid is acceptable. If an item on the aid is unacceptable (it provides too much information), the item must be removed. The student, DSS staff and instructor may work together to find alternatives to support the students needs, but also maintain the integrity of the test.
    5. Once the memory aid is approved, the instructor will attach the aid to the exam upon delivery to the DSS office.
Date(s) Revised   Date(s) Reviewed