When extended time is granted to a cadet, his or her professor will provide extended time using the following options. The professor may require a cadet to:

1. Use free class periods that precede or follow the test period to complete the test.
2. Use a block of time on the same day or another day, including evenings and Saturday academic time that is mutually feasible for the cadet and professor.
3. Take the test in two sections, one section during the class period and the second section before or after class that same day.

The professor will try to the greatest extent possible to preserve the cadet's anonymity.

Under no circumstances will the cadet be allowed to return to finish a test after having seen the entire test. This arrangement places the cadet in jeopardy of violating the Honor Code. In addition, a professor may not require a cadet to continue taking an exam which would result in the cadet being late for or missing another class or required formation.

Eligibility

To receive a foreign language substitution, the cadet must qualify for the substitution based on documentation presented to Disability Services. If documentation indicates a disability that significantly affects foreign language acquisition, the cadet will qualify for the substitution.

If a cadet has made passing grades in past foreign language classes, he/she would most likely not be eligible for substitution of these classes here at VMI as these grades indicate ability to achieve in foreign language learning.

Documentation would include but not be limited to: a comprehensive psychoeducational report reflecting a learning disability that impacts the acquisition of a foreign language and a recommendation outlining why a foreign language substitution is warranted, a description of difficulties and attempts in the past to successfully acquire a foreign language and how the disability has negatively impacted these attempts. If the attempts were made at VMI, it would be helpful to have documentation of professors’ comments that would include observations of efforts in the course, use of office hours, and any accommodations used in his or her class. Please see documentation guidelines outlined above for further guidance on required documentation materials.

Disability Services does not accept the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) as an appropriate diagnostic predictor of foreign language acquisition. It is a useful instrument to predict how well, relative to others, an individual can learn a foreign language in a given amount of time and under given conditions, but it cannot be used as the sole basis for a diagnosis of a foreign language learning disability. The use of the MLAT as one part of a more comprehensive assessment of the learning of foreign language is acceptable.

Disability Services strongly advises cadets to attempt a foreign language course with accommodations and supports while at VMI prior to requesting a foreign language substitution.

Procedures

Once a cadet’s request for a foreign language substitution has been reviewed and approved through Disability Services, his or her accommodation letter would reflect the need for course substitution(s) to fulfill foreign language requirements. At this point, the cadet will be referred to his or her academic advisor to discuss course options. It is up to the academic department in which the cadet has declared a major to determine course substitutions and course sequencing. The Director of the Miller Academic Center is available to consult with Department Heads to determine appropriate substitute courses.

Once the cadet has met with his or her academic advisor and determined which courses will be substituted, the cadet should take his or her accommodation letter to the Office of the Registrar. The Registrar’s office will assist with registration and will document need for a course substitution within the cadet’s file.

Disability Services provides alternative text services as an auxiliary aid/ accommodation for cadets with visual limitations, learning disabilities or other cognitive or physical limitations that significantly affect the ability to read and/or comprehend print material. Alternative text services convert print material into a format that is more compatible to a cadet’s limitations to provide adequate access to information. Due to limitations in resources and/or technology, it may not be possible to convert all print material into the most preferred format for access.

Eligibility and Approval

Eligibility for this service is determined by an assessment of a cadet’s individual needs by the Director of the Miller Academic Center. Cadets must have appropriate documentation of a disability to be eligible for alternative text services. The effects or limitations of the disability must also support the need for alternative text services as assessed and verified by the Director.

Once approved by the Director, alternative text services must be requested by a cadet each semester to continue this service. The initial cadet request for alternative text services should be discussed at the initial intake session with the Director and as part of each semester’s accommodations request process.

Disability Services provides alternative testing accommodations as an academic adjustment for cadets who have a learning disability that significantly affects or limits the ability to take exams in a traditional setting and/or format. Alternative testing formats are a means of providing conditions that minimize the effects of a particular disability to ensure the cadet is able to adequately demonstrate his/her knowledge or mastery of a course. These conditions are not intended to alter the fundamental nature or requirements of any course. Because the measurement of performance may be highly affected by a cadet’s disability, a reasonable accommodation is provided to minimize the effects, or limitations, of the disability. The goal is to provide the cadet with an equal or equitable opportunity to be measured on what he/she has mastered.

Reasonable alternative testing accommodations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reader and/or scribe
• A less distracting environment
• Oral processing
• Substitute formats of exams (e.g., essay vs. multiple choice)
• Alternative text (print conversions)

Procedures and Conditions

Once approved for alternative testing accommodations, each cadet will meet individually with each professor to discuss the most appropriate arrangement for his/her needs and present a copy of the Accommodations Letter verifying the need for an alternative test format.

If accommodations are coordinated through Disability Services, such as the use of a scribe, each test/exam would need to be coordinated and scheduled through Disability Services by the cadet. Professors should discuss and outline with each cadet specific conditions under which exams may be taken. For instance, the professor must approve whether it is permissible for cadets to take the exam during class time at the MAC or at another designated time.

Tests/exams to be taken at the MAC may be dropped off by the professor or the professor may request that MAC staff pick up the test/exam. Once test/exams are completed by cadets, they are returned to professors. Generally, cadets will take their exams at the same time as the class unless there are scheduling conflicts. Cadets should not be expected to miss other classes to take tests/exams with accommodations. Therefore, a test/exam may be scheduled for an alternative time other than the class period. Alternate testing time/dates outside the scheduled class periods are provided only upon the professor’s approval for the change.

Assurances

All cadets taking tests/exams through Disability Services are conducted in a structured testing environment and periodically observed for conformance to good order and discipline. Any incident that appears in violation of typical standards will be reported to the professor in writing when the test/exam is returned, detailing the conditions of the behavior of the cadet. Any suspected honor code violations will be reported to Director of the Miller Academic Center.