Information for Academic Staff - ALTERNATIVE EXAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS (AEA) for students with a disability

Download this Information Sheet : DOC : 47KB.

AEA Guidelines: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/abp/policies/pdf/aeasd.pdf : PDF : 30KB.

1. Background

1. The University is required to provide reasonable adjustments to students with disabilities. AEAs are a common form of a reasonable adjustment. 
2. AEAs may include the following: additional writing or reading time, rest breaks, ergonomic furniture, scribe and/or reader, exam papers in alternative format, use of computers, single room or alternative venue.
3. AEAs apply to all timed examinations, including end of semester and supplementary exams, class and mid semester tests.
4. Each Faculty has a Faculty Disability Contact Officer (FDCO) who has been nominated by the Dean as the person responsible for approving and processing AEA applications.
5. AEAs are approved by Faculties for a period of up to 4 years.
6. AEAs may be amended at any time to reflect the impact of disability and the examination type. Any changes to an AEA require faculty approval.
7. AEAs are a separate process to Special Consideration.

What do I need to know?

The process for requesting, approving and implementing AEAs varies depending on whether the assessment is either
(i) centrally administered exams or
(ii) faculty/ department based assessment.

(i) Centrally administered exams

1. The application, approval and implementation of AEA will be managed primarily by the Disability Liaison Unit, Faculty Disability Contact Officer (FDCO) and Student Administration.
2. The process for application, approval and implementation is outlined in the AEA guidelines http://www.unimelb.edu.au/abp/policies/pdf/aeasd.pdf
3. The FDCO will notify subject coordinators of students enrolled in subjects who have an approved AEA.

What you may be required to do?

• The FDCO may request that you prepare your examination paper earlier than usual to enable its conversion into an accessible format (e.g. Braille, audio) or facilitate other arrangements.
• To enable questions from students, you should anticipate being asked to attend multiple venues.  This can be done either in person, by arranging for another academic to attend, or being contactable via mobile phone during reading time.

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(ii) Faculty/department administered assessment

The process for faculty/department based assessment can be initiated several ways due to the variety of types of assessment covered - from supplementary exams to short in-class tests.  The types of adjustments required by a student may also vary due to the type and duration of the assessment as the impact of a disability may alter. (e.g. a student with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may require additional time and rest breaks in a three hour exam but not require any adjustments in a 30 minute multiple choice in class test).

Essentially,

• The application and approval of AEAs will still be managed by the Disability Liaison Unit and FDCO via the standard AEA process.
• Students are advised that they have responsibility for initiating contact with the faculty and negotiating appropriate (reasonable) adjustments for particular assessments for faculty/ department administered assessment.  Students are advised to make contact at least two weeks prior to the assessment date to enable adjustments to be implemented.
• Students are advised they should contact
  • The FDCO for separately administered assessment such as supplementary exams, or
  • Their lecturer for in class assessment
• Students are also advised that they should bring a copy of their Disability Impact Statement (DIS) or Alternative Examination Arrangement application to the FDCO or academic to ensure that adjustments are current and that the student has a validated basis for requesting AEAs.  Confirmation of faculty approval can be sought via the relevant FDCO.
• The implementation of AEAs will be managed primarily by your FDCO.  For in class assessments, the academic will need to liaise with FDCOs/Departmental Disability Contact Officer’s in a timely manner once adjustments have been confirmed.  FDCO’s/DDCO’s will also manage communications with the student.

What you may be required to do?

• If you are approached about an AEA for in class assessments, review the student’s case in conjunction with your FDCO (and DDCO where applicable)
• f you have agreed to assessment adjustments with a student, advise your FDCO of such so that implementation can be arranged.
• Follow instructions provided by FDCO.

Where can I get more information?

AEA Guidelines:            http://www.unimelb.edu.au/abp/policies/aeasd.pdf

Find Your FDCO:           www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/fdco/contact.html
 
Disability Liaison Unit:    www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability.

AEA Information sheet for Students: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disabilitystudenthb/dluservices/aea.html

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