Assessment Procedures
Online assessments such as quizzes or class activities during the Didactic phase and quizzes and other deliverables in the Clinical phase are assignments that are to be completed by an individual student unless otherwise instructed. They are not to be copied, downloaded, verbally shared, or otherwise distributed. Any infractions will be treated as a violation of the Honor Code. Following resolution of any appeals, the decisions of course directors regarding examination and assignment grades are final.
Exam Software: The PA program requires students to utilize Examplify, exam software provided by ExamSoft Worldwide, Inc for student assessments. Examplify provides a secure testing environment which locks out all other applications along with access to the internet. Therefore, all students are required to have Examplify installed on their testing device(s). Examplify can be used on newer Microsoft Windows and Mac operating systems as well as on iPads bought within the last 3-4 years. Examplify will not run on Chromebook, Android, or Linux operating systems. In the event a student does not have a working device on the day of the examination they must notify the course director immediately to check out a loaner laptop. Any other technical issues that arise during the test will be handled by the proctor on a case-by-case basis in as fair a manner as possible.
Prior to Assessments with Examplify:
• Download the exam between at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled exam time or as soon as it is available for download from the instructor.
• Charge your device to 100% prior to the exam.
• Close ALL programs and internet browsers before launching Examplify in testing room.
• Recommendation: Turn off antivirus programs before starting the exam
Test Day Expectations: Students are expected to be in their seats at least five minutes prior to the scheduled start time for the examination and to maintain a quiet environment for the duration of the exam. All students must sign in with devices turned on and set up ready to start by the designated exam time. They are to launch the exam, navigate to the starting screen, and wait for instructions and password from the proctor. After entering the password, the student will wait on the orange screen until instructed to begin the exam. Students may only bring their device, charger, and writing utensil to the exam Bags, cell phones, iPods/music players, purses, food, coffee, backpacks, notes, paper, or other personal belongings must stay at the front of the room. Cell phones and wrist devices are strictly prohibited. Students may bring their own earplugs, but wi-fi-enabled headphones are not permitted. Failure to comply with these standards may result in a zero for the assessment. Proctors will not answer content-related questions during the exam but can assist with any technical issues. In the event of a paper exam, students may bring a covered beverage into the room along with a pencil or pen. Because study rooms may be needed for other educational purposes, study materials and personal belongings should be placed in the student locker or other personal space before all examinations.
Students are encouraged to take care of their personal needs prior to the examination. Restrooms breaks, one student at a time, will be allowed with permission from the proctor. Students must PAUSE the Examplify session, and all materials must be left at the student’s seat. Upon completion of the exam, a student must upload their exam file in order to have their assessment scored. The Green Screen indicates a successful upload. If a student is unsure if their file has uploaded, they may go to their ExamSoft student portal and check exam history for confirmation. If the exam has not uploaded successfully, contact the course instructor immediately.
Absence and make-up examinations: Students are expected to take all examinations at the time they are administered to the entire class. Excused absences for exams are granted only in emergency situations and only when discussed (in advance if possible) with the Program Director and the course director. In the event of an urgent, excused absence, a make-up examination may be scheduled at the discretion of the course director and would take place as soon as possible after the original examination date.
An unexcused absence from an examination will result in a score of 0 (zero) for the assessment. If a student arrives late for an examination, they should enter the examination room quietly, from the back of the room, and take the nearest open seat. The proctor will bring the examination materials to the student. No allowances for extra time will be given, and the student will be required to end the examination at the same time as the rest of the class.
Examination grades: Following the completion of a course assessment, the Course Director/Coordinator will analyze the exam items and provide each student with their final score. This process cannot begin until the assessment has been completed by the entire class. For exams given outside of ExamSoft (including written exams or open-ended assessments), the instructor will attempt to have grades completed and released in 72 business hours. The faculty member will then provide a post-assessment email to the class addressing the most-missed concepts and providing insight for future studying.
Grades for written assignments: See each course syllabus for a grading rubric and timetable for disseminations of scores on individual assignments. Every effort will be made to provide timely feedback to students on one assignment prior to an additional assessment of the same skill or topic.