CAL Guide for Online Students
Online Studies
New Students
Returning Students
Placement Accommodations
Frequently Asked Questions
Exam Accommodations
Student Support Team
New Students
The Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is committed to ensuring all students have equal access at Algonquin College. The CAL provides academic accommodations and educational support services for students who have permanent and/or temporary disabilities. Services are confidential, free and voluntary.
If you are new to online learning and/or new to registering with the CAL, you are required to self-identify in order to access the CAL services. Further information for students can be found on the CAL website:
Returning Students
In order to receive accommodations, students are responsible for ensuring their facilitators receive a copy of the LOA each semester. If you are continuing your studies and would like to continue receiving accommodations in the upcoming semester you may:
- Download your LOA from the CAL Online Portal and distribute it to your facilitators directly.
Facilitator contact information can be found in your online course(s) when the courses begin. - If you would prefer to have your LOA sent to facilitators on your behalf, please email our Student Success Specialists. Your email should include the following:
a. Student number
b. Full name
c. Semester
d. Copy of your current LOA if available
If you feel changes to your LOA may be required, or if you have a placement in the upcoming semester and wish to receive placement accommodations, please schedule an appointment through the Welcome Centre to have your LOA updated as early as possible.
Placement Accommodations
If you are registered with the CAL and require placement accommodations, you must meet with your CAL Counsellor to develop a placement Letter of Accommodation (LOA) prior to going out in the field. The placement LOA is specifically designed to reflect your needs working in the field, it is very different from your academic LOA. As a result, we highly suggest all CAL learners connect with their counsellors prior to placement in order to determine if placement accommodations would be appropriate and to outline your specific needs should you decide to customize your accommodations for your fieldwork.
Please schedule an appointment through the Welcome Centre to have your placement LOA created as early as possible, and visit the Field Placement Centre for further information and deadlines for preparing for placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the CAL?
The role of the CAL is to provide you with the academic accommodations and support you require due to your disability. The accommodations you can receive are based on the confidential documentation you provide to the CAL.
Am I eligible for accommodations as an online student?
Yes, all students are eligible for accommodations if they register with the CAL and provide the appropriate supporting documentation.
Do I need to be a full-time student to use the CAL service?
No, any full-time or part-time students are eligible for accommodations if they have registered with the CAL and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.
When should I connect with the CAL?
Students should reach out to the CAL as early as possible. As soon as you are registered in courses, you can reach out to the CAL to begin planning your accommodations.
Please note if you do not have supporting documentation, it may take longer to draft your official Letter of Accommodation. Students may be eligible for interim accommodations throughout this time and should meet with the CAL early in the semester to get started.
How do I register with the CAL?
In order to access accommodations, students are responsible for registering with the CAL and self-identifying as a student with a documented disability.
Please follow the step by step instructions to register with CAL.
What if I’m not in Ottawa?
Non-local/distance students located outside of the Ottawa area are eligible to access the CAL services. Students will book phone appointments through the Welcome Centre and send all supporting documentation by email, fax and/or mail for review.
What documentation is required to register with the CAL?
Documentation from a registered healthcare professional is requested, as outlined on the CAL website. Documentation should include a description of the current functional limitations in order to determine appropriate academic accommodations that will equalize the opportunity for students to meet their essential course or program requirements. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, it is not necessary to provide a specific diagnosis to access accommodations and support services.
Interim accommodations may be provided to students who are in the process of being assessed for a disability.
What is a Letter of Accommodation?
The Letter of Accommodation (LOA) is a confidential document that provides a written statement of the academic or placement accommodations to which a student registered with CAL is entitled. Learn more here.
How long does an LOA last?
Unless an expiry date is indicated on your LOA, it is valid for the entirety of your program.
How does the CAL ensure my personal information remains confidential?
The CAL is fully committed to providing educational services in an ethical manner. All student information, including the fact that you have used CAL services, is treated as strictly confidential. Use of the service is voluntary. Your disability documentation will be stored in a secure manner at the CAL and will not be released to third parties without your written consent in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
Can I use my LOA for placement accommodations?
Students require a separate LOA for placements. If you are in a program that requires placements, you should speak with your Disabilities Counsellor and Field Placement Officer regarding your placement accommodations as early as possible.
What other services are offered through CAL?
I’m an on campus student taking courses online, do I need a separate LOA?
No. While some accommodations on your LOA may be specific to in class learning, you do not need an additional assessment or new LOA for online studies. If you are unsure how your accommodations will be implemented in an online environment, please speak with your Disabilities Counsellor about these concerns.
Exam Accommodations
Do my courses require in-person exams?
Not all online courses require an in-person exam. Some courses will have an online exam or a final assignment instead. You can check your course outline or course calendar to find out what kind of final assessment your course requires.
How do I book my exams for my online courses (OTTAWA)?
To receive your accommodations when you write your exams, you need to book exams directly with the CAL Test Services. They can be reached at either 613-727-4723 ext. 6092 or by email.
Please ensure you schedule your exam prior to the exam booking deadline. All exam dates and deadlines are available here.
How do I book my exams for my online courses (OUT OF TOWN)?
To book an out of town exam, you will need to find a proctor. Proctors must be educational professionals, including professors, librarians and their designates. To avoid conflict of interest concerns, the proctor may not be a relative, co-worker (including immediate supervisor), neighbour, friend, or person with the same address as the student.
Once your exam is booked, you would submit the CAL Booking Form on the myAC Learner Community Exam Booking System by your exam booking deadline to complete the process.
If you are entitled to exam accommodations, you will need to confirm that your proctor is able to provide you with your accommodations. For example, if you receive extra time you need to confirm that the test centre and/or proctor is able to accommodate up to 5 hour exams.
When can I write my final exam?
There is a date range during which you can write your exams, this is dependent on the start and end dates of your courses. If you wish to confirm your exam period, please contact the Exam Coordinator. You should include your full name, student number, and course information (course code, title, start date) in all correspondence with the college.
Is there a deadline to book or write my exams?
Yes, there are deadlines for both. The deadlines will be in the exam section of your initial eConfirmation email. You will also receive email reminders of the deadlines for both booking and writing exams.
Student Support Team
| Disabilities Counsellor |
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| Student Success Specialists |
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| Course Facilitator |
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| CAL Test Centre |
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