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February 12th, 2025 12:20PM

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Memory Aids

Accommodation Language

Student may use an instructor-approved memory aid during course assessments. Student and instructor must review the memory aid policy on the RCPD website to ensure equitable implementation.

Who receives a memory aid?

Students with documented disabilities that impact memory and recall. Students must become affiliated with RCPD through our registration process and discuss this accommodation with their Access Specialist.

How does it work and what does it include?

Memory aids…

  • are created by the student and approved by the instructor in advance of an assessment (test, quiz, exam, etc.)
  • should generally be formatted in 1 single-sided 8.5x11” page, written by hand or typed, in 12-point font size  
  • contain information that supports a student’s memory, prompting recall of content
  • allow the student to demonstrate knowledge of course material
  • will not make much sense to anyone besides the student who created the memory aid. They are not useful unless the student knows how to use the information.
  • are NOT intended to reduce academic requirements, alter essential functions of the assessment, or alter academic performance standards

Adjustments may need to be made in instances of mobility or visual disability impacts or significant amounts of course content.

Examples of information included in a memory aid are formulas*, diagrams/flow charts*, terms and definitions written in student’s own understanding, acronyms, short phrases, pictures, schematic diagrams or mind maps, names, definitions, tables, charts, key terms, mnemonics.

*may be labeled or unlabeled, depending on how the content is being tested.

What a memory aid doesn't include...

Again, memory aids are approved by instructors. Some of these examples may actually be reasonable to add to the memory aid, as each class and assessment are different. These are general examples.

  • Information that would compromise the integrity of the assessment (Only the instructor/department can determine whether memory aids compromise course/assessment integrity)
    • Answers to questions
    • Complete terms or definitions
    • Full course notes or all information that is being evaluated
    • Specific examples of problems, equations, formula use, etc.

  • Information that is deemed an essential learning objective. For example: If the learning objective is to know the formula, it should not be allowed on the memory aid. If the learning objective is to apply the formula, then the formula itself could be allowed on the memory aid.

Student Responsibilities

  • You must become affiliated with RCPD through our registration process and discuss this accommodation with your Access Specialist.  
  • Distribute your Accommodation Letter/Temporary Adjustments Letter to your instructors as early as you can in the semester and discuss use of your accommodations. See our website for more guidelines.  
    • It is important to have this conversation as early as possible! At least 7-14 days before the accommodation will be used. If your instructor has concerns about use of this accommodation, contact your RCPD Access Specialist immediately.   
  • You are responsible for… 
    • learning the course materials 
    • studying for the assessment  
    • determining which material will require memory cues/triggers 
    • developing the cues that will appear on the memory aid and creating it according to the guidelines on this page 
    • working with the instructor to get approval of the memory aid  
  • After your initial conversation about this accommodation (at least 7-14 days before the accommodation will be used, as noted above), you must send the proposed aid to your instructor at least 48 hours before the assessment or attend the scheduled office hours opportunity directly before the assessment to discuss.  
    • RCPD recommends sharing your memory aid with your instructor earlier if possible.  
    • If the memory aid is not shared with your instructor according to these guidelines, there is no guarantee it will be able to be approved/used. 
  • If you do not agree with your instructor’s determination… 
    • If the instructor did not provide feedback, request an explanation and copy your RCPD Specialist on your email. Reach out to your RCPD Specialist as soon as possible (note: your specialist may not be able to intervene before your scheduled assessment if it is short notice). 
    • *Reminder: while your Specialist can initiate a conversation with the instructor, they may not be able to determine whether the memory aid compromises the integrity of the assessment. 
  • You can file a dispute if you disagree with RCPD's determination(s) surrounding this accommodation. 

Faculty Guidelines

  • When turned in according to the “Student Guidelines”, review all memory aids and send feedback at least 24 hours before the assessment  
  • If you are concerned this accommodation is unreasonable because it will lower academic standards, modify grading, compromise essential learning objectives, or fundamentally alter your class or program, please reach out to the RCPD Access Specialist noted on the Accommodation Letter or file a dispute with RCPD or the MSU ADA Coordinator.  
  • If you have questions regarding the provision or appropriateness of accommodations, you may contact the assigned RCPD Access Specialist for assistance and always prior to deviating from the noted services/accommodations. 
  • There are three ways to provide feedback on the memory aid:  
    • Approve as is  
    • Approve partial content: remove information that interferes with course integrity and includes information from the “What a Memory Aid Doesn’t Include” section of this page.  
    • Disapprove all content: due to ALL information interfering with course integrity and including information from the “What a Memory Aid Doesn’t Include” section of this page.  
  • Copy the RCPD Access Specialist on email communications with the student. 

What’s the difference between a memory aid and a formula sheet? 

RCPD approves two different accommodations in the memory aid realm. Please see our policy related to the accommodation, “Use of a faculty approved/provided sheet of formulas and equations on math-related assessments.” If the assessment is testing students on memorizing formulas and the order of variables, a formula sheet may not be reasonable. If the assessment is testing students on knowing which formula to apply to which situation based on variables, a list of formulas without titles/descriptions would be reasonable. If the assessment is testing students on simply using a formula effectively, more detail on the sheet may be reasonable. 

A memory aid can be used for any class (where reasonable) and may contain more details than a formula sheet. It is a document containing information that triggers a student’s memory of previously learned class information.  

Accommodations for National/Board Exams

When determining accommodations, RCPD does not take into account whether a national testing board will approve the same accommodation. It can be useful for a student to be aware of that, so they can choose whether or not to practice using that accommodation. However, in general, the accommodation should still apply to in-class testing. 

*The exception would be if the test is associated with the licensing board and is required to follow their accommodations procedures. If that’s the case, please let the Access Specialist know, as the student will likely need to seek accommodations through the licensing board directly. 

Students, see our note on high-stakes testing. 

Important Notes for All Parties

  • The content included in the final memory aid is up to the instructor’s discretion. This does not mean the instructor can choose whether the aid can be used according to preference or personal beliefs, but that the instructor is the expert on the course and their assessments, so they know whether the proposed aid includes information that would compromise the integrity of the assessment. Please use this policy to make this determination.
  • A memory aid may be allowed for some classes but not others, and some assessments but not others, depending on learning objectives, assessment format, etc.
  • This accommodation is granted through an individualized process. It will not be appropriate for every student.
  • Memory aids will not be approved if they fundamentally alter the class, assessment, or academic/program standards.
  • Memory aids will not be useful unless the student knows and understands the information. If the student doesn’t understand the course material, a memory aid will not be supportive.