Qualified students with disabilities admitted to Randolph College have met all academic standards required for admission. However, these students may require reasonable accommodations to participate in and benefit from programs and services while enrolled at the College.
Appropriate and reasonable accommodations are best determined through an interactive process that includes the student with the disability, the Coordinator of Access Services, outside service providers (e.g., physicians, psychiatrists), and other faculty or staff members as appropriate. Students should make accommodation requests in a timely fashion, as accommodations are not retroactive.
Examples of reasonable accommodations typically used at Randolph College:
Test Accommodations
- Extended time on quizzes, tests, and exams: Extended test time is typically allowed for students with processing issues, attention issues, reading and/or writing deficits, and test-related anxiety. Students with visual impairments or a hearing loss that requires an interpreter also qualify for extended time.
- Testing in a reduced distraction setting: Students with AD/HD, ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and anxiety often require an environment with reduced distractions in order to fully focus on the task at hand. Testing for this accommodation is completed in the Test Room in the ASC, or in a separate room designated by faculty (e.g., The Ethyl Center).
- Testing in isolation: Students who use speech-to-text software, self-talk as a retrieval strategy, or self-calming behaviors (e.g., pacing, drumming) may test in isolation. Three rooms on the fifth floor of Lipscomb Library are reserved for this type of testing.
- Use of laptops for quizzes, tests, and exams: Students with deficits in written expression, or individuals with dyslexia may require the use of a laptop during tests in order to have access to voice recognition and speech-to-text software. Students with fine motor issues may also require the use of a laptop.
Classroom Accommodations
- Use of assistive technology for taking notes: Students with auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, deficits in written expression, or fine motor issues are allowed to use assistive technology including audio recorders, laptops, and “Smart Pens” for note taking purposes. Students making audio recordings must sign an “Audio Recording Agreement” in order to utilize this accommodation.
- Designated note taker: Students with auditory or visual processing issues, dyslexia, deficits in written expression, or physical disabilities (fine motor, hearing, vision) may require a volunteer or paid note taker in order to have access to lecture notes.