Some courses at Rowan University employ automated proctoring software in an effort to ensure exam integrity, security, and to prevent academic fraud. Courses that use automated proctoring for exams will provide notification to students in advance. The sections below provide more information about automated proctoring tools and related policies and proceedures. 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity speaks to the reputation of Rowan University, the degrees it confers on its graduates, and its academic programming and course work. It is vitally important that Rowan University acts in the best interests of its students and alumni by striving to maintain its academic integrity. 

The use of Automated Proctoring tools is governed by Rowan University’s Verification of Student Identity Policy. Any violations pursued by an instructor must be handled in accordance with the Rowan University Academic Integrity Policy.

What is Automated Proctoring?

For online courses, instructors may choose to employ Automated Proctoring applications with their examinations. Automated Proctoring tools record audio-visual data about the student and their environment during the testing period. This information is then processed by tools which provide instructors with indicators when and where in the exam period that there may have been a violation. In addition, automated proctoring tolls create an identification profile for students by taking their photo (over a webcam) and scanning a valid photo ID. This profile is used as a reference for identity verification during the examination process. Automated Proctoring applications also use some lockdown tools such as requiring the exam window to be full screen, preventing printing and second monitors, blocking the opening of new windows or tabs on your browser. 

Since the system is automated, there are live human viewing students during the exam session. The tools use AI technologies to process the data after the session. That is, there is no third party human intervention or review in this process. All reviews of the session are made by the official course instructor who must then interpret the data and determine if a violation has occurred.  

Why use Automated Proctoring?

Automated proctoring is used for identity and originality verification. The tools in the system help build confidence in the integrity of the examination. This is similar to an in-person proctored exam whereby the instructor or an assigned proctor monitor the exam session in an effort to prevent incidence of academic fraud. The identity verification system within the automated proctoring tool attempts to verify that the student taking an exam is the same person who is registered and enrolled in the course. Originality verification takes measures to ensure that students are conducting their own work without the aid of resources that are not allowed (may vary by course and exam). For example, some exams may not allow the use of Internet resources and mobile devices, or you may be required to take an exam independently without the aid of anyone else. 

What Information is Collected?

Automated proctoring is used for identity and originality verification. The identity verification system within the automated proctoring tool attempts to verify that the student taking an exam is the same person who is registered and enrolled in the course. To verify student identity, students must successfully login with their Rowan NetID and create a profile prior to the exam. The following information is collected by the Automated Proctoring tool at the noted stages of the exam proctoring process.  

  • Prior to the exam
    • Webcam photo of the student
    • Webcam photo of a valid photo ID of the student
  • During the exam session
    • Webcam video and audio
    • Screen capture of the student’s computer
    • Computer information related to the exam (e.g., click to open a new browser tab or application).

Are There Student Fees?

Rowan students are not required to pay fees for use of the Automated Proctoring System. Students must have a webcam for use with their computer and the Automated Proctoring tools. Students may purchase any webcam from any vendor of their choice. For any student who does not already have a webcam with built-in microphone, please contact support@rowan.edu if you would like a recommendation or assistance with making a webcam purchase. 

Required Materials

  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • ID Verification - We need to check the photo and name on your photo ID to make sure the correct student is taking the test.
    • Official Rowan Student ID
    • Passport
    • Driver's License with Photo
    • Any other government issued Photo ID

Support

Students are advised to contact the Automated Proctoring Tool vendor directly for support. This 24/7 support is accessible directly through the proctoring application. Most tools provide live chat (fastest response time), phone, and email support. When issues are not being resolved as expected by the vendor’s support, you may submit a ticket to the Rowan University Support Center by emailing support@rowan.edu or calling 856-256-4400. More detailed support information is provided within courses that use the Automated Proctoring tools.