FAQ’s

 

Beginning in Fall 2020, the Center for Disability Services/SNAP implemented an electronic test proctoring system for students registered with the Center for Disability Services, and faculty using our Alternative Testing Site (ATS). 

All testing is by student-appointment only. Seating is limited. 

The Center for Disability Services (CDS)/SNAP works with nearly 1000 students each year and the majority are approved for testing-related accommodations. Many of these students require extended testing time. 




Where will proctoring take place? 

It is located in the Alternative Testing Site within the Center for Disability Services, Lightsey Center 104. Proctoring takes place Monday-Friday beginning at 8:30am and ending at 4:45pm. The exception to these hours is during the final exam period when we proctor beginning at 8:00am and ending at 5:00pm. 

 

Who can use Alternative Testing Site (ATS)? 

  • CofC students registered for testing accommodations through the Center for Disability Services/SNAP.  
     
     
  • CDS/SNAP does not have the capacity to allow make-up tests for students not registered with CDS/SNAP. 
    • NOTE:  Students registered with the Center for Disability Services for testing accommodations may take their make-up test at the ATS ONLY if they were scheduled with us for the original test date. For example, if the student originally requested to make use of their testing accommodations (e.g., extended time; computer for written exams) with the ATS, but for whatever reason, was unavailable on the day of the test, they could take their make-up test at the ATS (with the professor's approval per the classroom make-up policy). If the student was not originally scheduled to take a test at the TS, the student would need to speak directly to their professor regarding their make-up options. WE CANNOT ACCOMMDOATE DROP-IN TESTING regardless of disability status.

 

What security measures are in place? 

  • All students are required to present their CofC student ID upon arrival to the ATS. No tests will be administered without proper identification. 
  • Typically, tests are to be taken in one sitting unless a student has an accommodation that would necessitate bathroom breaks. You will be notified if your student leaves the room for any reason during testing. Because classroom policies vary on this matter, any action taken beyond that notification is at your discretion. 
     
  • The CDS team monitors all activities in ATS to ensure academic integrity. 
     
  • Students are limited to approved testing materials at the test stations. Cubby storage spaces are provided to store personal belongings. 

     

What can I expect if I have a student who uses ATS? 

  • Students registered with the Center for Disability Services are expected to provide you with a copy of their Professor Notification Letter (PNL) which outlines any of their approved accommodations. Students are advised to meet with each professor (virtually or in-person) to provide the PNL and have a conversation about their approved accommodations. 
     
  • Not all students with testing accommodations use the ATS. For instance, if a test is administered via OAKS and students can take it anywhere, students with disabilities can do the same. If faculty are providing a test to all students in the classroom, a student with testing accommodations might request to take it in the ATS. 
     
  • Students who use ATS are required to complete their portion of the testing form. Included in the form are our ATS regulations that students must abide to.
     
  • Students must request to take a test with ATS at least one week in advance (5 working days) to ensure timely processing. This allows adequate time to locate seating availability, work out any accommodations, and for you to submit testing materials/instructions.  

  • If you are experiencing students frequently not honoring the five (5) business days role, please help us reinforce the importance of adequate notice. Students have a tendency to wait until the last minute and neither you, nor the ATS staff, can operate on such short notice.

  • To ensure academic integrity, we ask students to schedule when the rest of their classmates are taking the test. Please keep in mind that some testing accommodations may requres that as tudent test outside of your classroom hours (e.g., extended time will interfere with another class or cause student to go past our hours of operation).

  • We request that the professor complete the 2nd page of the ATS form that is sent to you by ATS staff. Completion of this page will ensure that we are administering the test in the same manner that it would have been completed in the classroom. We also ask that you utilize SecureShare when sending us the completed ATS form, test, and other materials associated with it (if applicable). We rely greatly on faculty following our process in an electronic manner so that it is consistent for all using our services. If you need any training with this process, the ATS team is ready to assist you. Please reach out to us at ATS@cofc.edu.

  • Completed student tests (along with materials (if applicable) - notes, scratch paper) will be returned to the professor using SecureShare at the end of the business day.


Can I provide feedback on the ATS process?

We always welcome feedback. If you have suggestions that would improve the scheduling process or other concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Yvette Lambright, Student Services Coordinator at lambrighty@cofc.edu.