Online Proctoring Statement

Course assessments gauge student progress towards course outcomes and represent a meaningful opportunity for regular and substantive interactions between students and faculty. Academic integrity is core to the academic experience for all OHIO students and faculty.

Course instructors are responsible for preparing an academic environment that supports learning. The responsibility for completing coursework ethically and with integrity falls to the learner. Quality course and assessment design can mitigate academic dishonesty concerns. For assistance with assignment, quiz and testing design, faculty may consult with the Office of Instructional Design or the CTLA.

Recommendations for Online Course Proctoring

OHIO Online, the Office of Instructional Design, the OU Testing Center and the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment have established the following recommendations regarding proctored solutions for fully online courses:

• No learner enrolled in a fully online course or program should be required to complete an assessment in person given the modality of the course itself. This includes exam administration at a physical testing center or reserved classroom space.  
• Instructors should use a paid online proctoring solution in rare occasions, e.g. high-stakes assessments to meet licensing/accreditation requirements. Online proctoring solutions: 
  • incur additional costs for programs and/or learners; 
  • require additional instructional technology support; 
  • make the testing process more cumbersome for learners who may have to orient themselves to a new platform or test outside of university-supported systems; 
  • increase learner stress associated high-stakes assessments; 
  • are not immune to academic dishonesty.

There are instances where an online proctoring solution is necessary (e.g., when proctored testing is required for professional licensure). Information about required online proctoring must be included in the course syllabus and communicated to students – preferably at the time of enrollment.