A memory aid is a testing accommodation that is used to support students who have documented challenges with memory. Examples of documentation may include psychoeducational or neuropsychological testing or be directly observed and substantiated through the clinicians' assessment process.

Memory aid is a tool used to trigger information that a student has studied but may have difficulty recalling due to processing deficits with memory and recall.  These are cues to a larger body of information and would not be useful to a student unless they know and understand how to use the information the memory aid contains.  If the student does not know the course material, the memory aid would not be beneficial. 

A memory aid or cue sheet gives students an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of course material on a quiz/exam without taxing already compromised memory function. This accommodation is not intended to reduce academic requirements or alter the standards by which academic performance is assessed.

Memory aids may contain cues such as: acronyms, short phrases, pictures, schematic diagrams, formulas, names, definitions, tables, or key terms.  A memory aid is not meant to record all the facts, concepts or processes being tested. While the use of a memory aid is an accommodation, the contents of a memory aid are at the instructor’s discretion and should not run contrary to the essential requirements of the course.Only the instructor or department can determine whether a memory aid compromises the integrity of the course. If remembering the information on the memory aid is deemed to be an essential learning objective or outcome of the course, it should not be allowed. For example, if the learning objective or outcome of the course is to know the formula, it should not be allowed on the cue sheet; however, if the learning objective or outcome of the course is to demonstrate the ability to apply the formula, then it could be allowed on the memory aid. 

There are several options that could be used to create a memory aid. For each of these options, it is important that the student knows what will be on the memory aid before the exam. 

• Student shares Letter of Accommodation with professor  
• Student creates the memory aid and instructor reviews for approval
• Instructor creates the memory aid to share with student
• Student and instructor work collaboratively to create the memory aid

While the memory aid may be created at any point, the instructor may require the final version of the memory aid as many as 5 days before the exam.  For exams proctored by SDS, it is required that the memory aid be provided with the exam at least 2 business days before the scheduled exam. We recommend the student and instructor have a clear agreement on deadlines and expectations for this accommodation. SDS is available at any point of the process for consultation.