Academic accommodation supports for Summer Session 2024
April 4, 2024
Dear faculty and instructors,
As communicated in August, the university invested in temporary supports for Winter Session 2023/24 to help address the anticipated rise in demand for accommodated assessments. This was an interim strategy while we determined our approach going forward, and to allow time for faculty and instructors to consider (updating or revising) pedagogical approaches that support our diverse community of students. Thank you to faculty and instructors who have already made, or who are working on, changes to their courses and assessment practices.
In recent months, as we approach the end of those temporary supports, a VPAC-led working group has been assessing demand and consulting on next steps. What we have observed is a continued increase in exam volume, and that more time is needed to transition the campus community to longer-term solutions and approaches. As such, Executive Council has approved a budget request to continue temporary accommodation supports for Summer Session 2024, similar to what was put in place during Winter Session 2023/24.
We have created a central web page with practical information for instructors, including accommodation resources provided by the Centre for Accessible Learning and the Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Management. The page also includes resources provided by the Division of Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation (LTSI) on access-centred teaching and learning.
Approximately 16% of UVic’s student population identifies as having a disability, and this number is anticipated to increase as outcomes for students with disabilities and diverse needs in the are showing steady improvements. Our current approach to implementing required academic accommodations, including accommodated assessment supports and practices is not sustainable and does not serve students, faculty or staff well. Everyone on campus—regardless of role, discipline or class size—needs to work towards an access-centred campus.
We know that faculty and instructors need timely information to plan your courses and assessment for Winter Session 2024/25, and we will communicate our approach as soon as possible. We are actively consulting committees and groups on next steps, including Deans’ Council, Associate Deans Academic, and first-year instructors. As well, the Provost expects to soon receive recommendations from the Joint Working Group on Student Accommodations and Faculty Workload, for consideration. In the meantime, we invite you to visit our accommodated assessments web page and explore resources available through LTSI.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Adjin-Tettey, Associate Vice-President Academic Programs
Jim Dunsdon, Associate Vice-President Student Affairs