Testing Accommodations

Persons with disabilities who might require testing accommodations should contact Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS). In compliance with federal and state laws, Bakersfield College assures each student an equal opportunity to demonstrate competency or knowledge in a subject area at each point in the educational process. Students with disabilities are expected to demonstrate the same competency or knowledge as other students.

Accommodations are made on an individual basis. Such accommodations may include but are not limited to, an extension of time, the use of a computer, the use of a calculator, and, where appropriate to the disability, an alternative mode of assessment.

Accommodated testing exams are by appointment only during normal hours of operation, Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday is limited. NOTE: when you arrive for your accommodated testing appointment the doors to the Testing and Placement Center (TAPC), CSS-14 are locked, Arrive early to your appointment, knock lightly on the door and you will be let in. Due to COVID restrictions, we can only admit one student at a time in a first-come, first-serve manner.

Please note:

Students - inform your instructor(s) about your approved accommodations. Such accommodations may include but are not limited to, an extension of time, the use of a computer, the use of a calculator, and, where appropriate to the disability, an alternative mode of assessment. This is especially important for courses in which you will be taking exams within CANVAS, the instructors will need to adjust the regular class test time to reflect your approved extended time.
Students - If you use a scribe, contact Katrina Marquez katrina.marquez@bakersfieldcollege.edu to receive assistance with accurately setting up your accommodation for exams.
Faculty- If the approved accommodations include Alternative Media or Assistive Technology, contact Francisco (Frank) Lizarde francisco.lizarde@bakersfieldcollege.edu to request assistance with transferring the exam to the student's preferred format ASAP.

Procedures

Online Course

At the beginning of the semester, notify your instructor by email about your need for testing accommodations. In your email, be sure to include a copy of your approved and up-to-date 23-24 Accommodations Checklist. You should have received a copy of your checklist from your counselor at the end of your appointment. If you have not completed an update to your Accommodations Checklist please call the DSPS office at (661) 395-4334 or visit the virtual lobby to schedule an appointment with a counselor. You don't need to discuss the details of your disability with your instructor unless you want to.
Three business days (this does not include weekends) before each exam complete the Test Accommodations Web Form. Be sure to indicate which accommodation you will be needing for the upcoming quiz/exam.
Email accomdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu for an available appointment.
Remind your instructor of your testing accommodation and the need for them to complete the Instructor Responsibility Form they received via email from the BC Testing and Placement Center.

Important information to remember while utilizing testing accommodations for an online course:

You will be required to take the test on the same day as the rest of the class unless other arrangements are made with your instructor.

FACULTY: If you have been contacted by a student who is approved for an extended time, needs a scribe, alternate media/assistive technology, or you have any questions or concerns please reach out to DSPS at dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu, and/or TAPC staff at accomdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu. Should you need any assistance with adjusting the extended time on CANVAS contact Renee Visaya, Educational Media Design Specialist, at renee.visaya@bakersfiedcollege.edu.

On-Campus Course

At the beginning of the semester, notify your instructor by email about your need for testing accommodations. Be sure to provide your instructor with a copy of your approved and up-to-date 22-23 Accommodations Checklist. You should have received a copy of your checklist from your counselor at the end of your appointment. If you have not completed an update to your Accommodations Checklist please call the DSPS office at (661) 395-4334 or visit the virtual lobby to schedule an appointment with a counselor. You don't need to discuss the details of your disability with your instructor unless you want to. It may be best to see your instructor during office hours.
Three business days (this does not include weekends) before each exam complete the Test Accommodations Web Form. Be sure to indicate which accommodation you will be needing for the upcoming quiz/exam.
Email accomdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu for an available appointment.
Remind your instructor of your testing accommodation and the need for them to complete the Instructor Responsibility Form they received via email from BC Testing and Placement Center.

Important information to remember when utilizing testing accommodations at the Testing and Placement Center (TAPC) location:

You will be required to take the test on the same day as the rest of your class unless other arrangements are made.
Once you begin the test, you will not be allowed to leave the testing area until the test is completed. You should discuss any personal needs with the Accommodations Coordinator ahead of time.
Your completed test will be returned to the instructor according to the arrangements detailed on the Test Accommodations Form.

The DSPS office encourages self-advocacy however, we have prepared templates that you may use to begin the email conversation with your instructor(s). Please copy, paste, and include any additional information you feel will be important in your email.

If you have any questions, please connect with the DSPS through the virtual lobby or email dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Templates (use as needed)

Start of the semester

Hello Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Insert Instructor's name],

I am a student with a verified disability enrolled with the Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) department. Attached you will find the most current copy of my accommodation checklist. I will be utilizing extended testing time on all exams and quizzes this semester.

Please contact me by email or at [insert phone number] if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[Sign your name]

Contact Us!

Phone: (661) 395-4334 (V/TTY) | Fax: (661) 395-4079 | dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu | Location: Center for Student Success (CSS) 10