ProctorU for Online Exams

Keep in mind your final exam will not have a set time in which all students take the exam at the same time because with online courses, there’s typically not a set lecture time. ProctorU allows you to set an exam "window" in which students will be expected to self-schedule and take their test within the restrictions of that window. It is recommended you provide at least a 48-hour window, but this is dependent on the size of the class.

Have a Backup:
It is highly recommended to have a backup or an alternative arrangement for students who can’t use ProctorU. Students will need to have a high-speed internet connection, a webcam (internal or external), a Windows or Apple Operating System, a government issued photo id, and access to a private well-lit room. In our limited experience, there are some challenges with incompatible operating systems and access to private rooms, but the majority of students preferred ProctorU; so you likely won’t get a lot of requests to take the exam in person.

Put it on the Syllabus:
Here is suggested text for your syllabus. This provides enough information to prepare students without overwhelming them with the technical details. On or around Week 5 is a better time to prepare your students for the proctored exam and have them check whether they meet the technical requirements.

Your online exam will still need to be created in your Learning Management System course site (Blackboard or Canvas. For other systems including Coursera, ask the Digital Learning Team). ProctorU will not need access to the course, but they will need to verify the exam url. You will also need to set up the exam as a password-protected exam and provide the password in the ProctorU setup. 

• Go to the UC San Diego ProctorU Portal.
• Click Signup at the top.
• Select Instructor.
• Complete the required fields to create your account.

Allow at least 48 hours for your account to be activated. You will receive an email to schedule a virtual training session with a ProctorU faculty representative, who will walk you through the exam setup process.

Training is required. Sign up for ProctorU Training.

Download the Faculty Process (pdf) for detailed guidelines on how to add an exam.

• Under “Department” choose “General”
• Provide incident users who will field the reports (you and perhaps a TA)
• Provide a link to the final exam on your LMS.
• Provide the exam password.
• List any allowed outside resources (e.g. websites, books, calculators, software, bathroom breaks, etc.)
• Provide contact info for exam issues (TA and/or you).
• Indicate the exam window.

Allow at least 72 hours for the exam scheduling link to be live.

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4. Week Five - Send a Reminder

Remind students they need to create their ProctorU accounts and “self-schedule” their online exam within the window provided (minimum 48 hour-window recommended). Have students review ProctorU’s what to expect page and test their technology. 

Motivate students to do this by:

• Sending a message (email, announcement, etc.)
• Include a quiz question like the following:
  Have you reviewed ProctorU’s page on what to expect for test takers and completed your technology check? (note: “No” is not an option. Please stop now and visit the web page.) -Yes, I have and I can meet the technology system and space requirements. -Yes, I have, but I don’t think I can meet the systems or space requirements -- I have submitted my name and email on this form <provide link> to request alternate accommodations.

If students lack a quiet place, suggest they reserve a room in the library as soon as possible. If you have a small number of students who need accommodations, consider having a TA find a common time that students can take the exam in person at the end of the test window or the day after (in case anyone has trouble during the testing window). Schedule a room.

NOTE regarding fees:
Students will not be charged any fee (UCSD currently covers this cost). However, students will be responsible for any premium scheduling fees if they do not schedule at least 72 hours in advance from their desired appointment time.
Exams scheduled 24-72 hours from the desired appointment time have a $5 fee.
Exams scheduled within 24 hours of the desired appointment time have a $8 Premium scheduling fee.

Remind students to schedule their exam by Thursday at the very latest.

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6. Finals Week - Monitor and View the Reports

• Watch for communication from students requesting accommodations or an in-person exam.
• Hold the in-person exam make up or alternative assessment.
• Field any reports and flags from ProctorU (Incident reports will be sent via email to the incident user list and accessible via the UC San Diego ProctorU portal).

After creating an account, find your course and select the date and time you'd like to take your exam. 

You must schedule your exam at least 72 hours in advance.

Computer with > Windows Vista or > Mac OS X 10.5

Webcam (minumum 640x480 resolution)

Highspeed internet (recommended 1.5 Mbps)

A functioning microphone (some web cameras have them built in)

A compatible browser: Google Chrome (preferred) or Mozilla Firefox

Google Chromebooks

Tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.)

Linux operating systems

Windows 10 in S mode or Surface RT

No running inside a virtual machine. You will be asked to reconnect using your host operating system to take your exam