Academic Integrity

• Write new tests each semester, whenever possible; at the very least add new items or modify the content. This decreases the likelihood of students gaining an unfair advantage.
• Some faculty choose to create multiple versions of a test. You can have the same questions on each form, but (1) present questions in a different order on each form, or (2) vary the order of the response alternatives.
• Where testing involves calculations, modify values within the same question on different forms so that responses are different.

Occasionally there may be need to book the testing centre and/or invigilators to assist in ensuring testing integrity is maintained. Specific information on booking space,using the testing centres at the Sutherland or Frost campus, and/or booking invigilators can be found here: https://flemingcollege.ca/testing-services/faculty-and-staff

• Oral and written expectations for testing procedures should be provide to students for before and at the time of testing.
• Determine in advance whether or not tests will be on desks/tables when students arrive or if they will be handed out once they are seated. If you are placing them on desks before students arrive, ensure that students are aware they should wait outside the doors until they are told to enter.
• Where late arrivals are allowed, leave seats vacant near entry for late arrivals to cause minimum disruption.
• Students should be told in advance the specific items they are allowed to have at the desk/table for the test. These may include:
  • OneCard ID
  • Writing materials (be specific if only a specific type is allowed)
  • Water in clear or coloured bottles without written labels
  • Basic calculator or scientific calculator (be specific)
  • Textbook, Memory aids, or formula sheets (where allowed)

• Instruct students to leave all belongings at the front or back of the room as they enter the class, this includes phones, smart watches, headphones and any other unauthorized tool.
  • Ask students to show wrists are free of writing or watches.
  • Ask students to remove hats.
  • It may be necessary to ask a student to see their ears are free of headphone devices.
• Take attendance: Using students' college OneCard IDs, ensure that the student's name and student number match your class list. Determine process in advance for students who forget or decline to provide ID
• Students should receive final reminder to place extra items in the designated spot before test begins. Remind them to check pockets and wrists for anything they may have forgotten to remove.
• Remind students of all rules for the test, including [It is good practice to have these instructions posted for students to read during the test as well (whiteboard or slide deck)]:
  • explicit direction to students on how to get your attention for assistance during the test
  • instructions should they need to use the washroom during the test
  • instructions for handing in the test when it is complete and if they can leave when they are done
  • Students should be informed that you and/or invigilator may ask them to move during the test and that they are to do so quietly without question immediately.
  • Remind students that no photos of the test may be taken before or after the test.

MONITOR - walk through out the room in irregular intervals/patterns to properly monitor students.

• Ear Pieces  
  • hoods, hats may be used to cover the use of ear pieces
  • students sitting idle may be waiting for answers to be relayed back to them, idleness followed by quick bursts of writing may also signify ear pieces are being used
  • holding hand over their ear or holding an object (like pen) up to their ear may also indicate unauthorized technology
• Wearable Tech - smartwatches come in all shapes and sizes and should be removed in advance
• Programmable Devices- inspect student devices where calculators may be permitted to prevent the use of calculator-like programmable devices.
• Communication - watch for verbal and non-verbal communication taking place
• Movements 
  • student's eye movement and body movement may be a sign that they are looking at another paper or unauthorized material
  • flipping through test quickly or holding upright or at an angle may be an indication of coordinated cheating or someone taking photos of the test

RESPONDING TO SUSPECTED BREACHES

• Avoid causing additional distraction when addressing concerns with students in the room
• Approach student(s), note observed concern.
  • If able to resolve concern immediately do so - (i.e. phone is out but you know student has not yet had a chance to use it - remove phone)
  • If cheating behaviour is confirmed or definitively been observed, collect test from student, write time test was taken at the top of the test and request that student leave the room.
  • File appropriate academic integrity violation form (faculty) or report to faculty (invigilators), faculty are then responsible for submission of academic integrity violation form

There are many forms of academic misconduct (cheating) during tests.

• Impersonation - taking a test for a classmate or another person.
• Unauthorized Consultation 
  • consulting unauthorized notes - These may be hidden up sleeves, pant legs, pockets, around a water bottle
  • copying a student's paper near them
  • consulting a hidden device 
• Unauthorized Communication
  • talking to peers during the test
  • use of hand/body signals or gestures
  • use of earpieces, pinhole cameras (pens, jewelry)

There following resources may be of interest to you.

• NCTA Professional Standards and Guidelines
• Fleming Learning Design & Support Team Resources & Tip Sheets