Distraction Reduced Environment

There are a number of different reasons why students might require a distraction reduced environment. This ranges from the need to minimize noises and movement to the need to have an environment where materials can be read out loud.

Generally, appropriate reduced distraction spaces:

  • Are available for the entire exam time, including any additional time.
  • Have a proctor familiar with the requirements of the specific exam.
  • Are free of distractions (visual, auditory, etc.) to the greatest extent possible.
  • Have a limited number of students testing within the space (exact number depends on the size of the space, but it should be as few students as possible to minimize distractions).
  • Have all appropriate testing materials available to the student.
  • Includes access, physical or digital, to the professor or a TA for clarifying questions or concerns.

Key Things to Know

  • Students are not guaranteed a 100% distraction free environment, but all efforts should be made to ensure there are as few distractions as possible.
  • A distraction reduced environment does not need to be an individual space for testing. 
  • A distraction reduced environment is arranged by the course instructor, and when necessary, with the assistance of SAS. SAS helps assist faculty find spaces by offering the UNH Testing Center as a resource. Students who wish to utilize this space, should discuss this option with their faculty.
  • Instructors are not obligated to provide the same space for each exam, but should notify students of the testing space as soon as possible.
  • Any testing space should be appropriate for testing and include all necessary testing materials.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for…

  • Meeting all general accommodation responsibilities as outlined as outlined on the SAS Website.
  • Talking with faculty about what type of testing environment works best for them.
  • Sharing their accommodation letter and need for a distraction reduced space with the instructor as soon as possible. It may take time to find a distraction reduced space, so advanced notification is critical.
  • Arriving to the space at the time determined by instructor.
  • Following all exam rules as detailed by the proctor.
  • If using the Testing Center, following all Testing Center policies and procedures as outlined in the UNH Testing Center Handbook.

Implementation Recommendations 

As an instructor implementing this accommodation, we recommend that you...

  • Talk with the student about their needs related to a reduced distraction environment. Questions can include, but are not limited to:
    • Will you require this for all exams and quizzes?
    • What types of spaces have been successful for you in the past?
    • Where have you taken exams in the past when at UNH?
    • Are the times when you might not need a reduced distraction space?
  • Arrange a space for the student as soon as possible.
  • Communicate in advance about the time of the exam, where the student will test, and under what conditions including any changes to exam guidance.
  • Ensure the space is appropriate for a distraction reduced environment (see criteria above).
  • If utilizing the Testing Center, follow all policies as outlined in the UNH Testing Center Handbook.

Common Questions

What should an instructor do if they cannot find a distraction reduced testing space?

Instructors who need assistance finding a space should reach out to their department or college or they can reach out to SAS. SAS can also assist through the UNH Testing Center. The Testing Center has 13 seats that are available. These spaces were designed to be both accessible and reduced distraction.

Can an instructor place a student in an office or a conference room?

As long as it meets the student’s accommodation need and it is an appropriate space, then an office space or conference room would be acceptable. It is important to ensure that it is appropriate for a testing space. For instance, the phone should be silenced, signage should be placed on the door indicating that testing is occurring, the testing space should be cleared, a proctor is available, and all necessary testing materials are available.

Can an instructor place a student in a quiet hallway or a common area?

Common areas are generally not appropriate spaces for reduced distraction testing spaces. These spaces tend to be frequently used, and unless the space can be closed and remained closed for the exam period, it would not be an appropriate space.

Is distraction reduced environment the same as an individual testing space?

No. These are different accommodations, and the accommodation will indicate the type of space necessary for the specific student.