Dear Academic Affairs Colleagues:

GVSU’s new Universal Testing Center (UTC) is now open on the City Campus. The UTC is a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the diverse individual testing needs of GVSU students in one centralized, accessible space. It is a collaboration among the Student Accessibility Resources office, University Libraries, the Office of the Provost, the Office of the President, and the Registrar’s Office. The UTC is in Room 116A of the DeVos Building, adjacent to the Steelcase Library. 

As part of our commitment to student success, the UTC is staffed by trained testing coordinators and accessibility specialists. Staff at The Center collaborate closely with faculty, academic departments, and support services to ensure the secure administration of exams and the provision of accommodations.

UTC website and intake form for faculty to request testing services: https://www.gvsu.edu/utc

The new Universal Testing Center brings together a wide range of academic testing services under one roof, including:

The UTC is equipped with advanced features to promote academic integrity, student comfort, and accessibility:

Universal Testing Center (UTC) City Campus

Purpose: Provides a centralized, flexible, and accessible location for all students to take exams.

Services: Offers a limited distraction environment, with features such as ample seating and extended hours to accommodate diverse student schedules.

Users: All students on campus, regardless of disability status. Faculty registers students for testing.

ADA Testing Center Valley and City Campus

Purpose: To provide specific accommodations to students with disabilities to ensure they can demonstrate their knowledge on an equal playing field.

Services: implements accommodations that are tailored to an individual’s documented disability. Examples include:

- Extended time for exams
- Use of assistive technology like screen readers
- Customized materials (e.g., large print, Braille)
- Alternative testing formats

Users: Students with a verified disability who have registered with the university’s disability services office and have an approved accommodation plan. Students register for testing, and the faculty approves the request due to a certified accommodation memorandum.

Sincerely,

Ed Aboufadel
Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs