Word processor for exams
Functional impacts of disability- or chronic health conditions can hinder written expression or organization during exams. For example, a student with rheumatoid arthritis may have difficulty gripping a pen or pencil, or a student with a learning disability may write slowly.
A word processor allows a student to type any component of their exam, at their discretion. This includes:
- written answer
- true/false
- multiple choice
This accommodation does not require use of spell or grammar check, or access to the internet.
Several university programs are available to support instructors implementing this accommodation. Please see the accommodated assessment support section below.
Student responsibilities
Use the word processor for any part of your exam where writing by hand is not an essential course requirement. You may use the word processor for some or all of your exam.
Save your answers in the word processor document.
Determine how you will submit your typed response. Review our accommodated assessments page for more information.
Instructor responsibilities
Determine if writing by hand is an essential requirement of your course. This may occur in certain language courses where ability to write characters is essential. This may be for part or all of an assessment.
Provide the student with access to a word processor during your exam.
Determine and communicate how students will submit their typed response.
Engage central and departmental supports if you cannot provide a word processor.
Accommodated assessment supports
The CAL Assessment Program and OREM Accommodated Assessments provide a word processor. Each program operates differently, which is explained on VPAC's accommodated assessments page.
Learning and Teaching and Innovation's is a Zoom invigilation service for online exams.