Assessment Policies and Procedures

Assessment Integrity

Written, computer-based, and practical assessments are utilized throughout the PA Studies program. Failure to adhere to the Assessment Policy may result in the student receiving a zero (0) for the assessment and/or consideration of dismissal from the program.

To maintain assessment validity and academic integrity, students may not inquire about the interpretation of assessment items or content during the administration.

If problems related to assessment administration are encountered, the proctor should be notified immediately.

During written, computer-based assessments, students may have only the following in the classroom:

  • Personal computer
  • Foam earplugs
  • Scratch paper from the proctor only
  • Pencil or pen approved by the proctor
  • Everything else (backpacks, notes, cell phones, containers, and electronic devices) must be removed from the room where the assessment occurs or placed in an approved location.
  • Students are prohibited from wearing hats or caps during assessments.
  • Students are prohibited from having any written material of any kind at their desks when the assessment begins.
  • No one should speak to a classmate or friend once a written assessment begins.
  • When a computer-based assessment is open, no other windows on the computer may be open simultaneously (unless otherwise instructed). The testing screen must be fully maximized.
  • Students are prohibited from leaving the room while a written assessment is being administered unless accompanied by a proctor.
  • When an assessment is completed, the student must exit the room quietly.
  • Once any student has completed the assessment and left the classroom, no one is permitted to leave the room unless their assessment is submitted.
  • Once a student has completed the assessment and left the testing room, they are not permitted to re-enter until everyone has completed the assessment.

Of note: for practical examinations, student may be sequestered without access to any electronic devices.

Procedure for Written Assessments (Examinations)

Assessments (e.g., exams) administered in the classroom:
Students are expected to arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled start time of an assessment in order to download the exam into Examplify. Students may download the exam in the classroom only after being instructed by the professor to begin the download. Students will not be permitted to download the exam outside of the classroom.

Exams will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Students will not be allowed to use additional electronic devices during an exam unless specified by the instructor.

  • Once the download period has begun, no study tools will be allowed to be open on any electronic device. If a student is found with a cell phone out during an exam, the student will receive an immediate grade of zero (0) for the exam and potentially be subject to further disciplinary action.
  • If a student arrives after another student has completed the exam, they will not be allowed to take it and will receive a zero score (0).
  • To maintain exam validity and academic integrity, students may not inquire about exam items or content while administering the examination or assessment.
  • If problems related to exam administration are encountered, the examination proctor should be notified immediately.
  • When an exam is given electronically using Examplify through ExamSoft, no other windows may be open simultaneously, and the testing screen must be fully maximized.

Assessments (e.g., exams) administered remotely:
Students are expected to have a computer already validated by the remote monitoring service for the exam. Students must take exams alone in a quiet location and follow all parameters established by the instructor for the exam. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero (0) for the exam and a possible professionalism violation (see Part II, section 14).

Late Arrival/Missed Written Assessments

  • Students arriving after an assessment has begun will be allowed to take the assessment, but no additional time beyond the scheduled conclusion will be allowed.
  • If a student arrives for an assessment after another student has completed it and left the room, they will not be allowed to take the assessment and will receive a score of zero (0).
  • Due to personal emergencies or other exceptional circumstances, a student may be unable to sit for a scheduled examination and request to be excused from an examination. The course director will consider the request only if satisfactory evidence is presented and documented. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the course director(via phone, email, or text) as soon as possible. All such requests must be in writing and signed by the student with an explanation of the circumstances that resulted in or will result in an absence and supporting documentation that validates the cause of the absence (e.g., letter from the attending physician, etc.).
    • Requests should be presented to the course director 72 hours before the scheduled exam.
    • Requests for an absence that has already occurred must be presented within 48 hours after the absence. The course director will consider each request on its individual merits, and all decisions for either approval or denial shall be final. A student will be notified in writing if an absence is not excused. If excused, the student and the course director/designee will schedule another exam. The actual timing of the exam will be at the discretion of the course director, and the make-up exam may not be the same as the original exam.

Examination Administration Policy

Students who complete examinations within the College of Health Sciences shall comply with all examination policies established by the program. Students who complete examinations at the Noel Center for Disability Resources shall comply with the policies and procedures established by the Noel Center. Students testing at the Noel Center are responsible for scheduling their examinations in a manner that ensures timely attendance at the subsequent scheduled class session.

Dissemination of Assessment Results

Grades will be distributed electronically (usually via Blackboard) within 48 hours after they are certified as final and complete. The student is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their personal online grade password and student ID number. Electronically posted grades are official.

Assessment policies and procedures specific to the clinical year can be found in Part VII, Sections 20-22.