What is an exam proctor and why do I need one?
Because distance-learning students must complete the examinations required by the program or their course(s) while not on Cornell’s Ithaca campus, guidelines have been put in place for the student to take exams while still adhering to accreditation standards.
Exam proctoring – the process that establishes guidelines for distance-learning students to complete the program and take course exams from their current locations while still adhering to accreditation standards – is required for distance-learning students.
How do I select a proctor?
In many cases, there is a site coordinator, paid by the student’s employer, who acts as proctor. In cases where there is no site coordinator, we require the student to designate a proctor – a third party who can supervise the administration of each of the student’s exams. For these students, we begin the process of identifying a proctor many weeks in advance of the first exam. The designation of someone as a proctor is subject to close scrutiny to ensure the independence and impartiality of the role. The position of proctor is not a paid employee position, although it may be carried out by a Cornell employee as part of their position duties. Past Cornell students are encouraged to become proctors but proctors cannot be currently taking any courses at Cornell. Proctors also may not be relatives, employees, or under the working supervision of the students. The same person may be a proctor for several students and for several courses provided that there is no overlap in the examination times for the exams that the proctor is overseeing.
Students are asked to submit their selected proctor at least 48 hours prior to each of the exam dates. Faculty or staff employed by the Systems Engineering Program reserve the right to reject any potential proctor for any student or course. If a proctor is rejected, the course instructor and the affected students(s) will work closely with the M.Eng. distance-learning coordinator to establish an acceptable proctor for the student as soon as possible and prior to the examination time.
How does the proctor receive the exam?
An electronic copy of the exam, the exam proctoring verification form, and any exam restrictions and/or instructions is emailed to the proctor. Both the student and the proctor are required to sign the “Exam Proctoring Verification Form” attesting that the Cornell Code of Academic Integrity was upheld.
How should the exam be submitted to Cornell?
Immediately upon completion, the proctor must send send the completed exams and signed proctor verification form to the following address by express courier to the program office. If desired, the Exam Proctoring Verification form only may be returned via fax or email.
Systems Engineering
603 Rhodes Hall
136 Hoy Road
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-3801
607-254-8998
systemseng@cornell.edu
The exams are shared with the faculty and teaching assistants for grading and also kept on file for the duration that adheres to the Cornell University Record Retention policy. There is typically a one-week delay in grading off-campus exams versus on-campus exams. The grading criteria are identical for off-campus and on-campus students.
To ensure that there are no copies of the exam in anyone else’s possession, students are prohibited from keeping any exams or leftover exam materials. Any leftover exam materials, electronic and/ or hard copies must be destroyed.