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Student Resources

How to Submit an Alternate Format Request

  1. Log in to the MyDRC Portal and open the Alternate Media or Request Alternate Media module.
  2. Click Create New Request.
  3. Search for your textbook by Title or ISBN. Searching by title is recommended since editions may have different ISBNs.
  4. If your book doesn’t appear, select Request New Content and enter the textbook details.
  5. Upload a copy of your proof of purchase (e.g., bookstore receipt). You will not be able to access the alternate format until proof of ownership is received.
  6. When finished, submit the request. You will receive a confirmation notice and email.
  7. You can add more textbooks to the same request if needed.

After You Submit

  • An Accessible Technology Specialist will contact you with status updates.
  • You may view the status of your requests in the MyDRC portal.
  • Once materials are ready and the proof of purchase is verified, you will be able to access or download your alternate format files.

Tips & Assistance

  • Submit your requests early, ideally before the semester begins, so conversion can be completed in time.
  • If you have questions or need help, contact the DRC Alternate Media/Access Technology specialist at drc_atc@palomar.edu.

How to Request Accommodation Letters

  1. Go to the DRC website and open the **Site Menu**.
  2. Select **MyDRC**.
  3. Click **MyDRC Student Log‑in**.
  4. Once logged in, choose **Accommodation Letters**.
  5. Log in using your student email address and MyPalomar/Canvas password.
  6. Next to the class you want accommodations for, click the **Request** button.
  7. Choose which accommodations you need and select the class(es) they apply to. If you’re adjusting previously approved accommodations, update that here as well.
  8. Read the Terms of Use, check the box to agree, then click **Submit**.
  9. After submitting, the request status will show as **Pending**.
  10. After a DRC counselor approves your accommodations, the status changes to **Sent**.
  11. The status changes to **Confirmed** once the signed copy is returned to the DRC or the instructor has acknowledged receipt online.

Status Definitions

  • Pending – Your request has been submitted and awaits counselor review.
  • Sent – The accommodation letter has been approved and sent.
  • Confirmed – The instructor has acknowledged the letter or a signed copy has been returned to the DRC.

Tips & Reminders

  • Accommodation letters must be requested for each class where accommodations are needed.
  • Make sure your accommodations are current and active before submitting letters.
  • Once approved, print or download your letter and give it to your instructor so accommodations can take effect.

Requesting Exam/Test Appointments

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Students must have a current Authorized Academic Accommodation Letter before scheduling tests or exams.
  • Tests and exams administered by the DRC Testing Center are by **appointment only**.

How to Request an Appointment

You can request an exam appointment using any of the following:

All requests should be submitted on time:

  • At least **five (5) business days** before the scheduled test/exam date.
  • At least **two weeks** before a final exam.
  • Requests made after these deadlines may not be supported on the requested date/time.

Scheduling Guidelines

  • Appointments should be scheduled to coincide with the same time the class is taking the test, unless alternative arrangements have been approved by the instructor and communicated to the Testing Center.
  • Appointments are reviewed and confirmed by the Testing Center Coordinator before they are officially booked.

Check‑In & Test Day Procedures

  • Arrive at the Testing Center **5–10 minutes early** to allow time for check‑in.
  • Present a **valid photo ID** at check‑in; contact the Testing Center Coordinator if you do not have one.
  • If you arrive more than **15 minutes late**, you must contact the Coordinator for approval to still take your exam.

Student Responsibilities

  • Check your MyDRC account to confirm your scheduled appointment date and time.
  • Communicate with your instructor directly if an alternate date/time is needed and ensure the Testing Center is notified with any instructor approval before the scheduled exam.

Student Test Accommodation Policies & Procedures (Fall 2025)

MyDRC & Authorized Accommodation Letters

  • MyDRC is the online portal for requesting and accessing accommodation letters and test appointments. Students must log in with their Palomar email and password.
  • Accommodation letters must be approved by a DRC counselor and provided to instructors before testing accommodations can be used.

Requesting Test or Exam Appointments

  • Students must have an approved accommodation letter before scheduling testing accommodations. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • All test or exam appointments are by **appointment only**.
  • Appointments must be requested at least **five (5) business days** before a scheduled exam and **two (2) weeks** before final exams.
  • Requests can be made through MyDRC, in person at the DRC Testing Center (NA‑2), by phone (760‑744‑1150 ext. 3939), or by email (drcproctor@palomar.edu).
  • Appointments are confirmed after review by the Testing Center Coordinator, and students should check MyDRC for confirmation.
  • Testing appointments should be scheduled for the same day and time as the class test unless alternate arrangements are made with the instructor and communicated to the Testing Center.

