Support for Fall 2021 Exams

Important Exam Notice

To reduce the frequency and number of students sitting together for extended periods of time in examination gyms and rooms, the University of Victoria will not be holding further in-person exams. Instructors are asked to offer their assessments online or in another format.

Please read below for resources to help you during exam period: December 13 – 20, 2021. Information will be updated on this page as it becomes available.

Other student supports

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What format is my exam and where can I find it?

All final exams have been moved from a face-to-face to an online format. Your instructor will inform you about the format and how to access your exam (e.g. in a Brightspace course announcement or an email). Your instructor and the other resources available at the University are here to support you. Keep reading below for more information.

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What will I need for my exam?

How you prepare will depend on the format of your exam. Some exams may be invigilated online exams. Others may be open-book or flexibly timed. Your instructor will let you know what is required in your particular exam. If you have questions, contact your instructor directly.

Basic technology requirements for most online exams include:

Computer or laptop
Stable Internet connection
Updated browser (Recommended: Chrome, but Edge, Firefox, Safari are also supported)
Invigilated exams may also require a webcam, microphone, and speakers
Other materials as indicated by your instructor

If you do not have required technology for an online exam, please contact your instructor for alternate arrangements.

Your UVic Learning Technologies is an interactive tutorial for getting started with UVic’s learning technologies. Under the Brightspace section, you will find an Online Exams guide, which is designed to help you prepare for what to expect when taking an online exam in Brightspace.

Just as there are restrictions for what you can bring to a face-to-face exam, there are restrictions for what you can have with you during an online exam. Academic integrity, not cheating, is an important University value and an expectation of all student taking exams. Review UVic’s academic integrity policy. Violations of academic integrity are a serious matter with consequences.

For more information about exam regulations is available in the UVic calendar.

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Exam Tips:

Have your UVic ID with you, especially for an online invigilated exam. You may be asked to provide your ID prior to starting the exam.
Put away your textbooks, notes, and other materials, unless approved by your instructor in advance or you have a CAL approved accommodation
Use only approved special tools allowed during the exam (e.g. scientific calculator, data sheets, etc.), if your instructor has already informed your class.
Students who have an accommodation for other tools should ensure they have shared their letter of accommodation with their instructor.
Have a non-alcoholic beverage with you prior to starting the exam.
Review UVic’s academic integrity policies. Academic integrity requires commitment to the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. It is expected that students will adhere to these ethical values in all activities related to learning. You may be required to sign an academic integrity pledge.
Use the washroom prior to the start exam. If you need to leave your computer during an invigilated exam, please inform your instructor or the invigilator when you leave and when you return.

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What to expect in an online invigilated exam

The format of your online invigilated exam may vary depending on your instructor. However, this information will give you some general information about what to expect.

If you have questions about your exam please contact your instructor.

In the days before your exam

Set up a distraction-free exam space. Remove items from your background that you do not wish to be displayed on camera  
Practice logging into UVic Zoom with your NetLink ID and password. On the day of your exam, you may need to be signed in before joining your room.  
Complete a Zoom test call to test your set up.
If you have technical difficulties, contact the Computer Helpdesk.

On the day of your exam

Prepare your workspace  
Go to UVic Zoom and Sign In with your NetLink ID and password. You will need to sign in to join the exam.  
Join the Zoom room at least 15 minutes before the start of your exam. Turn on your webcam (you will likely be asked to leave it on at all times).  
When you join the exam, your instructor will let you know how to proceed. You may be asked to complete an academic integrity pledge, open your online exam, and show your identification.

During the exam  

Keep your camera on and your camera muted unless otherwise directed
You can minimize the Zoom window if you prefer   
If you need to leave the webcam area for any reason during the exam (e.g. to use the washroom), let the invigilator know in a private message before you leave and when you return.  
If you have questions, need support or experience technical difficulty, please inform the instructor. If you are disconnected and cannot rejoin, email BOTH your instructor and the Computer Help Desk (helpdesk@uvic.ca)

When you have completed the exam

Unless otherwise directed, let the instructor know you have completed the exam and are leaving.

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What do I do if my exam is scheduled with CAL?

Your instructors will contact you through Brightspace or by email to tell you how your assessments have changed. Your exam format or location will be offered online. This may involve use of an Online Assessment Room. Time allowances may be adjusted for an entire class allowing extra time without an individual accommodation. This may also be true for take-home exams. If you have questions about this please contact your instructor.

We know that academic accommodations do not always translate easily into an alternate format. Reach out to your CAL advisor (calfrontdesk@uvic.ca or 250-472-4947) if you encounter any barriers that your instructor cannot address and that are making it difficult for you to access your exam or assignments. If you are having problems with your personal computer or learning technologies, contact the Computer Help Desk. If there are issues with your adaptive technology, contact your CAL advisor.

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