The Testing Center assists students who are registered with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) with testing accommodations, such as extended time testing, reduced distraction, and alternate formats. Students who are not registered with OAS may also use the Testing Center in some circumstances, with permission from their instructor.
Not Registered with OAS?
If you are not connected with the Office of Accessibility Services and need to take an exam in the Testing Center, complete the Testing Center Request Form at least 3 days in advance of your exam.
You will need written approval from your instructor, which can be forwarded to the email testingcenter@smcm.edu.
You can find more information on the Testing Center website.
Already Registered with OAS?
If you have testing accommodations through the Office of Accessibility Services, you can make arrangements directly with your instructors or arrange to take your exams in the Testing Center.
Follow these steps to make a reservation with the Testing Center:
- Share your accommodation letter with your instructor at the start of each semester or once you register with OAS.
- Let your instructor know that you intend to use your accommodations within the Testing Center
- Reserve a space in the Testing Center at least 3 days before your exam. You can follow these visual instructions to show you how to schedule an exam in the Testing Center or follow the written instructions below.
- Schedule your exam at the same time and date your classmates will take the exam.
- If your exam time overlaps with another course start time, our office will reach out to your professor for approval of an alternate time/date, but likely within 24 hours.
- If you need to reschedule your exam, or do not book your exam at least 3 days in advance, you will need to get written permission from your instructor to take it at an alternate time. You will need to forward this written approval to adasupport@smcm.edu.
Instructions:
- Log into Accommodate.
- Select the Testing Room tab on the left side of the page.
- Select New Booking Request.
- Select the desired course from the drop-down menu.
- Select the date your class is taking the exam.
- Select Glendening Hall and choose a room and time slot to start your exam.
- Fill out the required fields in the pop-up form.
- Select Submit Request.
- When back on the Testing Room page your request will be in the Pending Booking Requests.
- Once we approve your booking request, your request will be in Approved Booking Requests.
Pro-tip: Reserve your whole semester at once! Students can reserve a seat for every test, quiz, midterm, and final exam as early as the first day of the semester! If you are having difficulties scheduling your exams, do not hesitate to reach out to the office for assistance.
Testing Center Procedures
Before Testing
Late arrivals: If you arrive late to the Testing Center, the time you're late will be deducted from your allotted test time (up to 30 minutes). After 30 minutes, you will need to talk to your instructors about possibly rescheduling the exam.
Belongings: There are lockers in the Testing Center for your belongings. Please place all personal items, including jackets and bags in the locker. If there is anything you need to keep with you (ie. medical supplies), please inform a member of staff.
Technology: Phones, smartwatches, earbuds and headphones should be turned off and placed in your locker. If you require use of a computer or calculator for your exam, the Testing Center will provide this, unless other arrangements have been made with your instructor.
During Testing
Forms: At the start of each semester, you will be asked to sign a Testing Center Agreement.
Procedure: The testing rooms are stocked with paper, pencils, rulers, earplugs and fidgets, which you can use. There are cameras in the testing rooms which we use to monitor you, although we are currently not recording the sessions. If you have any questions or if other issues arise, please let a member of staff know.
Breaks: If you need to take a restroom break, your timer will not be paused and it will not extend the time allowed for the exam. You can not return to your locker, unless under supervision by a member of staff.
After Testing
- Let a member of staff know that you have finished your exam. Hand back all your materials before heading to your locker.
- If you’ve typed your exam answers, it is your responsibility to make sure they are saved on the USB drive we provide. If you need help with this, ask a member of staff.
- Your exam will be scanned and the hard copy returned to your instructor by our office.