ProctorU Information

The University of Connecticut has partnered with ProctorU for proctoring services for online courses.

Introduction to ProctorU

What Is ProctorU?

ProctorU is a service used to authenticate a user’s identity and provide live proctoring of online assessments. Test-takers use ProctorU’s Guardian Browser, which enhances exam security by preventing the user from accessing unauthorized resources and functions on their computer. ProctorU uses a multi-step process to establish a user’s identity: a live proctor sees the user via a webcam, takes the user’s photo, and checks the user’s ID. In addition to the authentication process, proctors ensure the integrity of the exam by using a webcam and screen-sharing technology to see the user and what they are doing during the exam session.

Why Does UConn Use ProctorU?

ProctorU:

  • Allows flexibility and convenience for students to take assessments in online courses that might otherwise require in-person meetings.
  • Adds value to your degree in support of maintaining high academic standards through academic integrity and user authentication.
  • Helps meet accreditation standards and federal requirements: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation Standard 4.48 and Federal requirements under Sec. 602.17(g)of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Is There an Additional Cost to Use ProctorU?

There is no additional cost; the cost of exam proctoring is included in the Online Course Fee. However, students that schedule less than 72 hours before the exam starts will incur a late fee. NOTE: Finding an available appointment less than a week before an exam is highly unlikely.

How Does ProctorU Work?

Watch The Student Experience Through Guardian: What to Expect During Your Remote Proctored Exam for an overview of the ProctorU experience:

Getting Started with ProctorU

To use ProctorU, you must meet certain technical, software, location, and identity verification requirements. Before the official start of classes and no later than the second day of the course, read How to Get Started with the ProctorU Platform and complete the following steps:

  1. Create a Test-Taker ProctorU Account.
  2. Download and install the Guardian Browser.
  3. Ensure that your equipment is compatible with the minimum requirements and test your equipment.
    • Chromebooks and tablets are not supported devices.
    • You must have a working webcam (includes microphone).
    • You must have a front-facing smartphone camera or mirror to complete the monitor scan.
    • Use a fast and reliable internet connection — hardwire directly to your modem, if possible. Other users on your network, especially other high-bandwidth activities, can affect the speed of your connection and disrupt your exam. We recommend a minimum 3 Mbps upload/download speed which is higher than ProctorU’s published minimum speed. Run an internet speed test like Google’s Internet speed test or speedtest.net to determine your speed.
    • Ensure you can access the ProctorU service from your location. This is especially important if you are not in the United States.

Schedule Your Exam(s) – At Least One Week in Advance

Schedule your exam appointment as soon as possible, but at least one week in advance.

  • If you schedule less than one week in advance, you may not find an available exam appointment.
  • If you (find an available appointment late and) schedule less than 72 hours before the exam starts, you will be charged a late fee and may experience additional wait time for a proctor. The University does not pay for student late fees incurred as a result of your failure to meet this deadline.

If you need to reschedule your exam, we recommend that you contact ProctorU directly. Online cancellations will lose the original time slot and another appointment may not be available. Cancellations/rescheduling must be done at least 24 hours in advance to avoid paying a fee.

Taking Your Exam(s)

Review and follow the steps outlined in What to Expect on Exam Day.

    Tips for Success

    • Stay tuned to communications from your professor regarding your exams, and review the rules related to your exams in the syllabus. Clarify any questions you have as early as possible.
    • If you are not in the United States, verify you can access and use ProctorU from your location.
    • If available, complete the practice exam in your course to experience using ProctorU before a graded exam.
    • Sign-up for your session well in advance of the test date — at least one week prior to the exam.
    • Secure a space that conforms to test rules and make sure you won’t be interrupted during the exam.
    • Connect to a network with a fast and reliable connection and where your bandwidth will take priority. Other high-bandwidth activities on your network can disrupt the test-taking experience.
    • Clear your workspace and remove any unpermitted items including smart watches and tablets.
    • Have your Photo ID and smartphone with front-facing camera or mirror ready.
    • Arrive at least 5–10 minutes early for your scheduled session. (The exam timer won’t start until the exam is launched.)
    • Expect some start-up time. The session begins with an authentication process and set-up time before the exam is launched. It’s not unusual for start-up time to take 15–20 minutes. (The exam timer won’t start until the exam is launched.)
    • A chat feature is available if technical problems arise during testing.
    • Be aware that proctors may actively engage a student during an exam in the event of a potential problem.
    • Notify the proctor when you are ready to submit the exam.
    • Document technical problems by communicating with your instructor immediately (typically via email). Provide screenshots, when possible.
    • Have ProctorU support information available in case of connection issues.

    Support

    Accessibility Information

    Privacy Information

    Can ProctorU Access My Files?

    No. During the initial phase of the proctoring process, ProctorU — with permission from the test taker — has the ability to view the screen and use their mouse and keyboard as if the proctor was sitting next to the test taker. The proctor cannot access anything on the test taker’s computer without the test taker’s knowledge. Once the examination is launched, the proctor will change their permission to view only. During the monitoring phase, the proctor can monitor everything that happens on the student’s computer screen, but can no longer move the test taker’s mouse and keyboard. If something irregular occurs, the proctor can re-initiate the ability to move the test taker’s mouse and keyboard, in which case the test taker is alerted and can see everything that the proctor is doing. During this entire process, an interface log, or chat box, is running on the test taker’s computer and they can see what permissions the proctor currently has at any time. Finally, the entire session log is saved and there is a permanent record of what actions the proctor took while accessing the test taker’s computer. Throughout the process, the student can see everything the proctor is doing to their computer by watching them move their mouse.