Exam Security and Cheating Prevention:

A Guide for Invigilators

January 2011 January 2011

Danielle C. Istl, LL.M.

Academic Integrity Officer www.uwindsor.ca/aio

Overview

Your roleCheating on testsSenate Policy E3Examinations – before, during, and afterChallenges you may face When an offence has occurredFAQ / Q & A

When proctoring exams you are . . .

a role model upon whomothers rely

in a position oftrust

privy toconfidentialinformation

in a position ofresponsibility

Cheating on Tests*

How to do it

How to detect it

How to prevent it

* Gregory J. Cizek, 1999. (Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers)

Some cheating methods

“Taylor’s Troubles” (Tarling, 1985, cited in Cizek)

Forbidden materials: notes, phones, etc.Copying “formation”Bathroom breaksCircumventing the testing process

Tampering after the fact Leaving paper(s) behind Not turning in the test Impersonation Info from previous test taker Access to exam / text bank / manual in advance

Prevention

Key: diligent invigilationArmstrong & Miller: Exam Hall Sketch 1

Exam security before writing

Exams should not be saved on computers in your office: only at home or on the Univ. J Drive.

Encrypt exams.Exams should not be kept in your office at any

time. Ideally, make-up exams should not be the same. Verify medical notes where a student is seeking a

make-up exam.Have students sign a confidentiality or honesty

statement.

Senate Policy E3: the finer points

Setting up the roomAdmitting students While the exam is in progress (challenges)Student conduct during the examEmergency procedures Ending the exam Appendix A: Guidelines to Control Cheating

Setting up the room

Arrive 15 minutes early.Initial blank answer books (ideally).Set out exam papers and answer books.

Why this may be problematic Preferable if have numbers or names already on the

exams

Admitting students

5 minutes before exam beginsOr earlier if time needed to verify authorized

materialsCheck ID upon entryIf no UW picture ID, no admissionCannot leave room without permission 30 minute rule

Can’t leave in first 30 minutes Can’t enter after first 30 minutes

Challenges You May Face

Meet Ted, a new proctor

Ted’s First Dilemma

THE TENSE TEST TAKER

The Scene: Erie HallThe Time: Midterms in October

Ce teste est difficile!

I’ll ask that proctor who knows a bunch of languages to give me

this answer.

Il est vraiment intelligent . . . et il

aime aider les etudiants.

What has Ted done wrong?

A. He failed to help the struggling student.B. He approached the student during the

exam. C. He spoke to the student in French. D. He ate french fries.E. Nothing. (Ted is a good guy!!)

Fine!! Je vais trouver quelqu’un d’autre pour

m’aider, you loser!

RRRRRRRRR !!!!!!

What should Ted do now?

A. Call the Dean immediately!B. Nothing, because it’s between the student

and the other proctor. C. Check the student’s test for signs of

assistance.D. Talk to the professor.

While the exam is in progress

Examination books (para. 1.3.1)Signature list / ID cards (1.3.2)Role of invigilator (1.3.3)

Actively assist Checking ID / having students sign in Circulating around the room

Devote complete attention to the task Ensure students’ needs are promptly met Find out what professor wants re assisting students

with substantive questions

Student conduct during the exam

Present Uwin IDAbide by any special instructions

(e.g., seating)No receiving / giving assistanceNo removing staplesAll communication in language

of instructionNo unauthorized aids

Professor/proctors need to be explicit

Student conduct contd.

All electronic devices off and stored How to verify

Backpacks and other articles away from desk Risk of theft / what to do?

No eating; water/soft drinks okayRaise hand to leave Must be accompanied by proctor =>

washroomCan write a note to report cheating

Ted’s Second Dilemma

THE ONLOOKERS

The Scene: The Education GymThe Time: Final Exams in December

Ted sees this girl consulting a book she pulled out of her bag.

Ted sees this guy looking at his neighbour’s paper.

Neither student is writing the exam Ted is proctoring.

What should Ted do?

A. Stare the students down.B. Find another proctor to assist. C. Take the students’ exams and send them out. D. Announce that two people have been caught

cheating. E. Take the book from the girl and move the guy. F. Write down the students’ names and numbers.G. Nothing. They’re not Ted’s students.

Report it

Collect allevidence

Avoiddistracting

others

Move thestudent

Take exam

& provide another

Getanother

witness ifyou can

Make adetailedrecord

If you suspect

or detectcheating

What to do if you’re uncertain

Consult the appropriate policy. Speak to the professor for whom you are

working.Contact the Dept. Head or Associate Dean. Seek advice from the AIO.

BEST PRACTICE: Know in advance what to do.

What Not to Do

Think “It’s no big deal.”

Remain silent.Decide “It’s not

worth it.”Assist a student in

cheating. Take chances.

