Memory Aid Accommodation for Exams
A memory aid is designed to give students an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of course material by prompting their memory without providing direct answers. It is a collaborative process between the student, the instructor, and, when needed, Disability & Accessibility Services (DAS).
Purpose & Scope
A memory aid is intended to prompt the student's memory, not provide the answers. It does not replace studying and is not a substitute for course knowledge.
Format Constraints
- The memory aid is limited to one side of an 8.5"x11" piece of paper or one large index card.
- Use standard font sizes (10-12 point) to maintain parity.
Cue Sheets vs. Formula Sheets
- Cue Sheets: These provide prompts or triggers to help students recall key concepts or structures.
- Formula Sheets: These provide specific formulas needed for calculations and are only permitted if exams are intended to evaluate student use and application of formulas. Formula sheets are not appropriate if an objective of the exam is for students to recall formulas.
- Both types of memory aid must adhere to the formatting guidelines above.
Prohibited Content
To maintain academic integrity, memory aids must not include:
- Complete definitions and terms.
- Full course notes, lists of specific facts, details, concepts, or processes being tested.
- Examples of how formulas are used.
- More than one page of material.
Process
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Drafting
The student creates the initial draft of the memory aid independently.
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Submission
The student submits the proposed memory aid to the instructor for review at least 3 business days before the exam. -
Review
The instructor reviews the aid to ensure it aligns with course objectives and does not contain prohibited content. -
Approval
Upon securing the instructor's approval, the aid is finalized. -
Delivery
The instructor takes possession of the approved memory aid and ensures it is emailed or delivered to DAS alongside the student's exam. -
Proctoring
To ensure academic integrity, memory aids brought directly to the exam by the student cannot be permitted by DAS proctors. The aid must be supplied by the instructor. If the student plans to take the exam in the classroom, the professor should deliver the memory aid with the exam, or before the exam begins.
If an instructor is concerned that a memory aid fundamentally alters essential course or program objectives, they should reach out to DAS. Accommodations are evaluated on an institutional level, and DAS is here to partner with faculty in making those determinations.
Contact
For questions or concerns, please contact Disability & Accessibility Services at das@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2448.