Test Proctor FAQs

Click a question below to see the answer.

General Questions

• What is a test proctor?

  A test proctor is a person who has an impartial neutral professional relationship with the student; therefore, direct supervisors, friends, and relatives are not appropriate proctors.

  This person:

  • needs to have a business email address and a business phone number
  • needs to have an appropriate professional environment in which to administer the test
    • cannot give this test in someone's home
    • cannot take the test to another location
  • receives the test at their business email address
  • keeps the test secure
    • stores test in a secure location
  • administers the test at their business address
    • provides a quiet place free from distractions for the student to take their test
    • provides line of sight supervision
  • signs the proctor/ student instruction letter indicating the test requirements and the academic honesty standards were followed
  • ensures the directions on the test are followed
  • watches over the student while the test is taken
  • ensures no academic dishonesty occurs
  • scans and emails the completed test to the Bellevue University Test Center
    • or faxes the completed test to the Bellevue University Test Center
  • if required, mails the completed test to the Bellevue University Test Center
• How is the test administered?

  Before the student arrives:

  • the test proctor will receive the test via email
    • or will receive the test via fax
    • or will receive the test mailed through the U.S. Postal Service
  • prepare the testing area
    • have sharpened pencils
    • have scratch paper

  Note: the student is asked to make an appointment with the test proctor

  When the student arrives the test proctor will:

  • check photo identification to verify the correct student has arrived
  • collect any administrative fees from the student
  • ask the student to turn off all electronic devices (i.e. cell phone, laptop, Ipad) as electronic devices are not allowed in the testing area
    • place all electronic devices (i.e. cell phone, laptop, Ipad) in a location out of the reach of the student
    • a cell phone may not be used as a calculator
  • state the test parameters to the student
    • tell the student what materials such as notes, books, and/or calculator are allowed with the test
    • tell the student the time limit
  • tell the student you are unable to make corrections or answer questions regarding the test
    • the student may contact their instructor with any questions they have after the test has been completed and turned in
  • sign and date the proctor/student instruction letter
  • have the student sign and date the proctor/student instruction letter
  • seat the student in the testing area in the proctor's line of sight
  • provide the student with pencils and scratch paper
  • give the student the test
  • determine the time the test must be turned in
  • tell the student the time the test must be turned in
  • if requested, provide additional scratch paper and pencils
  • give the student a 15 minute warning as the time limit approaches
  • give the student a 5 minute warning as the time limit approaches
  • when the time is up, collect the test, allowed notes, and scratch paper from the student
  • ensure a copy of completed exam is not given to student
  • immediately report any irregularities in the testing process
    • call (402) 557-7427
    • email onltest@bellevue.edu
  • let the student know you will send the test to Bellevue University and their grade will be posted by their instructor in approximately one (1) week

  After the student leaves:

  • scan and email the items identified on the proctor/student instruction letter to: onltest@bellevue.edu
    • or fax the items identified on the proctor/student instruction letter to: (402) 557-5433
  • if requested, mail the test via the U.S. Postal Service
  • if required, provide an emailed report of any violations of the academic honesty policy to: onltest@bellevue.edu
  • keep the completed test in a secure place for 30 days
  • delete the original test email
  • after 30 days, shred the test
• What is a suitable testing environment?

  A suitable testing environment:

  • is located at the test proctor's place of business
  • provides a quiet place free from distractions
    • has no ringing phones
    • is a low traffic area
    • has minimal noise
  • provides the test proctor with line of sight supervision
  • provides an ethical and professional atmosphere
  • nurtures the student and enhances their ability to succeed
• What materials are allowed when administering the test?

  The test proctor will receive the test via email (occasionally, via fax or U.S. mail) approximately two (2) days before the scheduled testing dates. The materials allowed on the test will be identified in the proctor/student instruction letter.

  These materials may consist of:

  • an answer sheet
  • formulas and notes provided by the instructor
  • one 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper with notes on one side to be collected with the test
  • one 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper with notes on both sides to be collected with the test
  • unlimited notes which are not to be collected
  • a calculator
  • test proctor provided scratch paper that is collected with the test
• What is Bellevue University's Academic Honesty Policy?

  Bellevue University is committed to academic excellence. The University expects academic honesty from all members of the University community and believes that it is essential for academic excellence and integrity.

  Academic honesty includes adherence to guidelines established by the instructor in a particular course for both individual and group work. It prohibits representing the work of others to be your own (plagiarism); receiving unauthorized aid on an assignment (cheating); and using similar papers or other work product to fulfill the obligations of different classes without the instructor's permission.

