Accommodation Description
Student has access to a memory sheet or formula card during assessments. The instructor may require pre-approval of content on the sheet or card to ensure only allowable material is included. The size and dimensions of the sheet/card should be determined by the instructor. Proctor or instructor may require the memory sheet or card to be turned in with the assessment.
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Why is memory sheet or formula card during exams approved as a disability-related accommodation?
A memory aid, such as a memory sheet or formula card, is a testing accommodation used to support students with documented disabilities impacting memory. This tool helps trigger information that a student has studied but may have difficulty recalling due to cognitive processing disabilities or disabilities associated with memory and recall.
The memory sheet or formula card allows students to demonstrate knowledge of course material by prompting their memory, not by providing direct answers. It ensures students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their understanding on a quiz or exam without undue burden on compromised memory function.
This accommodation does not reduce academic requirements or alter the standards by which academic performance is assessed.
A memory sheet or formula card accommodation will only be beneficial if the student has studied and understands how to engage with the information. If they do not already grasp the course material, a memory sheet or formula card will not compensate for a lack of preparation.
What information and training do students receive about the advance access to presentation slides accommodation?
The McBurney Center provides training to students who are approved for this accommodation. The student is expected to communicate with each instructor for every class regarding the implementation of this accommodation, including:
- What size sheet or card are they able to use?
- What is allowed to be on the sheet or card?
- What is not allowed to be on the sheet or card?
- How far in advance of each exam do they need to share their drafted sheet or card for review, and who should they be sharing it with?
- When completing an exam, what should be done with the sheet or card (turn it in with the exam, throw it in the garbage, etc.)?
If instructors have any concerns about this accommodation, students are encouraged to connect the instructor with their assigned Access Consultant for support.
What other general information can be helpful in the implementation of this accommodation?
If the instructor prefers to collaborate in creating the memory sheet or formula card, students should schedule a meeting far enough in advance of an exam to do so.
If an instructor chooses not to review the memory sheet or formula card, they trust the student to create appropriate memory aids that align with their accommodation.
Generally, memory sheets or formula cards should NOT:
- Include copied pages from textbooks
- Contain class notes, lecture slides, or direct excerpts from course materials
- Serve as a substitute for studying
- Include open textbooks or answer sheets from past exams
- Contain a complete synopsis of course material
The content of the memory sheet or formula cards is at the instructor’s discretion and should not fundamentally alter or reduce the essential requirements of the course. Instructors may determine what is allowed through private conversations with the student. When reviewing memory sheet or formula card contents, instructors should consider the learning objectives of the course.
As a guideline, memory sheet or formula cards should include mnemonics, abbreviations, or formulas to assist with recall. For example, an instructor may approve a math formula on a memory sheet or formula card, provided it does not include a fully solved example.
If an exam assesses knowledge of specific definitions, having the full definitions on a memory sheet or formula card would make it an answer sheet and, therefore, potentially unacceptable. However, shortened definitions or key terms that trigger memory recall may be permitted at the instructor’s discretion.
For any questions or concerns regarding this accommodation, please contact the Access Consultant listed on the student accommodation letter.