COVID-19 Disability Resources

Outlined below are Disability Resources' adjusted operations during COVID-19, featuring online learning recommendations and frequently asked questions for students. This page will be updated as circumstances change. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

Drexel University is committed to preserving and maintaining the health and safety of all members of its community. Details on all University-wide measures being taken can be found on Drexel's Response to Coronavirus website.

Recommendations for Online Learning and Exams

Communicate

Contact your instructor in advance of an exam to clarify any questions you may have, including but not limited to the exam format, how to address questions that come up during the exam, and whether or not you can use notes or other materials.

Prepare

Turn off your cell phone during class and exams unless it is needed for medical monitoring purposes. If you have a landline, set the ringer to silent.
At least 10 minutes before an exam, set up your space to minimize distractions.
Place a “do not disturb” sign on your door to minimize interruptions.
Inform family members and/or significant others when you need quiet time for studying and/or test taking.
Before starting an exam, have all allowed materials available and organized.
When taking an exam, have a clock or timer nearby so you can keep track of how much time you have left.
Be mindful of prolonged computer use, especially if you are prone to migraines or are recovering from a concussion. Place your monitor directly in front of your face, approximately 20 to 40 inches away at eye level. Adjust the display settings to help reduce eye strain, including brightness, text size and contrast. Take breaks every 20 minutes, or as needed, looking away from the screen for a least 20 seconds.

FAQs for Students During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Can I still receive my accommodation for extended time on exams and quizzes?

Yes, as long as your Accommodation Verification Letter (AVL) has been issued by the Office of Disability Resources, then you are able to receive this accommodation for online exams and quizzes. Please be sure to follow up with your instructor to ensure they received your AVL. If your instructor needs assistance adding extra time, please direct them to ITG@drexel.edu. If you have any additional questions about your accommodations, please email disability@drexel.edu.

How do I best communicate in an online environment?

Be mindful of online etiquette and log into the session early to test your microphone and camera. Please speak with your professor directly to determine their preferred communication method for utilizing the audio, video, and chat features during live class sessions. When you are not speaking, be sure to mute your microphone to reduce any distraction from background noise.

How does online learning impact attendance and participation requirements?

Attendance and Participation: Implementing accommodations for flexibility in attendance will not be necessary if instructors pre-record lectures and/or don’t require real-time attendance or participation. However, it is likely students will be expected to attend remotely for live content. If, due to their disability, a student is fully unable to attend or participate remotely, then the student is expected to communicate this to the instructor as soon as possible. Students with concerns about their attendance and participation points should speak with their instructors first to clarify the information stated in their course syllabi.

Exams and Quizzes: Students should speak with faculty to determine whether or not exams and quizzes will be administered on a specific date and time (i.e., Monday at 8 a.m.) or if the exam be available for an extended period of time (i.e., Exam opens Monday at 8 a.m. and is due by Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.). ODR is available to assist instructors and students with the shift to online learning and testing accommodations.