On Examination Day

1. General Conduct and Instructions

  • Students must follow the instructions of the proctors at all times, from the start of CHECK IN until the end of the examination, whether inside or outside the examination venue.
  • Professional conduct requires students to be at the venue and ready to enter at the announced start of CHECK IN time, and prior to the grace period.
  • No communication of any kind is permitted between examinees after entering the examination venue.
  • Students arriving after the 30-minute grace period following the start of CHECK IN will not be allowed to enter once doors are closed; they will be directed to the Office of Student Affairs.
  • Any irregularities or suspicious activities during the exam should be immediately reported to a proctor. Issues not reported and verified during the exam cannot be used as the basis for an appeal.
  • Examinees found violating any examination policies, including tampering with software or security features, will face academic disciplinary action.

2. Identification and Entry

  • All examinees must present a current SGU Student ID to enter the exam venue. If the SGU ID is lost or unavailable, a valid government-issued photo ID must be presented.
  • Examinees must scan their student ID at the ID scanner located at the entrance each time they enter or leave the venue.
  • Students must be seated in their individually assigned carrel as per the seating list posted outside the venue.
  • Any seating discrepancies should be reported immediately to the Chief Proctor or Course Director.

3. Permitted Items Inside the Exam Venue

  • Laptop and accessories approved and specified by Examination Services (mouse, Ethernet cable, power cord/battery charger). Laptop covers must be completely see-through, and laptops with stickers or decals are prohibited.
  • SGU Student ID.
  • Completely clear, see-through water bottles are permitted outside the venue and may be accessed during breaks at designated spots with proctor approval.
  • Items approved in advance by Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services.
  • Whiteboards and marker pens will be provided for use during the exam (note: whiteboards may not be used before exam start if under accommodation).
  • For in-person examinees, cordless earplugs without electronic capabilities are permitted after inspection and approval by a proctor.

4. Prohibited Items Inside the Exam Venue

  • Backpacks
  • Cell phones and other communication devices
  • Wristwatches of any type (worn or on desk)
  • Hoodies and outerwear with pockets
  • Headwear (except for religious purposes)
  • Scrap paper, pens, pencils, or styluses
  • Food, beverages, or non-transparent water bottles
  • Tinted or sunglasses (reading glasses with clear lenses are allowed)

5. Hair and Appearance

  • Hair long enough to cover eyes or ears must be pulled back.
  • Examinees’ eyes must remain visible at all times.

6. Exam Software and Timing

  • Examinees must ensure their laptop clock is synchronized to Atlantic Standard Time (AST).
  • In-person examinees must download the exam file during the stipulated 1-hour download window. If unable, they must immediately contact Examination Services at TellExaminationServices@sgu.edu.
  • For online exams, the exam password will be announced approximately 15 minutes prior to CHECK IN via the course management system (SAKAI) or email.
  • For in-person exams, the Chief Proctor will provide the password.
  • Students must start the exam immediately after receiving the password, without delay.

7. Bathroom and Breaks

  • No bathroom breaks are allowed during the first 30 minutes or the final 10 minutes of an exam.
  • Short, unscheduled bathroom breaks are permitted at other times with proctor approval, following a sign-out and sign-in procedure.
  • Students may access water bottles only during breaks and at designated locations outside the venue.
  • The Chief Proctor may restrict movement to maintain a distraction-free environment, especially near the exam's end.

8. Technical Issues and Assistance

  • For online exams, students experiencing technical problems must immediately email TellExaminationServices@sgu.edu for assistance. Escalation may lead to a Zoom call with tech support.
  • For in-person exams, students should notify a proctor of any technical issues. Computer failures may result in relocation to an alternative venue or scheduling a makeup exam. All such incidents will be recorded as exam irregularities.

9. Completing and Leaving the Exam Venue

  • Students who finish early may seek permission from a proctor to leave after successfully uploading their exam files and displaying the confirmation (“Green Screen” or “Congratulations! Your answer file(s) uploaded successfully”) to the proctor.
  • Upon leaving, students must scan their student ID at the scanner and sign the sign-out sheet at the venue entrance.
  • Movement, including exiting or bathroom breaks, is restricted during the final 10 minutes of the exam.
  • Students who have finished an examination and left will not be allowed back into the venue.