Testing Policies

Policies for Testing Accommodations

Students agree to the following when using testing accommodations:  

Using testing accommodations

• Students must submit a Quarter Request through Accommodate every quarter and obtain an updated letter of accommodation that reflects the current term. Students are required to send the letter of accommodation to faculty if they intend on using any accommodations in the course and must do so within the first two weeks of the quarter or within seven days of being granted accommodations for the first time by the Office of Disability Services. The date of the letter of accommodations must reflect the date of the Quarter Request. Students should submit the Quarter Request when their schedule is finalized or they will need to request an updated letter of accommodation if classes are added during the drop and add period. Students will not be able to schedule exams with the SDC without completing the Quarter request.  

• Students must provide the Letter of Accommodation to faculty within the first two weeks of the quarter. All students must notify instructors of their intent to use an accommodation during the first two weeks of the quarter. If accommodations were recently granted, the notification must come within seven days of being granted accommodations. 

Scheduling exams

• Students are eligible to schedule exams for in person courses where the exams are administered in person and on campus. The SDC has limited proctoring support for online exams. Students or faculty expecting to need this support must be in touch with the office directly within the first two weeks of the semester.  

• Students are responsible for scheduling exams with faculty or the SDC office according to the professor instructions AND providing seven days advance notice. Please contact SDC for the deadline to schedule final exams. Final exams requiring double-time accommodations must begin before 1:00 p.m.

• Exams must be taken on the same day as the exam is given in class. Exceptions must be approved by the instructor and/or department for group exams. Students may be held at the office until the class begins their exam. Please speak with your instructor to inquire about any specific requirements.  

Proctoring procedures at the SDC

• Instructors may provide testing accommodations to the student. During the quarter, proctoring services at the testing center are offered with set seating times Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00-10:00 a.m. During final exams, seating times are 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All proctoring is subject to the availability of seats. Students submit an exam request through Accommodate and the instructor must approve the request before a seat can be confirmed. Students will only see available dates and times in the system. Instructors must approve exams within 72 hours or the exam request will be automatically canceled. Students and faculty can monitor the status of their request in Accommodate.  

• Students must arrive on time for exams and allow adequate time for seating and securing their belongings in a locker. Students arriving more than 30 minutes after their start time will not be permitted to begin the exam and will be directed back to the instructor for the instructor’s exam make up policy.  

• No personal materials are allowed in the testing room. This includes: food, mobile phones, calculator covers, watches, electronic devices, pens, pencils, bags, wallets, backpacks, purses, books, coats, hats, and any other personal items. The SDC does not have lockers for your personal items. You will be asked to empty and turn all pockets inside-out to ensure nothing is in them.

• Exams are monitored and recorded by cameras to ensure compliance with the University Honor Code. All proctored exams, testing rooms, and exam seating processes are monitored and recorded for academic integrity. 

• Students are not permitted outside the testing area once an exam has begun. Students should take care of personal needs before entering the testing room. Should a student become ill during an exam, they should see SDC staff immediately. 

• Students are expected to conduct themselves in a calm and professional manner. Students must submit their exam at the scheduled ending time or when prompted by staff. Failure to surrender an exam and cease working is automatically reported to the instructor and/or Dean of Students. Any issues of academic misconduct or disruptions to the testing environment are reviewed by the Office of Academic Administration. Students are expected to leave the testing room quietly and not cause disruptions when taking an exam.  

All policies listed here are reviewed with students upon granting of testing accommodations. Students acknowledge they have reviewed these policies and agree to abide by these policies when submitting a Semester Request.  

If there are any questions regarding documentation, please contact the Assistant Director for Disability Support Services at dss@wallawalla.edu or 509 527-2313. 

Handling Instances of Cheating

In alignment with our commitment to fostering an accommodating and equitable academic environment for students, the Student Development Center at Walla Walla University has established policies regarding test proctoring for students receiving accommodations due to qualifying disabilities. This policy outlines procedures in the event that a student is caught engaging in cheating or violating our academic stands policy during a proctored test, as well as guidelines for the storage of video footage.

Cheating Definition: Cheating is defined as any unauthorized attempt to gain an unfair advantage during a test or examination. This includes, but is not limited to, using unauthorized materials, communicating with others, or engaging in any form of dishonest behavior.

Procedure in the Event of Cheating:

1. Immediate Intervention: If a proctor observes or suspects cheating, they are to immediately intervene to halt the unauthorized behavior. If the proctor is a student worker, they need to alert a WWU Staff member to the unauthorized behavior, so that they can intervene. It is up to the staff members discretion to let the student keep testing or not.
2. Document the Incident: The proctor must document the incident, including the nature of the cheating, any evidence observed, and the actions taken. This can be done via email to the staff member or to the faculty of the class for which the test is being proctored.
3. Notify Relevant Parties: The Student Development Center will notify the instructor of the course, as well as the Office of Academic Administration, regarding the incident. The instructor will determine appropriate academic consequences.

Storage of Video Footage:

1. Data Security: Video footage captured during test proctoring is considered sensitive information. The Student Development Center will ensure the secure storage and handling of this data in compliance with applicable privacy laws and university policies.
2. Retention Period: Video footage will be downloaded retained for a specified period, typically 90 days, after which it will be securely deleted unless required for ongoing investigations.

Appeals Process:

1. Inform the Student: In the event of suspected cheating, the student will be informed of the incident, the evidence collected, and the ensuing consequences.
2. Appeals Process: Students have the right to appeal any decisions related to cheating allegations. The appeals process is outlined in the university's general policies and procedures and will include a written letter to the VP of Academic Administration.

By adhering to this policy, we aim to maintain the integrity of the testing process while ensuring fair treatment and support for all students.

Thank you for your dedication to upholding the principles of accessibility, integrity, and equality within our academic community.