Proctoring Procedures
The following outlines general procedures for both in-person and online proctored exams at Memorial.
ID Requirements
Prior to beginning your exam, you will be required to present your ID to your exam supervisor (your instructor, other in-person invigilator, or online proctor) to verify your identity. You can show:
- Your MUN Campus Card ID, or
- Two pieces of government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
If you are unable to present the required ID, you will not be permitted to take your exam.
When taking an exam online with ProctorU, images of your IDs are recorded so that they can be reviewed by your instructor if they are required to verify your identity. These images are kept for seven days after your exam, and are then securely destroyed.
Exam Space Requirements
When taking an invigilated exam, the exam space must be free from materials and potential distractions.
If you are taking an exam in person with your instructor or another invigilator, they have control of the classroom environment and can ensure the exam space is appropriate. They can also see and hear everything that happens during the exam, and can therefore monitor for distractions.
When taking an exam online with ProctorU, you should choose a quiet exam space with a clear work area, such as a table or desk. It is preferable that students not write on a couch or bed. Online proctors will request that you use your webcam so they can view your surroundings to ensure the exam space is appropriate. If you have a fixed camera on your computer (for example, a built-in camera on a laptop), you may require a mirror in order to show your surroundings. The proctor must also be able to hear your surroundings with an open microphone, to ensure there are no distractions during the exam.
Attire
Prior to starting your exam, you must remove hats and non-religious head coverings, as they could be used to conceal inappropriate exam aids. Headphones and earbuds are not permitted during an exam, unless for a specific academic accommodation. You must also remove smartwatches prior to starting your exam.
Computer Configuration
When taking a computer-based exam in person with your instructor or an invigilator, the computers used are university computers and are configured in such a way that other applications cannot be used during the exam session. Additionally, invigilators in the room can monitor activity on the computers during the exam by walking around the room and looking over your shoulder.
When taking an exam online with ProctorU, the exam takes place on your computer, rather than a controlled computer. Online proctoring sessions with ProctorU must be done using the Guardian browser, which has features that enhance exam security (for example, ensuring no unpermitted programs are running during the exam). Additionally, online proctors can view the activity on your screen during the exam to ensure that no other applications are running that could impact academic integrity. Proctors can only see your activity during the assessment, and cannot perform any actions on your computer without your knowledge.
Exam Recordings
When writing your exam in person, your instructor or an invigilator is in the room with you and can see your surroundings as well as everything that happens during the exam. This encourages academic honesty in the administration of exams. Your instructor or invigilator, in real time, can identify and make decisions regarding academic honesty.
When taking an exam online with ProctorU, your proctor is not in the room with you and has limited view of your surroundings and what happens during the exam compared to an in-person invigilated exam. Also, the proctor does not know you or your instructor. Your exam session is recorded so that your proctor has a mechanism to provide evidence to the instructor, when an infraction of academic integrity is suspected. If a proctor detects an unusual event during the course of your exam, CITL will be notified. CITL staff and/or your instructor will review the recording of your exam if required, to determine if there is an issue with academic dishonesty. The ultimate decision regarding a possible infraction resides with the instructor, just as it would with in-person invigilation.