Understanding the Academic Adjustment (Accommodation) Letter: Codes & Meanings

This page should serve as a glossary of terms that are included in the Academic Adjustment (Accommodation) Letter.



  • Extended Time for Tests-1.5X – Extended time on in-class exams and quizzes (Time and a half)
  • Extended Time for Tests-2X – Extended time on in-class exams and quizzes in the amount of 2.0 (Double time)
  • Reduced Distraction Environment – Exams should be administered in a minimally distracting environment. Usually the student takes exam at CAS.
  • Private Room – Exams should be administered in a private location in a minimally distracting environment
  • Use of PC – Allow use of a word processor with spell check and grammar check applications for essay exams and written work when possible
  • Scribe – Oral response to test questions or use of a scribe
  • Scranton Exempt – Use of handwritten responses rather than computerized answer sheets (scantron/bubble forms) for objective exams
  • Reader
    • Screen Reader – The use of a text-to-speech software to read exam to student
    • Live Reader – The use of a human reader to read exam to student
  • Voice to Text – Dragon – The use of voice-to-text software such as Dragon Dictate for all written answers
  • Simple Function Calculator – Use of a simple function calculator
  • Enlarged Print – Exams must be in enlarged print. The font size can vary depending on student's disability
  • Scrap paper for exams - Student is allowed scrap paper for exams and quizzes
  • Use of earplugs during exams – The use of earplugs or noise canceling headphones during exams
  • 10 minute break per hour exam – Student may need breaks during long exams. Students may not leave the CAS office and break time is not counted in testing time.
  • Avoid back-to-back exam – scheduling back to back exams should be avoided. There must be at least an hour break between exams.
  • Preferential Seating – A specific seating location within the classroom. Determined by the students and the instructor based on individual need.
  • Access to Power Point-Prior to– Access to PowerPoint presentation before class to aid note-taking and understanding of the material presented as well as access to visually presented materials
  • Note-Taking Assistance:
    • Peer Note Taker – Student enrolled in class hired by CAS to take notes. The notes are sent to us so we can provide them to the student(s) approved for this auxiliary aid. Peer note taker may also be asked to use carbon paper and provide notes to student directly after class.
    • Note-taking Recording Device – Device used by student in class to record lecture. This device may include but are not limited to note taking application, digital recorder, or smart pen.
    • Use of PC/Tablet for Notes – It is recommended that student be allowed to use a laptop computer or tablet for note-taking
  • Interpreting/CART
    • Interpreters translate lectures, discussions, and conversations between the student and the instructor. When communicating with the student, please look at and speak directly to the student rather than the interpreter.
    • CART is the real-time transcription of the lecture or discussion. It is provided by a CART transcriptionist using computer technology. A copy of the transcription of the lecture may be made available to the instructor upon request.
  • FM System – Student uses an assistive listening device that includes a microphone and FM receiver. The microphone is to be worn on a lapel or attached to an article of clothing of the speaker. Due to the limited range of the microphone, please repeat the questions as they are asked. This may be helpful to everyone in class.
  • Closed Captioning – Films and video tapes to be shown in class will be needed in Closed Captioned format. The TV monitors in most classrooms have Closed Captioning ability. If a film/video does not have Closed Captioning, instructors may choose to contact the distributor and request a captioned format of the film/video. If a captioned format is unavailable, please contact the Center for Academic Success.
  • Accessible PDF Handouts – All handouts should be presented in a readable, open PDF format
  • Enlarged Print-Class – All handouts and class materials must be in enlarged print. The font size can vary depending on student's disability
  • Permission to Leave Class - For some students with disabilities, sitting for long periods of time and/or remaining in the same position for the duration of a class period can exacerbate symptoms of the disability. Similarly, some students may need to leave class for brief periods to attend to medications or other medical needs. CAS encourages these students to move around or leave class in the least disruptive manner possible. Students should discuss seating arrangements and the timing of breaks with their instructors.
  • Braille – Brailled materials for tests, articles and handouts
  • E-Text – Requested textbooks and readings in electronic format. CAS will work with the student to get these texts in a format that will be accessible for him/her. It is helpful for the student to get their reading lists before the start of the semester as it may take up to 10-17 days to provide text in electronic format. CAS will work with faculty to fill these requests.
  • Out of Class Assignment-Timeline Extension – extensions for out of class assignments.
    • Students understand their responsibility for class work but there may be times when they are in need of extra time for assignments or take-home exams due to an exacerbation of his/her disability. At the beginning of the semester, the student will speak with you and discuss and agree upon the arrangements and expectations for receiving extra time on assignments – including how much advance notice he/she will give to you when requesting this academic adjustment for a particular assignment.
  • Modified Attendance Policy - as specified on Modified Attendance Policy Agreement Form*
    • Attendance is a necessary component to of the learning process in higher education. Strict attendance policies that only allow a specific number of absences before grades are affected may foster accountability and responsibility for many students. However, some disabilities are episodic in nature and as a result, a student may have to arrive late or miss class due to their condition. Students approved for this accommodation must work with their instructor to complete the "Modified Attendance Policy Agreement Form" provided by CAS.


*** Not all possible academic adjustments are listed on this form. We encourage students to discuss their academic adjustments with you but please contact the Center for Academic Success if you have any further questions. ***