Exam Protocols
Best Practices

Here are some Best Practices to keep in mind when preparing exams for both small and large classes.

A. Book rooms with extra space whenever possible.

Book rooms with the UDC – email Becky DiMattia to book a room.
Try to get enough space for students to sit with one seat between them.
In coordinated, multi-section courses, assign specific sections to each space so that you can have faculty present who know their students.
Require faculty to be present.
Remember to book a space for students with exam accommodations (e.g., extended time, distraction-reduced classroom, etc.).
Get scantron forms (aka bubble sheets) for multiple choice exams.

B. Create multiple versions of the exam.

Mix up the order of the questions and the answers on multiple choice exams.
Create 4 different versions: A, B, C, D.
Use for different colors for exams – no white paper. Avoiding white copies makes it easier for faculty proctors to see whether there is any paper on a desk that does not belong there.
Collate exams in pairs, alternating: A & B, then C & D.
When distributing exams to students, alternate rows with exams A/B in rows 1 & 3, and exams C/D in rows 2 & 4, etc. Students do not have the same exam as someone next to them, or in front or behind them.
Include academic conduct statement on cover page of exam (see attached example).

C. Require all faculty to be present / request additional proctors / require student ID.

Faculty should be present at the exams, whenever possible, since they know their students.
It may also be necessary or desirable to request additional proctors and/or have TAs present to check IDs, collect exams when students finish, and check ID and exam codes on scantrons.
If faculty are not present, require students to bring their BU ID. Have students sign into the exam room using their student ID, and then show their ID again when handing in their exams (SM 323 does this with their exams).

For more information, please see the attached PDFs below.

A. Give the following instructions to students pre/exam or as they arrive:

Use the rest room before the exam begins; do not allow students to leave and return.
NO: papers, books, electronic devices, etc., at seats. Pencils or pens only.
Turn phones OFF and put them away – phones may not be visible.
Take hats and hoods off.
Put all bags, books, hats, phones, etc., up front or under seats.
Do not sit next to anyone; keep a minimum of one empty seat between each student.
Use only your own desk, not the one next to you.
Do not speak with other students during the exam – if you have a question, raise your hand.
Keep your eyes on your own paper, or straight up in the air – not to your right/left/over the shoulder of the person in front of you.
Use a #2 pencil only (for bubble sheet / multiple choice questions).
Fill out bubble sheet info correctly and completely.
Set and announce a common/consistent “End Time” for the exam (all sections, all rooms).
1. For example: The End Time for all exams is 90 minutes after they are distributed. Disability accommodation room only: time + 50% (2hr 15 min) to complete the exam.

B. As exams are passed out, please remind students:

Use Pencils on bubble sheets.
READ and FOLLOW directions.
Enter BU ID number without the U.
Fill in the Test Form (A, B, C, or D).
Fill in the code for their section / instructor (see attached example of exam cover page).

C. During the exam:

Faculty should be diligent about walking the room, checking for extra papers, books, phones, etc.
Watch that students are using their own space / desks.
Check to be sure students are looking at their own exams only.

D. Collecting the exam:

As students complete the exam, have them bring them to their faculty member.
If the faculty is not present, have students show ID to the proctor/TA when handing in the exam – check that the ID matches the exam and the student.
Check that the Test Form bubble is filled in when you collect exams (the forms can’t be scored without that info).
Collect exams and/or bubble sheets in folders by section (this makes it easier to find a particular student/exam if there are questions).

Other tips:

For exams with multiple locations, include an “Instruction sheet” for faculty for each location. See attached example of an Instruction Sheet.
Be sure that you have cell phone numbers for faculty in each location on exam day.
Be sure to check the copies of the exams – review one copy of each exam to be sure that the pages are in order and all questions have printed correctly.

For more information, please see the attached PDFs below.