Academic Resource Center (ARC) logo

Staying productive and retaining information in online classes can present challenges for our students. As we transition into online delivery of instruction, you should be aware that the ARC and Accessibility Services remain available to support you and the learning and accessibility needs of our students.


Accessibility Services

Students registered with Accessibility Services have been contacted regarding continued access to their accommodations. Information has been provided regarding how these services will work while classes are online.

Questions about alternative testing, accessible formats of materials, or any other accommodation-related concerns you may have should be directed to Dr. Tori Negash (Tori.Negash@cuaa.edu).

Test Proctoring

The ARC will not be proctoring in-person exams while course instruction remains online only. Exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances or special situations (e.g. access to testing accommodations that can only be provided in person).

If you require students to take an exam that must be proctored, and there are no viable alternative options (e.g. Respondus), please contact Dr. Tori Negash (Tori.Negash@cuaa.edu) as soon as possible. Every effort will be made by ARC staff to ensure an exam proctor is available via Zoom if that service is needed.

Accommodated Testing: Students with testing accommodations (e.g. extra time) have been instructed to request alternative testing through our AIM system. This process remains the same and has not changed. You will be notified of a student’s request to test with accommodations when it is submitted.

Blackboard allows you to extend the time of a test to allow for a student’s alternative testing accommodation. A step-by-step guide for adding this accommodation is available as a resource on the ARC website.

Make-Up Testing: All make-up exams scheduled on or after 3/23/2020 have been cancelled. Emails with information about the cancellations will be sent to the students and faculty impacted by this change.

If a student misses an exam or quiz while course instruction remains online only, and you approve of them making it up, you will need to adjust the due date and availability options for that student in the test settings for that exam/quiz. This allows them to access the quiz or exam at an alternate time. Information about this process can also be found in the Blackboard resource guide.

Academic Support Services

All ARC services remain available for students to access during this time. These service will be made available through Zoom, email, and/or other online modalities. Students should request appointments through TutorTrac, or by emailing ARC@cuaa.edu or Earl Schumake (Earl.Schumake@cuaa.edu).

If students experience scheduling issues, they should contact Earl Schumake: Earl.Schumake@cuaa.edu.

PACs/Tutoring/Supplemental Instruction: If students already have appointments scheduled, the PACs, Tutors, and SI leaders they are working with will contact them to make arrangements for virtual meetings. New appointments can be scheduled through TutorTrac or by emailing the ARC. SI leaders who held scheduled sessions each week will be available at those same times for appointments.

Writing Center: all in-person writing consultations are cancelled. The Writing Center will transition from drop-in hours to scheduled hours for virtual appointments. In addition to Online Live Chat sessions, CUAA Writing Consultants will be available as part of the Online Writing Lab (OWL) to review papers or other written assignments and provide feedback within 3-5 business days of submission. An online writing consultation request form is being added to the ARC website; this form will enable students to request writing consultations and submit drafts of their papers.

Math Drop-In Desk: the Math Drop-In desk will also transition from drop-in hours to scheduled hours for appointments. Appointments can be scheduled through TutorTrac.

Helpful Resources

Links to resources and additional information for faculty, staff, and students will be made available on the ARC website. Check back frequently for updates.

Want to help your students better manage their time while learning online? Share this time management and productivity blog post or have them watch this short video with tips for time management.

Concerned about how your students will adjust to learning remotely? Check out this recording from “Take 20: Learning in a Virtual World” event, facilitated by Dr. Tori Negash.

Take 20’s are 20 minute boot camp sessions facilitated by faculty, staff, and industry professionals to introduce topics designed to engage in career and vocational development. These events are planned through The Office of Career Engagement & Industry Relations at CUAA.

Looking for tips and best practices for using Zoom? Check out this blog post from our Strategic Communications team.

Contact the ARC!

ARC staff remain available during this time to provide support and assistance. In addition to phone and email, staff are available for Zoom appointments at your request.

Dr. Tori Negash – Director of the ARC & Accessibility Services

Email: Tori.Negash@cuaa.edu | Phone: 734-995-7582 | Fax: 734-995-4819

Earl Schumake – Academic Support Specialist

Email: Earl.Schumake@cuaa.edu | Phone: 734-995-7325

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