FAQs for Centralized Accommodated Testing
Why do faculty need to fill out the student’s accommodation, and why is it important to do so accurately?
The Centralized Accommodated Testing Spaces (CATS) staff rely on faculty to indicate in the reservation system what accommodations are required. If not, we cannot verify the accommodations that you and your student have determined are required for each exam. Providing thorough information up-front helps everything run smoothly for both you and your students.
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Why must exam reservations and materials be submitted at least two business days in advance?
The staff need time to prepare each exam packet, which is customized to meet the student’s unique accommodations. For security reasons, full-time staff do this work, so no student workers ever see tests. The two-day timeframe also allows us to ensure the appropriate number of proctors are available based on the number of students reserved.
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What if my exam isn’t ready two business days early?
If, due to extraordinary circumstances, you are not able to submit your tests in the two-day lead time, you will receive an email from the CATS staff notifying you of your missing exam. You may provide it in person to Sadler 128 until 4:00 p.m. the day before the exam is scheduled. Please make sure that you are dropping it off with full-time staff. Student proctors are not allowed to receive exams. For Monday exams, deliver in person by 4:00 p.m. Friday afternoon.
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Can I submit exams electronically?
Unfortunately, we can’t accept electronic submissions. We need a physical copy to include with the student’s exam packet.
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My exam is in D2L (TCU Online). How does this work? Is there anything special I should take into account?
- Students must bring their own device (laptop or iPad) for online exams.
- When reserving, please allow extra time for setup and any technical hiccups.
- Include in your reservation the password required to access the exam if applicable.
- Please stay reachable by email or phone while the student is testing, if possible. If your student can’t access the exam, the student will email you with a staff member present to resolve it. If we can’t reach you within 15 minutes, we’ll need to stop the exam and work with you to reschedule based on availability.
- Students using D2L receive a printout of their reservation confirmation, which they can use as scratch paper. If you don’t allow scratch paper or if you would like that page returned to you afterward, include that note when submitting your reservation.
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Who are the proctors and what do they do?
Our proctors are trained undergraduate students who help monitor exams. Their role is to hand out materials, oversee the testing environment, and ensure academic integrity. They do not make policy decisions, handle the exam themselves, or troubleshoot technical issues. Proctors are stationed throughout the room, including behind students, to maintain multiple lines of sight.
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How is exam integrity monitored and how are any concerns handled?
If the student proctor observes something concerning regarding test integrity, they will notify the Testing Coordinator immediately, who will then intervene as necessary. When this occurs, faculty will receive a written summary of the incident from a CATS staff member within 24 hours. It is faculty member’s responsibility to determine how to proceed.