Accommodated Tests and Exams Accommodated Testing Services

Bringing accommodated tests and exams services to the next level

Following consultation with a cross-section of students, instructors, staff and senior leadership, Accommodated Testing Services (ATS) is bringing accommodated tests and exams services to the next level, implementing new processes and technology to support a growing need at the University.

Users will find the process transparent, seamless and intuitive, providing easy online access to information through pre-existing University platforms.

Exterior of Convocation Hall

For students, ACORN will replace existing outdated technology and will enable convenient access to make and view bookings with a modern, user-friendly interface. The Course Information System (CIS) will replace an email-based system for instructors and support staff, and will provide secure online submission and storage of test details and documents.

This project is part of the Next Generation Student Information Services (NGSIS) Program, which creates and deploys technological solutions that help students fully engage in rewarding learning experiences and achieve academic and personal success. It also helps to provide faculty and staff with a rich and supportive educational environment.

What is ATS?

ATS is responsible for coordinating quiz, term test, and final exam accommodations for students with documented disabilities who are registered with Accessibility Services on the St. George Campus. Working cooperatively with Accessibility Services and the institution’s faculty and staff, ATS plays a vital role in the execution of the University of Toronto’s commitment to accessibility.

Why transform the accommodation process?

The existing processes and technology supporting accommodated tests were implemented in 2010 when ATS received approximately 5,000 accommodation requests per year. Today, ATS receives over 20,000 requests per year with a steady increase of 12 to 20 per cent each year.

Given this, in early 2018 ATS completed an initial review of its processes and practices and conducted an extensive user survey. The outcomes of this review and survey form the basis of this project to improve services for students, instructors and staff.

BENEFITS 

Students

  • Convenient use of familiar student system, ACORN
  • Transparent display of requests and bookings
  • Modern user experience
  • Centralized interaction, communication and tracking

Instructors

  • Increased efficiency by moving from an email-based system to the integrated, seamless Course Information System (CIS)
  • Secure test and exam submission
  • Increased process transparency and student details

Staff

  • Coordinated process through central system, decreasing email and paper-based forms, test details and test documents
  • Comprehensive notifications and alerts to keep staff informed of updates and changes
  • Integration with ACORN and CIS modules for improved data accuracy
  • Efficient space allocation
  • Improved user experience for continually growing commitment of time and resources

FUTURE VISION: SYSTEM INTEGRATION

Illustration of system integration
Accessibility Services System feeds information to ROSI and the new ATS System. ACORN takes informatoin from the new ATS System and also provides information to the new ATS System. Both the Course Information System and the new ATS System exchange information.

TIMELINE

  • A – Task: Change Management/Communications, Starts January 2021, Ends January 2022
  • B – Task: Instructor Module: Release (Enhancements), Starts January 2021, Ends March 2021
  • C – Task: Student Module: Testing, Starts January 2021, Ends March 2021
  • D – Task: Student Module: Release, Starts April 2021, Ends July 2021
  • E – Task: Student Module: Enhancements, Starts October 2021, Ends December 2021
  • F – Task: Admin Module: Development / Testing, Starts January 2021, Ends March 2021
  • G – Task: Admin Module: Release, Starts April 2021, Ends September 2021
  • H – Task: Admin Module: Enhancements, Starts October 2021, Ends December 2021

CONTACT

Need help? Contact ats.info@utoronto.ca

Questions about ATS processes? Visit the ATS website

PROJECT LEADERSHIP

  • Steven Bailey – Director ACE
  • Cathy Eberts – Director, Enterprise Applications and Deputy CIO 
  • Donald Boere – Assistant Principal & Registrar, Innis College
  • Alana Bolan – Associate Dean ARTSC
  • Avi Hyman – Director ACT
  • Richard Levin – Executive Director, Enrolment Services & University Registrar
  • Daniella Mallinick – Director, Academic Programs, Planninng & Quality Assurance
  • Susan McCahan – Chair, Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education
  • Sian Miekle – Director ITS Libraries
  • Andrew Petersen – Vice Dean UTM
  • Mark Schmuckler – Vice Dean UTSC
  • Ashley Stirling – Vice Dean KPE
  • Julian Weinrib – Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education