Testing Day Requirements

  • Arrive at least **5–10 minutes early** to check in and present a valid photo ID.
  • Students arriving more than **15 minutes late** must get approval from the Testing Center Coordinator.
  • All tests must be completed at least **15 minutes before Testing Center closing time**.
  • Only instructor‑approved materials may be taken into the testing area; personal belongings must be stored outside.
  • Food and drink are not permitted in the testing room except water with a closeable lid; approved nutrition breaks are handled as specified.
  • Behavior must comply with the Student Code of Conduct; disruptive or dishonest behavior may result in suspension of testing services.

Assistive Support & Additional Services

  • Requests for a reader, scribe, or assistive media must be indicated when scheduling the exam and require at least five (5) business days’ notice.
  • Students are encouraged to use assistive technology and alternate media when appropriate.

Cancelations, No‑Shows & Rescheduling

  • Students must cancel appointments by phone, email, or in person.
  • A “no‑show” is recorded if the student fails to appear for a scheduled appointment.
  • After two no‑shows, students may need to meet with a DRC counselor or director to reinstate testing accommodations.
  • To reschedule an exam, students must get instructor approval for the new date/time and inform the Testing Center.

Other Locations & Special Arrangements

  • Students who need to take exams at satellite locations (e.g., Fallbrook, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo) must follow standard appointment procedures.
  • For evening or weekend exam times outside Testing Center hours, students should work with instructors to find alternate arrangements.
  • Online course proctoring must be arranged at least five business days in advance via the Testing Center.

Additional Information

NOTE: Students must meet with a counselor at least one time per year to stay current with the DRC. In order to request accommodations letters online via MyDRC, students must have met with a DRC Counselor within the last year.

MyDRC allows registered and active DRC students to:

  • Request accommodation letters
  • Print accommodation letters once they are authorized
  • Request test/exam appointments
  • Request /view/download alternate media
    Only for students approved for this accommodation

MyDRC allows instructors to:

  • Acknowledge receipt of any e-mailed or hard copy DRC Authorized Academic Accommodation letters the student gives you.
    • Go to MyDRC
    • Click on MyDRC Instructor Log-in
    • Click Accommodation Letters at the top of the MyDRC page. It will ask you to log-in using your Single Sign-On (SSO) log in credentials.
    • You will see a list of all your DRC students that have requested accommodation letters. You may also view the accommodation letter for each student. By clicking acknowledge you have essentially signed the letter and that information will be recorded in the student’s file.

What if I go to MyDRC and see Accommodation Letters for students who have not presented me with a Letter?

  • There are times a DRC student may request and be approved for accommodations (i.e. extended time for exams or note taking, etc.) yet they intentionally choose to not use these accommodations and thus do not provide their Accommodation Letter to the instructor.  Some students’ disabilities have fluctuating symptoms and they may not be experiencing a flare up,  or the way the exams are structured minimizes the impact of the disability causing them to not need the extended time. Or the student may simply be trying out a semester or a class without using their approved accommodations.
  • If instructors see Accommodation Letters in MyDRC and the student(s) had not presented them with a Letter, instructors should not approach the students or extend exam/quiz time.
  • The Accommodation Letter states at the top:  Student must present this letter to the instructor prior to the Accommodations taking effect. Accommodations, such as extended quiz/exam time, should only be applied in Canvas or in the classroom, etc. IF the student presents the instructor with a DRC Authorized Academic Accommodation Letter (e-mail or in person).
  • Instructors should ONLY adjust exam/quiz time in Canvas if/when the DRC student gives them the Accommodation letter (this may occur at ANY time in a given semester).
  • If a student tells a professor they have been approved extended time for exams, the professor can check this by visiting MYDRC, however, legally, instructors can still request the student provides them with a copy of the Accommodation Letter.

To log-in to MyDRC you will need your Palomar student e-mail address and password. It is the same log-in information that you use to access Canvas.

If you have any questions or trouble accessing MyDRC please contact the DRC office at 760-744-1150, Ext. 2375