Emergency Procedures

Fire alarms / Evacuation Inform candidates Collect valuables (if safe to do so) Inform students: EXAM CONDITIONS REMAIN IN

FORCE Make notes of any problematic behaviour

Medical issues Outcome

Report to Dean Professor determines whether exam results acceptable Dean determines whether exam to be rescheduled

Ending the exam

15 minute / 5 minute announcementsAll writing ends when end of exam called

Penalty: downward adjustment of grade

In seats until all exams collectedAll answer books must be numberedSign out, if required “Exam Q paper belongs to the candidate

unless otherwise stated”When all students gone, check room

Guidelines to Control Cheating See Appendix A

Technological Challenges “Cheating on Tests” – YouTube videos online Pen Scanner (IRISPen) Wireless ear implants Texting, cell phones, smartphones, etc.

Ted’s Third Dilemma

THE TAKE HOME EXAM

The Scene: Leddy LibraryThe Time: Second last day of exams

I don’t think that’s right. I know a better place we can

look.

Why go to all that trouble?

This looks terrific. Let’s

use it.

Here’s the answer to

Question #2 right here.

What should Ted have done?

A. Gone to this session. B. Approached the students. C. Followed the students surreptitiously

throughout the library. D. Given them a few ideas. It’s not a

formal exam (and Ted’s a nice guy)! E. He was right to do nothing. Ever heard

of collaborative learning?

Ted’s Fourth Dilemma

THE MULTIPLE-CHOICE MISFIT

The Scene: Outside Dillon HallThe Time: April after an exam

Ted!! Over here!! It’s Maria!

Do you have a second?

I’ve got a favour to ask you.

Hi Maria!

It’s just a few answers on the multiple choice final.

It’s the only way I can keep my scholarship. If I lose it, my parents will kill me and I’ll have to drop

out of school!

C’mon. No one will know. I’ll even pay you if you

want.

Okay, okay.

But just this once.

What could happen to Ted?

A. Nothing. No one will ever know.B. Maria might go out with him.C. Ted could be suspended.D. Ted could be expelled.E. Ted could lose his proctor job.F. Ted could spend the rest of his life

making Scantron sheets.

STUDENT

EMPLOYEE

GA, TA, or

Proctor

Your Dual Role

Students’ Obligation Under Bylaw 31

To refrain from engaging in “actions that demonstrate a lack of integrity defined as a lack of adherence to this University’s bylaws and policies . . .”

True Story: Case #08/09-12

GA proctoring exam Evidence of misconduct: talking to and

signaling answers to studentAt least one other GA saw itStudent witness writing exam reported itOther GA reluctantly reported it when askedDisciplinary process (undefended)Two-year suspension / lost GA job

FAQ

What if I report the misconduct and the professor does not do anything?

What if a student challenges what I tell him/her to do?

What about retaliation from fellow proctors if I report a proctor?

What if I don’t have the time to get involved in a misconduct case?

What if I am proctoring in the Student Disability Services office?

Other exam-related procedures in Policy E3

Students wearing facial scarves Appendix B

Pre-approved prayer time during an exam

Paragraph 4.8

Ted’s Final Dilemma

Exam Securityor “Where are the exams?”

The Scene: Everywhere (unfortunately)The Time: Day of the exam in April

1. Picks up exams

8. …who delivers themto the head GA ...

7. Gives exams to Joe to finish marking …

2. Stops for lunch. 3. Writes his own exam.

6. Has to leave for work. 5. Falls asleep. 4. Goes home to markfor awhile.

9. ...who delivers them to the professor.

After the exam

Preserve the integrity of the exam. NEVER leave exams unattended.Remain on campus in a secure place.Maintain continuity of possession. Do not provide access to the exams to

anyone.

Grading quizzes/exams

Put yourself in the students’ shoes.Set aside adequate time.Do not delegate the task without the

professor’s permission.Speak to the professor if you encounter

problems or have questions.Do not share the papers with anyone.

When an offence has occurred

4.After further investigation, the AIO will either (1) dismiss the complaint,(2) return it to the Associate Dean for sanctioning, (3) forward it the Vice-Provost for sanctioning, or

(4) refer it to a Judicial Panel for a hearing..

3. The Associate Dean will meet with the student and eitherdismiss the complaint or send it to the AIO for further investigation.

2. The professor may file a complaint with the Senate Secretariat and the complaint will be sent to the Associate Dean.

1. You must report the misconduct to the professor who may meet with the student.

What may be required of you

Write a detailed statement of everything you know/witnessed.

Meet with the AIO upon request.Prepare to give evidence at a hearing, if

necessary. This is all part of your job.

Why is all of this important?

maintains academic integrity on campussends a strong message:

“We care about academic integrity.”

builds trust and confidencestrengthens the value of all UW degreeslends credibility to your role in the teaching

and learning process

How to Reach Me

Office: 201/203 Assumption Univ. Bldg.Phone: 253-3000 ext. 3929Email: istld@uwindsor.caWeb: www.uwindsor.ca/aio

• G.A.s and T.A.s link• “Information for Students” link• “Information for Faculty” link

One more ??

Armstrong & Miller: Exam Hall Sketch 2

THE END. GOOD LUCK!HAVE A SUCCESSFUL YEAR!