Information for Instructors
Most instructors will teach students with disabilities throughout their careers. These students will be among the more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students registered for accommodations with the Academic Success Centre.
Since the instructor's role is central to the student's learning experience, our office tends to collaborate closely and frequently with you, together with our shared students, throughout the academic year.
Instructor Guidelines
All members of the university community contribute to accessible work and study environments. To minimize barriers to student learning in your courses, please collaborate with ASC Accessibility & Accommodations Services in the following ways:
At the beginning of each term
Provide students course outlines that include descriptions of course expectations, activities, and delivery. These details are required for us to evaluate barriers to participation and approve accommodations appropriately.
Include assessment dates, times, and duration in course outlines. These details are required for students to correctly register their exams. Enter exam detailss, including quizzes, tests, midterms, and final exams, throughthe Exam Details section in . If you enter your exams accurately at the start of term, students are less likely to register them later in the term with incorrect information. You can return to upload your exam materials closer to the exam date.
For simple step by step instructions on how to use Accommodate, see the .
Throughout each term
Review student accommodations letters
The official Letter of Accommodation outlines the accommodations a student has activated and is approved to receive in your course. When these letters are created, you will receive an email notification that a letter is available for you to review and sign in .
Carefully read through the letters and sign them. Accommodations are divided into Classroom and Exam accommodations, which include descriptions, and student and instructor actions.
Review students in your courses
At any time, you can view your students and their accommodations in . They are listed within the tool, or you can download a list in Excel. You can also see students who have registered for exams and students who have dropped from your courses.
Enter exam details
If you haven’t done so already, remember to enter exam details for your courses in Accommodate. If you are unable to facilitate a student’s approved exam accommodation, request your desired proctoring service when you enter your exam details.
Deadlines
Fall and Winter term final exams
- Enter exam details at least 2 weeks before the scheduled date.
- Upload exam materials up to 1 week before the scheduled date.
All other quizzes and exams
- Enter exam details at least 6 days before the scheduled date.
- Upload exam materials up to 3 days before the scheduled date.
Why should I enter exam details early?
- Early entry helps students register accurately and on time.
- It allows our team to coordinate support and avoid last-minute workarounds.
- It reduces confusion, delays, and unnecessary back-and-forth—especially during high-volume periods.
- Some accommodations may still require our support—even if you plan to proctor the exam yourself. Submitting exam details in Accommodate is essential for ensuring appropriate support, fulfilling reporting requirements, and contributing to a smooth and equitable exam experience for the student.
Collaborate with students and any ASC Accessibility & Accommodations Services staff who may contact you to coordinate approved accommodations (e.g., alternate formats, assistive technologies, accommodation strategies and services) and determine accommodation solutions.
For further support
If you have questions about integrating accommodations into your class or exploring additional accessibility support in course design, please contact Rukiyah Ghani at rukiyah@ualberta.ca or fill out this consultation form. As the Instructional Designer for Accessibility at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Rukiyah supports accessible teaching practices and makes Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles tangible in diverse learning environments.
Other resources for accessibility may be found at CTL’s Essential Practices in Accessible Teaching.
Connect with us at arrec@ualberta.ca if you have additional questions or concerns about how a specific student’s accommodations might work in your course. Please note that, while coordinating accommodations to align with course environments and assessments is expected, instructors cannot change approved accommodations or approve new accommodations for students.
Most instructors will teach some students with disabilities throughout their careers. These students will be among the more than 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students who are registered for accommodations with the Academic Success Centre.
Since the instructor's role is central to the student's learning experience, our office tends to collaborate closely and frequently with you, together with our shared students, throughout the academic year.
Course Accommodations
There are a variety of course accommodations that will require us to collaborate with you and your students in order to provide successful learning environments. Learn more.
Exam Accommodations
We encourage you to review accommodated exam procedures and understand your role in the accommodation process. Learn more. Proctoring support is available for accommodated exams and can be requested through ClockWork’s .