Alternative Testing Pilot Implementation Committee

Committee members

• Daniel Pollack, Divisional Dean of Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Chair
• Andy Andrews, Assistant Director of Academic Services, Disability Resources for Students
• Eric Camp, Director of Instruction and Chemical Safety, Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jade Cox, Program Coordinator, Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Daniel Grossman, Professor and Vice Director of Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
• Christine Savolainen, Instructional Coordinator, Biology, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jenni Taggart, Teaching Professor and Undergraduate Program Director, Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Kazumi Tolich, Associate Teaching Professor, Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Nicolai Tolich, Associate Teaching Professor and Exam TA Coordinator, Physics, College of Arts and Sciences

Charge letter

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you all for your willingness to serve on this Alternative Testing Pilot Implementation Committee.

In January 2024, President Cauce and I charged the Alternative Testing Working Group with recommending strategies to address current and future challenges in alternative testing administration. Specifically, we asked the group to make recommendations related to administering examinations for students with disabilities who would otherwise take an in- class examination, as scheduled in the course. As you may be aware, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are obligated to offer such alternative testing to students who receive an approved Disability Resources for Students (DRS) exam accommodation.

The Alternative Testing Working Group produced a set of thoughtful recommendations which were accepted by me and President Cauce. Many of you were previously involved in developing the recommendations and we are grateful for your continued commitment to access and excellence at UW. The full set of recommendations are attached.

Recommendation #1 suggests that the University of Washington undertake a pilot program to standardize alternative testing for the five departments that, together, comprise approximately half of all final exams scheduled through DRS: Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science.

It was recommended that the pilot include the development of a consistent and efficient process that meets the needs of both academic departments and DRS in a proof of concept that could be replicated beyond these five large departments.

We recognize that this is a very complex problem, implicating a wide range of interconnected policy, legal, political, and equity issues. Moreover, this is a partnership that requires the engagement of multiple departments across several schools/colleges, as well as our student serving units. There will undoubtedly be compromises and negotiations.

In order to provide students with consistent and equitable access to their education, we ask that you develop the following:

• A successful model for all five departments, plus DRS, that yields a testing option which provides students with DRS-approved accommodations.
• A more comprehensive understanding of the cost (particularly in staff time) of managing testing within the unit, and whether additional unit investment is feasible.

Daniel Pollack, Divisional Dean of Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, has agreed to chair this committee. Additionally, Glenna Chang, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Bree Callahan, ADA Coordinator, have agreed to serve as resources for this group.

We ask that your results be reported to us by the end of this academic year, if at all possible.

Thank you again for engaging in this important work. It is of vital importance to our students with disabilities.

Sincerely,

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Updated: November 4, 2024