  Penalties for academic dishonesty may include a grade of "F" on the work in question or for the course. In addition, if you are engaged in academic dishonesty, you will be subject to disciplinary action including reprimand, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, and/or expulsion according to the policies and procedures of the University.

  In the event an instructor believes an incidence of academic dishonesty has occurred, the instructor will inform you of his or her belief and will discuss the incident with you and what associated disciplinary action will be initiated, if any, prior to instituting any disciplinary action. After determining an incidence of academic dishonesty has occurred, the instructor will then create a record of the incident that includes the offense and its resolution.

  A copy of the record, including your student ID and the course, will be forwarded to the Dean of Students, who will act as a depository and resource for all disciplinary documentation. The Dean of Students will review the documentation and your record for multiple incidents of dishonesty. If multiple incidents of dishonesty exist, the Dean of Students will provide copies of the records associated with the incidents to the dean of the college in which you are enrolled.

  The Dean of Students will also inform the instructor(s) who provided the records that the documentation was forwarded to the appropriate dean. The dean of the college will use the policies and procedures within his or her college to further review the incidents of academic dishonesty to determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted.

  You may appeal any determination of an incidence of academic dishonesty, or disciplinary action initiated in conjunction therewith, by the same appeal procedures as set forth in the upcoming section of the Student Handbook, titled "Appeals – Regarding Academic Standing." (An excerpt from the Bellevue University Student Handbook)

• How is academic integrity promoted?

  Bellevue University identifies academic integrity as the commitment to certain core values: truth, honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility.

  Academic integrity is promoted by:

  • conducting testing in a supervised distraction free environment
  • selecting qualified test proctors dedicated to protecting the integrity of the tests
  • maintaining test security
  • staff members who are trained to administer and monitor tests
  • instructors that believe integrity is an essential corporate value
  • providing increased credibility to online courses
• What does a test proctor do when academic dishonest behavior occurs?

  Cheating is defined as:

  Any unauthorized activity that impairs or alters the circumstances of the examination as a measure of the knowledge or skills it was designed to assess. Additionally, if a student completes or attempts to conduct a fraudulent or deceptive act for the purpose of improving one's grade or obtaining course credit by means of obtaining an unfair advantage on an examination.

  If dishonest behavior is suspected, DO:

  • remain calm
  • approach the student
  • speak to the student with a steady, but firm tone
  • resolve the issue

  If dishonest behavior is suspected, DO NOT:

  • accuse a student without steadfast evidence
  • grab the notes from the student
  • touch the student in any manner
  • argue with the student
  • be rude
  • be forceful

  If you suspect a tester is using notes that are not allowed on the test:

  • if the notes are in plain view
    • ask the student to give you the notes
  • if the student gives you the notes
    • write a brief report explaining the situation noting the length of time the student used the notes on the test
    • return the report and the collected notes with the completed test
  • if the student refuses to give you the notes
    • tell the student the Test Center will be notified
    • write a brief report explaining the situation noting the length of time the student used the notes on the test
    • return the report with the completed test

  If you suspect a tester is using a book that is not allowed on the test:

  • ask the student to put the book away
  • write a brief report explaining the situation noting the length of time the student used the notes on the test
  • return the report with the completed test

  If you suspect a tester is using a cell phone while completing a test:

  • ask the student to put the cell phone away as cell phones are not allowed in the testing area
  • write a brief report explaining the situation noting the length of time the student used the cell phone on the test
  • return the report with the completed test
• What academically dishonest behaviors should the test proctor be preventing?

  The use of:

  • unauthorized notes, formula sheets, and books
  • a cell phone, a computer, or electronic devices not allowed on the test directions
  • talking to another person in the testing room for assistance
  • allowed notes; however, the student has written test items on the notes to take out of the testing environment
  • hidden notes for example:
    • on the brim of a hat
    • written on the sole of a shoe
    • written on their arm
    • written within a tattoo
    • in a pant pocket

  Be aware of a student:

  • not keeping their hands on top of the testing table
  • not following the directions given by the test proctor
  • that continually spans the testing room
  • that looks very uncomfortable when your eyes happen to catch their eyes
  • that continually looks down at the floor
  • that moves items on the floor with their feet
  • who gets into their personal possessions without the test proctor's permission such as:
    • their purse
    • their wallet
    • their backpack
    • their pockets
    • their jacket
• What are some examples of dishonest techniques used by students when taking a test?
  

  The label on the coke bottle is removed, and then the label is recreated with notes placed strategically on the new label. This new label is now attached to the coke bottle.