Overview

Test proctoring is an academic accommodation available to eligible Río Hondo College DSPS students. Accommodations, including extended testing time and distraction-reduced environments, are determined through an interactive process with a DSPS Counselor or Learning Disabilities (LD) Specialist. Determinations are based on disability documentation, student-reported needs, and an individualized assessment.

Scheduling an Exam

  • Advance Notice: Students must schedule exams at least three (3) business days in advance in the AIM system to allow sufficient time for coordination and exam preparation.
  • Exam Times: Exams should be scheduled during the regular class testing period whenever possible, accounting for any extended testing time. Alternative arrangements require instructor approval and should be scheduled as close to the original exam time as possible.
  • Extended Time: Students typically receive 1.5x or 2.0x the standard testing time, depending on their approved accommodations. DSPS verifies testing time against the student’s Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP).

Testing Environment

  • Distraction-Reduced Setting: Eligible students may test in a quieter environment with fewer distractions.
  • Shared Testing Spaces: Multiple students may use the same testing room, but they will not be taking the same exam.
  • Exam Security: Backpacks, purses, cell phones, smartwatches, and other unauthorized materials or electronic devices must be secured in designated storage areas during testing.

Rescheduling Exams

  • Exams may only be rescheduled with instructor approval or when an emergency prevents testing as scheduled.
  • Instructors must confirm approved schedule changes directly with DSPS by email or phone.
  • Last-minute changes are subject to staff and space availability and may not be accommodated.
  • If a DSPS-related emergency requires rescheduling, DSPS will contact the instructor to coordinate arrangements.

Academic Integrity

  • Students must follow the Río Hondo College Student Code of Conduct and all instructor-established testing requirements.
  • Suspected cheating, plagiarism, or other academic dishonesty will be reported to the instructor.
  • Violations may result in disciplinary action under college policies.

Tardiness and No-Shows

  • 15-Minute Grace Period: Students arriving more than 15 minutes late will be marked as a no-show.
  • Late Arrivals: Time lost due to tardiness will be deducted from the approved testing period. Late arrival may also require rescheduling with instructor approval.
  • Repeated No-Shows: Three no-shows in one semester may require a meeting with the DSPS Director to review testing procedures and continued service arrangements.
  • Instructor Requirements: Additional testing instructions established by the instructor will be followed.

Student Responsibilities During Testing

  • Students must arrive prepared and follow all DSPS testing procedures.
  • Test proctors cannot assist with answering or interpreting exam questions.
  • Students must remain in the designated testing area until the exam is completed, unless an approved accommodation permits breaks or other arrangements.
  • Approved breaks will be supervised as appropriate to maintain exam security.
  • Exams must be started and completed in a single testing session unless otherwise authorized as an accommodation.
  • Students are responsible for scheduling exams during designated DSPS testing hours without conflicting with classes or other commitments.

Important: DSPS works collaboratively with students and instructors to provide approved testing accommodations while maintaining exam security, academic integrity, and equitable access.

    The policy and procedures on this page are subject to change without notice. For the most accurate policy and procedure on test accommodations please see the current DSPS Testing Accommodation Policy and Procedure in the DSPS Office.