The DSS Office makes every effort to ensure the security and integrity of all exams. The DSS Testing Center has rooms equipped with video cameras and computers are monitored electronically.
If a student is approved for alternative testing accommodations, those would be listed in the faculty notification email that you receive from DSS. Possible alternative testing accommodations include, but are not limited to:
- Extended time
- Testing with DSS
- Off-the-clock breaks
- Use of a computer, calculator, and/or adaptive equipment/assistive technology
Students are encouraged to speak with faculty prior to each exam to ensure that the appropriate testing accommodations are arranged.
If the student needs to take exams with DSS, they will need to schedule this through the online portal.
- Students are not able to schedule exams with DSS until an Alternative Testing Agreement has been completed by their professor. If multiple students are in the same class section, only one Alternative Testing Agreement is needed. If the students are in different sections of the same class, then one agreement must be completed for each section.
- Faculty are asked to proctor the exam if the sole testing accommodation is 50% extended time. When testing with the faculty, the student may take the exam in class, in the faculty’s office, or in another predetermined location. Faculty should provide a testing environment that is quiet, accessible, with limited interruptions. If faculty cannot provide an adequate testing environment or are unable to proctor exams for students, they may request that students with 50% extended time schedule exams in the DSS Office. This option is on the Alternative Testing Agreement.
- Testing accommodations for extended time only apply toward timed exams. If students are provided take-home exams where they have multiple days to work on and complete, their percentage of extended time would not apply. Requests for an extension to the due date should be considered in the same way as a request for an extension on an assignment.
How to arrange for DSS to proctor exams.
- Complete an Alternative Testing Agreement (see the Faculty Notification email which lists the student’s approved accommodations for a link). On this contract, faculty will need to provide dates and times for their exams as well as instructions on how to administer their exams.
- If there are any changes to the agreement (i.e., date, time, or materials allowed, or not allowed, during the test), faculty need to change this on the agreement or contact DSS prior to the testing date.
- Discuss the structure of the exam with the student and make them aware that they need to plan to take the test with the DSS Testing Center. It is the student's responsibility to schedule their exam though the DSS online portal. Exams need to be scheduled at least 7 days before the exam; 14 days before for finals. Our system will lock out last minute requests.
- An exam cannot be scheduled until the agreement has been completed.
- Provide DSS with the exam/quiz at least 1 full business day in advance; 2 full business days in advance for finals.
- Exams changed the night before the exam should be emailed to DSS. If the exam is an early morning exam, a phone call is requested in ensure the student receives the correct exam.
Please note:
- Scheduling exams with DSS is dependent on our available space or equipment needs. If DSS is at full capacity, DSS may work with faculty and students to schedule the exam on a different day and/or time than the rest of the class. This decision will be at the discretion of the faculty.
- No food is allowed while testing unless it is part of an approved accommodation.
- DSS is unable to proctor exams administered online. To assist in administering online exams for students with testing accommodations, we have the following Frequently Asked Questions with useful strategies.
FAQs for Proctoring Exams Online