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Academic Integrity

Integrity in Testing

Testing situations can be very stressful, both before your test and during. Follow the advice and resources here to ensure that you maintain integrity during a testing situation.

Meeting Expectations in Testing Situations

Actions before and during tests or exams can lead to academic integrity violations. It is important to prepare for your assessments and understand expectations for in-class and online testing situations.

Preparing for your tests begins with good habits and organizational skills, but it can be stressful for many students.

Fleming has a number of supports for you:

Plan ahead! Prioritize studying ahead of time so that you can avoid last minute cramming.

Course faculty will determine the expectations for each of your in-class quizzes, tests or exams. It is important to follow each of their instructions as the expectations may be slightly different for each course.

Expectations will range from expected behaviour to information about what is or is not allowed to be used during the assessment. You may also be asked to place you belongings (phones, hats, bags, coats) in a specific area of the classroom.

What can be considered a violation during an in-class test or exam?

  • Talking to others.
  • Looking at other student's answers.
  • Passing notes.
  • Use of cameras, earpieces, phones or other unauthorized device.
  • Accessing notes or books without permission.
  • Completing test for another student.

If an instructor or invigilator believes you may be cheating, you may be asked to hand in your test and leave the class. Be honest about the situation and follow the direction of the instructor or invigilator.

How can I avoid a violation?

  • Arrive on time.
  • Place your belongings in designated space and remove hats, coats, ear buds, or smartwatches.
  • Do not talk or communicate to others and keep your eyes on your own paper.
  • Only use the instruments or tools that are permitted.
  • Make sure no unauthorized devices are in your testing area.
  • Shield your answers from others.
  • In "open book" situations, ensure that there are no additional sheets or materials hidden inside the texts you are permitted to have.
  • If you are ever unsure of rules, ask the instructor or invigilator for clarification.

For online tests you may be required to use of Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor. These software applications assist in ensuring integrity and monitoring activity through your computer's web camera.

Inappropriate access or behaviours are flagged by the system and instructors can review results to determine if a potential violation has occurred.

What can be considered a violation during an online test or exam?

  • Failure to show (on camera) your entire testing area.
  • Communicating with others during test.
  • Using your phone or other unauthorized device.
  • Accessing notes or books without permission.
  • Completing test for another student.

How can I avoid a violation?

  • Follow the Student Guide to Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor to test your computer in advance of a test.
  • Never share your passwords with others.
  • Ensure that you are in a private space where you will not be interrupted.
  • Ensure your testing area is free of any unauthorized devices or materials.
  • Do not collaborate with others during or after testing.

Please note there is limited private space on the college campuses to take your online tests, if you do not have a space at home to do your tests discuss your situation with your instructor in advance.

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