Exam Proctoring

Overview

  • Why are exams proctored?
    Having exams proctored ensures the integrity of DePaul's programs is upheld. They are one of the quality features of online learning at CDM. Graduate schools and employers know if you earn a degree from CDM, we ensure you have learned the material and taken the assessments yourself.
  • Will I have to come to campus for exams?
    Depending on your instructor, your options may vary. If you are an online learning student living in the Chicagoland area (within 30 miles of Chicago), you will need to come to the DePaul Loop campus to take the test. Online learning students outside the Chicagoland area must locate a proctor at a local library, college, or university. You will need to take the exam within the window your instructor gives.
  • Can I choose the campus where I will take my exams?
    Yes, campus selection is left to the student's convenience. You can make that selection when you register for your exam.
  • What is the average exam window I can expect to take the exam within?
    Typically the dates range from 3 to 7 days. Instructors will usually make sure there is a weekend within your exam timeframe. This way, students who work long hours or travel during the week are extended the weekend to complete their exams.

Policies

  • Students should examine the course syllabus to find exam dates and the instructor's policy on make-up exams. You are expected to take the exam on the schedule provided by your instructor.You should let your instructor know as soon as possible if you will need to make special exam arrangements.
  • Photo identification is required. Proctors are instructed to deny the exam to anyone unable to provide a state-issued photo ID or a DePaul photo ID card.
  • Exam instructions will be strictly enforced. Each instructor will provide specific instructions on how the exam is to be administered, and proctors will enforce those instructions literally. For example, if your instructor allows notes but not electronic devices, you will not be allowed to access notes on a laptop or mobile device. Such devices must be explicitly allowed by the instructor.
  • Late arrivals will not be provided extra time. An exam appointment secures a room for a proctor for a specific period of time. If you arrive late for your scheduled appointment, the exam may still end at the scheduled time. This means that you may not be allowed the entire time specified in the exam instructions. Your proctor will make this determination based on the room reservation schedule and staffing considerations. Please, make every effort to arrive for your exam appointment on time.
  • No-shows will be reported to the instructor. If you fail to appear for your scheduled exam or make-up exam time, your instructor will be notified that you did not appear. You must contact your instructor for permission to reschedule the exam. If you know in advance that you cannot make it to the exam, you will need to contact your instructor in advance.
  • Same-day cancellation will be treated as a no-show. If you cancel your exam on the day it is to be taken, you will be treated as a no-show. Your instructor will be notified that you did not appear, and you must then contact your instructor for permission to reschedule the exam.
  • A 24 hour advance registration is required for all exams scheduled at the loop or a campus can be cancelled and rescheduled up until 24 hours before the start of the exam. Less than 24 hours cancellation requires notification to OL Staff. If you must cancel your registration less than 24 hours before an exam, you will need to contact the Online Learning administration in order to reschedule. Send an e-mail to OL Staff.
  • Exams scheduled at a remote site can be cancelled and rescheduled up until 48 hours before the start of the exam.  Less than 48 hours cancellation requires notification to OL Staff. If you must cancel your registration less than 48 hours before an exam, you will need to contact the Online Learning administration in order to reschedule. Send an e-mail to OL Staff.
  • If the date range for the exam has ended or if you canceled your exam on the day it was to be taken, you must also contact your instructor for permission to take the exam.
  • If you have a legitimate conflict that prevents you from taking the exam on the scheduled time, you should contact your instructor to make arrangements for a make-up exam. Take note of your instructor's policy regarding make-ups. Many instructors require that you take the exam the same week.
  • Exceptions to the schedule require instructor permission. Instructor permission is required before a student may schedule an exam outside of the posted date range. If you cannot take the exam during the regular period, contact your instructor in advance.

Local Students

Students in Chicagoland are considered local and expected to come to the DePaul Loop campus to take any exams required by the course.

There is no proctoring fee for exams taken at any DePaul campus.

Scheduling a Local Exam

A system for scheduling exams is available on D2L or MyCDM. When your instructor enters the exam name and dates into the system, you will receive email notification that you should sign up for an exam time. Students can usually sign up to take the exam with the regular class or at regularly scheduled times at the Loop.

Loop

Loop CDM will offer on-campus, in-person exam proctoring. Exams at 10am, 2pm and 6pm are available in the DePaul Center, LL, C102. We use additional rooms during midterm and final exams.

  • Monday & Wednesday: 2pm and 6pm
  • Tuesday & Thursday: 10am, 2pm and 6pm
  • Friday through Sunday: 2pm

You have to book early to secure a seat.

FLEX Exams

Students in FLEX mode are allowed to register for proctored exams. Instructors will also schedule an in-class exam time slot whenever a proctored exam is used, so some FLEX students will be able to schedule their exams to be taken in class. A limited number of in-class slots will be available, however, so some FLEX students may have to take their exams with the Loop online proctoring center or at a remote location.

If you have a question about remote exams, please email olstaff@cdm.depaul.edu.

Remote Students

Scheduling a Remote Exam

A proctor is an impartial monitor who administers a student's exam and ensures the security and integrity of the exam process. If you live outside the Chicagoland area, it is your responsibility to secure an acceptable proctor to administer your exam. It's a good idea to find a proctor before you register for your first course.

Please be aware that you may be charged a fee by your proctor for which you are responsible. You are also responsible for any costs incurred with the administration of your exam including postage to return the exam.  Fees vary and only your proctor can provide specific charges.

A system for scheduling exams is available on D2L or MyCDM. When your instructor enters the exam name and dates into the system, you will receive e-mail notification that you should sign up for the exam. First, contact your proctor to confirm that they can administer the exam on the day you need to take it. Then, register for your exam in D2L or MyCDM. When you register, you will be prompted to enter all of the contact information for your proctor.

Finding a Proctor

To begin your search, explore the links below. These websites may be able to provide contact information for appropriate local organizations.

  1. National College Testing Association
  2. Sylvan Learning Centers

Or contact your local library, community college or university or, if you are in the military, contact your education officer. If you are unable to find a proctor in your area, please contact OL Staff for advice and further assistance.

Standards of Acceptability

A proctor must be completely impartial and able to uphold DePaul University's Academic Integrity Policy. The proctor must also be able to return the completed exam to CDM in a timely manner. We expect proctors to scan and email a copy of the exam to olstaff@cdm.depaul.edu a short time after completion. We will not accept proctors who are unable to scan and email.

Acceptable Proctors Include:

  • A librarian at an academic or public library
  • Testing centers at 2 or 4 year colleges and universities
  • Faculty or staff members at a local university or community college
  • Commercial learning/tutoring centers (i.e. Sylvan Learning Center)
  • A Learning Center or officer of higher rank, if in the military
  • Corporate education centers

Proctors are Unacceptable if They Are:

  • Relatives
  • Friends
  • Neighbors
  • Co-workers or supervisors
  • Staff members or clergy at a place of worship

Note: Exams may not take place at a private residence.

Proctor Responsibilities

We will provide the exam and instructions to the proctor via email. When you arrive for the exam, the proctor should:

  • Check your picture ID
  • Provide a secure, quiet space for you to take their exam
  • Explain the rules and instructions provided
  • Ensure that you follow the exam rules. You may not use anything for the exam that is not explicitly allowed in the instructions (such as books, notes, or electronic devices)
  • Collect the completed exam

Immediately after the exam is completed the proctor should scan and email the exam to olstaff@cdm.depaul.edu then return the original via US mail in an institution envelope.

More detailed instructions will be provided to proctors prior to the exam.

Important Contacts and Resources

For course-specific information see your course syllabus or contact your instructor.

For exam scheduling questions e-mail the OL Staff.