Following its initial launch in May 2022, Ventus, an online portal for academic accommodations, has been updated ahead of the fall term. The modifications come as part of the consultation process with instructors, support staff, and student feedback.

Ventus, developed specifically for Queen’s over the past year, streamlines the academic accommodation process. The portal securely connects students, Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS), the Exams Office, instructors, and other support services in the process to manage and implement academic accommodations. Use of Ventus is mandatory across all programs at Queen’s for academic accommodations.

Ventus helps reduce instructor workload related to academic accommodations by streamlining communication needs for instructors and students, and suppling instructors with the essential information required for providing students with the appropriate accommodation. Ventus replaces the exchange of emails containing Letter of Accommodations (LoA) as well as the Exam Accommodation System (EAS). The interface also enables students to view details of their accommodation arrangements for in-class work, quizzes, exams, and more. This new portal is integrated into OnQ and the privacy of all students requesting accommodations will be protected by Ventus. 

Instructors, support staff, and students can go to ventus.queensu.ca to manage academic accommodations. Students who need to register for accommodations, or who have questions about accommodations at Queen’s, should refer to Queen’s Student Accessibility Services.

A Ventus support website is available with resources to support students, instructors, and staff in their use of Ventus. Instructors are also encouraged to attend upcoming webinars (see schedule below) to learn how to navigate Ventus, view student accommodations in their courses, modify assessments, and more.

AN INTRODUCTION TO VENTUS FOR INSTRUCTORS

Aug. 16, 2022 – 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Aug. 23, 2022 – 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Aug. 30, 2022 – 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Sept. 7, 2022 – 10:30 am to 11:30 am

This webinar will demonstrate how to:

• Log in and navigate Ventus the Instructor Portal
• View student accommodations in your course
• Add paper and online assessments
• Copy an existing assessment
• Modify an assessment

Learn more about the development of Ventus on the Office of the Provost website.