Guidelines for Using Calculators

Purpose

The Office of Student Accommodations (OSA) and the Mathematics Department have determined the circumstances that would allow for the use of a calculator as an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.

Guidelines

1. The Office of Student Accommodation's approval of the use of a calculator as an accommodation is based on the student's disability documentation.

2. OSA will consider requests for use of a calculator on a case-by-case basis. Due to the specific nature of some disabilities, a calculator may be the only way that a student can have equal access.

3. OSA will not approve of the use of a calculator as an appropriate accommodation when:

   1. The provision of a calculator undermines academic standards or fundamentally alters the nature of an assignment or test;

   2. The test is designed to measure skills that the calculator would eliminate. For example, if the skill being tested is to calculate percentages or square roots, then a calculator would be inappropriate accommodation. A fact sheet or some other strategy may be an appropriate alternative. However, a fact sheet is not an appropriate accommodation when the provision of a fact sheet fundamentally alters the nature of an exam.

Other Considerations

1. It is entirely possible for the use of a calculator to be permitted for some exams and not permitted for others.

2. If other students in the class are not allowed to use a calculator/fact sheet during an exam/quiz, the instructor shall request that the student complete the exam/quiz through the Office of Student Accommodations.

3. Students should discuss with their instructors what type of calculator is appropriate for more advanced classes.