Test proctoring guidelines

Test administration policy

The Learning Center proctors exams for SMU students in the Disability Support Services program. All exams are proctored in O'Grady Library, lower level, by LWC staff. Students may request test proctoring at the front desk or by email at least one week in advance.

Test administration procedures

• Sign up for test proctoring at least one week in advance to secure a testing time that satisfies class requirements.
• Students need to show up on time for their exam. Late arrival will result in time deducted from the exam, or appointment cancellation and the necessity of rescheduling with their professor. The start and finish times of the test will be recorded by the test proctor.
• Students must ensure that the LWC has a signed Faculty Approval Slip on file for each course that tests are to be proctored. Students must also have a signed acknowledgement that they received a copy of and understand these guidelines.
• Students are responsible for ensuring the LWC has the test prior to the testing date. If the test is not at the LWC, it will be the student's responsibility to get a copy from the instructor. LWC staff will not retrieve tests from instructors.
• Students may take only the test paper(s), pencils (or pen) and other materials allowed under the Faculty Approval Slip into the testing room. Students may not access books, bags, coats or cell phones at any time during the exam. All personal effects will be safeguarded.
• Scrap paper and blank disks for computer-assisted testing will be provided by the LWC.
• Exams will be returned to the professor when students fail to show for their appointments. Late arrivals past 30 minutes is considered a "no show." The student will notify his or her professor and reschedule as permitted.
• Unattended children are not permitted during exams. Please show consideration by making arrangements for childcare.
• Students may not leave the testing room in an hour-long test. A 10-minute break is allowed for tests lasting two or more hours. A session is considered discontinued when a break goes past the allotted time; and the student will have to reschedule with his or her professor.
• Tests with "unlimited time" must be proctored by the faculty member. They cannot be taken in the Learning and Writing Center as the rooms are carefully and specifically scheduled.
• Exams must be delivered by the professor. If a student is permitted to deliver the exam, the envelope must be endorsed across the seal with the instructor's signature.
• MAKE-UP EXAMS are not proctored by the center except under extenuating circumstances. Students must ensure a signed Faculty Approval Slip is on file. Check with the center's front desk for the specific make-up exam proctoring schedule.