Student Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

It is critical that students are aware of their responsibilities in order to utilize their accommodations without scheduling issues or mishaps.

Testing Accommodations

It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements for testing accommodations by completing an Alternative Testing Request in DRS Connect. Students using testing accommodations need to schedule exams/quizzes at least 3 - 5 business days prior to the class exam/quiz date.

  • The DRS needs time to coordinate with the instructor to get a copy of the exam and to format those exams that require specialized formatting for accessibility.
  • Students who schedule 3 business days in advance are guaranteed a spot at the Testing Center for their accommodated exam. Failure to do so may result in students having to take an exam without accommodations or reschedule it.

Authorized test accommodations may include extended testing time, reduced distraction environment, assistive technology, or alternative format. Testing accommodations must be authorized by a DRS Access Specialist. Testing Services will not provide accommodations that have not been approved by DRS.

Steps for Scheduling an Exam:

Step 1: Access DRS Connect

Click the DRS Connect button on the right side of the home screen.

Step 2: Log In

Use your MEID and password to log in.

Step 3: Select Alternative Testing

Scroll down to locate the "Alternative Testing" option on the left-hand side, and click it.

Step 4: Choose Your Class

Utilize the dropdown menu to select the relevant class for which you wish to schedule an exam. Should your class not appear in the list, please reach out to DRS for assistance.

Step 5: Schedule the Exam

Click on the "Schedule an Exam" button, and complete all required fields, including the preferred date and time for your examination. Ensure that you thoroughly review and check all accommodations you will be utilizing.

Step 6: Submit Request

Select "Add Exam Request" and continue to monitor your email for any correspondence from Testing Services.

In-Class Notetaking

It is the student's responsibility as the student to request an in-class notetaker as needed per class and to work with the DRS office and instructor to find a notetaker. The DRS Program Advisors can help with this process. Attendance is required in order to receive notes for that class session. Notetaking assistance is not a substitute for attendance.

Alternative Format

It is the student's responsibility to provide Disability Resources & Services with the student's class schedule and, if possible, a course syllabus from the instructor. You must provide proof of ownership for each of the student's textbook(s) and provide a copy of the "paid" receipt to DRS. Alternative format may include Braille, large print, PDF's, and other forms of electronic text or paper-based formats. Requests for Braille must be made at least 3 months in advance of the first day of class. Large print, PDFs, and other forms of electronic text or paper-based formats require at least 1 month in advance of the first day of class.

Interpreting/CART Services

It is the student's responsibility to request interpreting/CART services through the Supervisor of Interpreting Services in order to facilitate the coordination of available interpreters. You are required to fill out an Interpreter/Cart Request Form for each class. In order to provide appropriate services for the first day of class, interpreting/CART requests require at least two (2) weeks' notice in advance of the first day of class. Requests for individual events require at least one (1) week advance notice. Last-minute requests may not guarantee services. The Supervisor of Interpreting Services will send an email to the student's Maricopa email, to notify them that their request has been received, and then will assign an interpreter for the request.

Upon receiving a request for CART service, the Supervisor of Interpreting Services will coordinate to provide you with the necessary CART equipment. You will be notified by email when the equipment is ready and you are responsible for contacting the DRS office to schedule an appointment. Demonstration/training is provided on all equipment at the time of checkout.

Reduced Course Load

A college Disability Resource Services (DRS) professional may certify that a student who is afforded a reduced academic load as an accommodation for a disability shall nevertheless be deemed a full-time student. Such certification shall be solely to enable the student to seek eligibility for health insurance benefits and to seek eligibility to comply with mandates of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The DRS Advisor will certify that a student may be deemed a full-time student as provided under this regulation only on a semester-by-semester basis.

Requests for a reduced course load accommodation must be submitted to the DRS Advisor with supporting documentation. Requests must be made prior to the beginning of each semester. Supporting documentation must include a diagnostic evaluation from an appropriate professional. The documentation must meet the guidelines set forth by the Maricopa Community College District’s Documentation Policy in order to evaluate the current impact of the disability in regards to the request. Students are required to request this accommodation every semesterbut do not need to re-submit their documentation. Continuation of this status is not automatic.

Students who are approved for a reduced course load will be required to sign the Reduced Course Load Approval Form which includes a statement acknowledging that he or she has reviewed the consequences that go with reduced load status and accepts them.

Accommodation Timeline

Below is a list of accommodation groups and appropriate timelines for most circumstances. If a request is submitted after the relevant deadline, DRS will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the request but cannot guarantee that such a request can be met. Accommodations can be approved and activated throughout the semester but are not retroactive.

Accommodation Group

Faculty Responsibility

Student Responsibility

Alternative Testing

  • The following accommodations may be requested:
  • Private room
  • Scribe, reader, or assistive technology
  • Alternative formats
  • Faculty will not receive a notice if the student does not submit a request for testing accommodations.
  • Submit the Testing Agreement within your DRS Connect instructor Access Portal within 5 business days of receiving notice.
  • Upload exams to your DRS Connect instructor portal 48 hours before each exam, unless an alternative submission timeline is agreed upon with DRS.
  • Students must submit test requests in DRS Connect at least 3 business days prior to assessment, to use the following accommodations:
  • Private room
  • Scribe, reader, or assistive technology
  • Alternative formats
  • Alternative Testing
  • Extended time
  • The Testing Center or DRS will calculate extended time for exams and quizzes administered through our offices.
  • Faculty should indicate to DRS how much time the non-extended class will receive to complete the assessment.
  • Faculty must extend time for exams administered through Canvas.
  • Students should confirm with their instructors that their time has been extended prior to the assessment.
  • If the time has not been extended:
  • The student should not attempt the assessment
  • The student should immediately contact the instructor and DRS to inform them of the issue.
  • Alternative Testing
  • Memory Tool
  • Faculty are responsible for submitting the memory aid and exam materials to DRS and the testing center.
  • Students must submit their memory aid to professors at least 3-5 days in advance of the test date for review and corrections.
  • Share requested items with DRS within 5 business days of notice.
  • Any additional materials added during the semester must be delivered to DRS at least 10 business days prior to use in course if conversion is needed.
  • Students should notify DRS immediately if the necessary alternative formats have not been provided or are not meeting their needs.
  • Classroom Access
  • Note Taking
  • Faculty will receive a notification email from DRS Connect asking for assistance securing a strong in-class note taker who will supply the requesting student with an accurate set of class notes.
  • DRS Connect will send reminder emails to the DRS student until a notetaker is secured or the student cancels their request. DRS should be contacted if a notetaker has not been secured within 10 business days of the initial notification email.
  • Students should reach out to DRS if a notetaker has not been secured within 10 business days of the initial notification email.
  • DRS Connect will send reminder emails to the DRS student until a notetaker is secured or the student cancels their request.
  • Classroom Access
  • Video Recording for Online Classes
  • Faculty should provide copies of recordings within 48 hours of the class meeting.
  • Materials should be delivered to the student within a reasonable amount of time prior to an exam or assessment.
  • See Accommodations Guidelines: Recording of Class Lectures for more information.
  • Students should familiarize themselves with the conditions of the Accommodations Guidelines: Recording of Class Lectures.
  • Classroom Access
  • Closed Captions
  • Faculty are asked to ensure that all assignments including film, DVD, and video presentations, have open or closed captioning.
  • The CTL may be able to assist faculty with closed captions.
  • Students should immediately notify DRS if their materials are not accessible, or are not meeting their needs.