Proctoring services may be used to administer exams to students in any isolated environment where they will not be disturbed. Many instructors at Boise State are relying on this form of remote proctoring as part of their course. Students are encouraged to review these frequently asked questions to better understand how remote proctoring affects them.
Why am I asked to use a proctoring service to take my exam?
Instructors and academic departments are responsible for their assessment strategies and activities to ensure academic integrity. One way to do this is by proctored exams. While instructors are encouraged to use alternative assessment methods such as projects, essays, presentations, and interviews, these alternatives may not be feasible or appropriate in every course.
What environments are appropriate for taking virtually proctored exams?
Students should choose quiet and distraction-free environments when taking virtually proctored exams. A wide range of locations that provide reliable internet and quiet work areas are acceptable (e.g. public libraries and university campuses). If testing at home, students should keep their privacy in mind and choose an appropriate area, as their immediate environment may be recorded during the exam session.
Does a live person review virtually proctored exam sessions? Or a computer?
Boise State’s virtual proctoring solution uses both A.I. and human review to analyze each session. Each session goes through human review. A Boise State proctor review sessions to make a final determination and escalate issues to the instructor, and in some cases, the Academic Integrity Program.
What if I’m accidentally flagged?
Human proctors will view each exam session. A Boise State proctor makes the final determination on whether the incident will be escalated. Student accommodations, situational context, and issues outside of students’ control are taken into account. Incidents that are determined to be accidental are usually closed without any escalation. The student may receive a courtesy email from a Boise State proctor with recommendations for avoiding the problem on upcoming tests.
How are violations handled?
Some incidents are relayed directly to the Instructor. For example, when a student uses the wrong test-aides, the instructor is notified and encouraged to reach out and clarify which test-aides are permitted. The instructor may decide to impose a grade penalty if they asked the student to correct an issue on multiple occasions. It is left up to individual instructors to determine how to handle these types of incidents.
In cases where academic integrity violations are clear, a Boise State proctor will notify both the instructor and the Academic Integrity Program in the Dean of Students Office. The student will have an opportunity to share their perspective regarding what occurred. As with all incidents of academic misconduct, it is the responsibility of the individual instructor to determine whether or not a formal report of academic misconduct will be submitted.
Who has access to my exam session information and footage?
Exam footage is available to human proctors. Additionally, the instructor can access all session reports and footage related to their exam.
The Academic Integrity Program at Boise State can access exam session data when they are notified of an academic dishonesty incident. Testing Center staff may also access session data when providing assistance or technical support to instructors and students.
Identity verification information (e.g., your ID photo) is deleted within seven days of taking your exam. Proctoring session data (screen recording, webcam audio/video, and proctor notes) are stored in US-based encrypted servers (AES 256) for six months. At the end of the retention period, the student data is deleted permanently according to NIST 800-88 guidelines.
Do virtual proctoring platforms sell or monetize students’ data?
No, Boise State virtual proctoring solutions do not do anything with the information and does not market to test-takers or monetize their data. Exam session data and recordings are the property of Boise State University and are only used to preserve academic integrity.
What should I do if I don’t meet the technical requirements to use the available virtual proctoring software?
Students are encouraged to take advantage of campus resources. Students can check out laptops at The Zone or use campus Wi-Fi if they do not have sufficiently fast internet access at home. Students who cannot come to campus must connect with their instructor to make alternate arrangements.
Questions or comments?
If you have any questions or comments about Boise State’s virtual proctoring solutions or the information on this page, please use the feedback form below. Your submission is anonymous unless you would like to receive a follow-up call or email.