A memory aid accommodation refers to information that students, whose memory retrieval is impaired, are permitted to bring and use during an in person test/exam/quiz. Students with a memory aid accommodation have provided a medically documented need for a memory aid to compensate for significant memory processing deficits, such as sequencing, working memory or long-term memory retrieval. Not all students registered with SAS have a memory aid accommodation; Instructors can refer to a students accommodation letter for confirmation.

A memory aid is not a replacement for studying, copies of notes, an answer sheet or essential concepts that the student is being assessed on.

There are three types of memory aids; word lists, formula sheets, and fact sheets. A student may be provided with one or all as an accommodation.

Accommodation Wording Example: Memory Aid: Pre-approved word list, fact sheet, and formula sheet; Student to discuss with Prof at the beginning of the term the expectations of the memory aid. Memory Aid to be submitted for approval to Prof a minimum of 10 days prior to test/exam/quiz. Signed Memory Aid to be provided to SAS by students. Memory Aid will be submitted to Prof with completed test/exam/quiz.

Fact sheet and/or word list: A document containing information that serves as “triggers” to help a student’s recollection of previously learned information, for example could include acronyms, abbreviations, diagrams, tables, charts, category headings, lists of steps in a procedure, key terms and/or names. Full definitions and/or memory banks are not permitted. 

Formula sheet: A document containing formulae. 

• Formulae refers to a set of rules or principles that are expressed using symbols, figures, or both. 

• Students are permitted a formula sheet only on test/exam/quizzes that assess students on their application, as opposed to recollection, of formula.
• Solved equations are not permitted. 

Memory Aid Guidelines

Students and instructors are encouraged to review the Guidelines for the Use of a Memory Aid Accommodation.

• Students are responsible for meeting with the instructor at the start of the semester to review how this accommodation may be supported and are responsible for developing the memory aid and submitting it for the instructor's review and approval 10 days prior to the assessment date.

• SAS provides an email template for students to use in order to contact their instructor about using a memory aid in their course. SAS recommends that students CC their SAS Advisor in their communication with the instructor. 
  
• If instructors have any questions or concerns about this process they should contact the student's SAS Advisor.

Instructors have the right to not approve the use of a memory aid if:

• There is any risk to academic integrity.

• If information on the aid/formula sheet is determined to be an essential course requirement, it should not be allowed. Essential course requirements include the “knowledge and skills that must be acquired or demonstrated in order for a student to successfully meet the learning objectives of the course” (Oakley, Parsons & Wideman, 2012).

• The memory aid was not submitted to the instructor allowing for sufficient time for review.

To approve a memory aid instructors can:

• Sign the physical memory aid document provided by the student. The document can then be provided to SAS by the instructor with the test/exam/quiz or returned to the student to bring with them to the test/exam/quiz.

• Email the approved memory aid to the student's SAS Advisor cc'ing the student. SAS will print the memory aid and provide it to the student at the time of the test/exam/quiz.

NOTE: SAS will ensure that the memory aid has been approved by the instructor. Students are required submit the memory aid with the completed test/exam/quiz paper to be returned to the instructor for review.

If instructors have any questions or concerns regarding academic integrity related to a memory aid please contact the SAS office.