What is a Memory Aid/Formula Sheet?

• Memory aids/formula sheets are testing accommodations to support students who have challenges with memory.
• Memory aids give students an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in a test/exam by lessening the impact of their disability.
• The accommodation is not intended to reduce academic requirements or alter the standards by which academic performance is assessed.
• A memory aid is typically a double-sided 8 1/2″ by 11″ piece of paper, handwritten or typed in 10 or 12 point font.
  • It may include diagrams, mind maps, general formulas, acronyms, pictures, etc.
• It should be relevant only to the student who created it and will use it.
• It should include only the information the student needs to trigger processing and recall of information.
• The content of a memory aid are at the instructor’s discretion and should not run contrary to the essential requirements of the course.
• View the following handout for the design and process for administering a memory aid accommodation.

Memory Aid Approval Procedure

1. Your student must discuss with you the need for a memory aid, and its possible content well in advance of the scheduled date for the class test/exam.
2. The student then books his or her test/exam.
3. Your student must compose the draft memory aid and submit it to you for review and any amendment a minimum of 5 business days in advance of the scheduled test/exam.
4. You must submit the final version of the memory aid with a copy of the test/exam to be written two days in advance of the scheduled test/exam (please note that the timeline for submitting the final memory aid may be different for the Office of the Registrar).
5. Additional Note: The memory aid should be contained in the envelope with the completed test/exam. If not, you may want to consult with either SAS Tests or the Office of the Registrar.

Last Updated: August 9 2019