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Types of Accommodations

Testing Accommodations & Guidelines

The DRC provides test and exam accommodations for eligible students. Common accommodations include extended time, a scribe, reduced-distraction rooms and assistive technology.

To ensure a secure and fair testing environment, all students using DRC proctoring must follow the guidelines below. These are not new rules, but the DRC will now enforce them more strictly.

Monitoring

All testing rooms and offices are under video surveillance. Any unauthorized activity may be recorded and shared with your professor.

Storing Belongings

Students must store all personal items in lockers and place phones in the phone caddy. Before entering the testing room, students will be asked to:

  • Empty their pockets
  • Roll up their sleeves
  • Remove outerwear  if able

Photo ID Required

You must bring a valid photo ID on the day of your test.

Housing Accommodations

We work closely with Housing and Residential Life to support your needs for on-campus living. We want to ensure your housing experience at FIU is comfortable and tailored to your needs.

If you need reasonable accommodations for your living space, we’re here to help guide you through the process.

Visit Housing Medical Accommodations

Absences, Extensions & In-Field Experiences Accommodations

If you have a chronic condition, you may qualify for accommodations like excused absences and extended deadlines without needing to provide documentation each time. To activate these accommodations, you must first complete and submit a notification of academic adjustment form to the DRC.

  • How to Request an Excused Absence
    • To use this accommodation, email your professor and any TAs as soon as you can. Try to send the message before class begins.
    • Copy your DRC access consultant on your email so they can help support you if needed.
    • If you’re asked for documentation, contact your DRC access consultant or email drc@fiu.edu. We’ll review the request and determine if the absence falls under your accommodation.
    • If absences become frequent or impact your grades, speak with your DRC access consultant about next steps. Options may include a grade forgiveness petition or other academic support.
    • Even if your attendance policy is adjusted, you’re still responsible for meeting all course requirements and turning in assignments.

    If your professor denies your request, contact your DRC access consultant or email drc@fiu.edu for a review.

  • How to Request an Assignment Extension
    • To use this accommodation, email your professor and any TAs as soon as you can. If possible, reach out one to two days before the due date.
    • Copy your DRC access consultant on all extension requests so we can support you if needed.
    • Each request is reviewed individually and approved at the professor’s discretion.
    • Assignments must be submitted before they’re discussed in class or before feedback is shared. Submitting after that point may be considered a violation of academic integrity, and your professor may deny the request.

    If your professor denies your request, contact your DRC access consultant or email drc@fiu.edu for a review.

  • Accommodations for In-Field Experiences

    If your program includes clinicals, internships or fieldwork, the DRC can help you review your accommodations and how they apply in hands-on settings.

    Accommodations approved for classroom settings may change in applied learning environments due to the nature of training and professional preparation. However, your classroom accommodations will still apply in all non-clinical settings.

  • Timeline & Next Steps

    If your program includes site placement, schedule an appointment with your DRC access consultant the semester before you begin the site selection process. We’ll review your documentation, identify your needs and create a plan.

    Because sites vary in location, setting and ability to support accommodations, early planning is essential. Accommodations are not retroactive, so it’s important to start early. To get started, call 305-348-3532

    If you're already registered, we’ll guide you in requesting a letter from your healthcare provider outlining your need for ADA accommodations, such as rest breaks, lifting limits, or specialized equipment. Once you have the letter, meet with your DRC access consultant again to finalize recommendations and coordinate with your academic department.

Accommodations for Study Abroad

If you plan to study abroad and need accommodations, contact your assigned DRC access consultant to discuss your needs and planning.

Visit the Office of Education Abroad

Request Accessible Textbooks

We want to make sure you have the course materials you need in a format that works best for you. Not all formats may be available for every title (for example, audiobooks may use text-to-speech software if the original audiobook isn’t available). The DRC will do its best to provide your required course materials in the requested format.

  1. Identify the required textbooks for your course (optional or supplemental books can’t be requested).
  2. Whenever possible, choose electronic versions. The FIU Bookstore offers many digital options.
  3. If digital versions aren’t available, submit your request through the Electronic Textbook Request Form at least four weeks before the semester starts. Upload proof of purchase with your request. New textbooks are recommended, as some publishers don’t support used copies.
  4. Allow seven to 14 business days for follow-up or status updates. Some requests may take four to six weeks due to acquisition and conversion times.
  5. All electronic files will be shared with you via your FIU email in OneDrive, saved as one file (not split into chapters).