Proctor U is a remote proctoring service. Trent University has contracted Proctor U to provide remote proctoring services for final exams of some web courses. As part of the onboarding process, Trent IT completes a cybersecurity review of 3rd party applications that are in use at the institution. Proctor U has completed this process, and we have determined that their security practices are in line with our standards. 

Trent Online manages the service at Trent.

• Proctor U’s online proctors monitor students writing exams by remotely connecting to the student’s webcam and microphone on their computer.
• Proctor U requires a reliable internet connection (a required upload and download speed of 2Mbps, with 10Mbps preferred), a webcam and microphone, and a private place to write the exam.
• Prior to the exam date, students receive instructions on how to create a profile and schedule their exam time through Blackboard.
  • Students have a 24-hour window around the date and time of their scheduled exam to book a timeslot to write the exam. For example, if an exam is at 9am on April 20, they can book their exam sometime between 9am on April 20 and 9am on April 21st.
• Beginning Summer 2024, students will have to pay to use Proctor U.  

When a web course has a proctored exam, there are two options (as outlined in the syllabus builder):  

1. Web Course - In-Person Exam: The exam will be offered at both the Peterborough and Durham Campus. Students will declare their exam location through Trent Online. The department organizes the exams and proctors.
2. Web Course - In-Person Exam with Online Proctored Option: The exam will be offered at both the Peterborough and Durham Campuses. Online proctored exams will be offered through Proctor U as an opt-in for students that cannot attend the exam in person. Students that opt to write online proctored exams are subject to a fee. Students will declare their exam location (Peterborough, Durham, or Online) through Trent Online.  

Please note that when in-person proctored exams are being offered for web courses, they must occur at both campuses. It is up to the department to organize the in-person proctored exams. Biology has an exception to this requirement for first and second year courses and can offer in-person in Peterborough only. 

No longer allowing entire class to use Proctor U exclusively 

In the past, instructors have been able to coordinate with Trent Online to have only online proctoring available for students in a course with no option to write in person. This option is no longer possible.  

Blackboard Integration 

Trent Online coordinates with instructors to integrate their exam with Proctor U using Blackboard. Trent Online also contacts students with instructions on how to use Proctor U for their final exam. 

• Instructors must have their exams built and uploaded to Blackboard at least two weeks prior to the start of the exam period.
• Instructors must also complete an Exam Aid Survey to indicate whether students are allowed to use any aids during their exam (e.g. pens, pencils, scrap paper, calculator, formula sheet, notes, dictionary, textbook, website, bathroom or rest breaks, etc.). The survey also allows for instructors to enter SAS accommodations for students so Proctor U can meet these needs. 

Trent Online provides reports outlining where students have declared to write their exam to the instructor, department Academic Administrative Assistant, as well as to Scheduling and the Centres for Academic Testing. 

Accommodations 

Typically, Proctor U can accommodate most requests, such as having more time. Students requiring a split exam must book with the Centre for Academic Testing.  

Course Instructors have access to their students’ SAS accommodations and will work with Trent Online to ensure these accommodations are met. 

Students should contact Trent Online by email online@trentu.ca or phone (705) 748-1011 ext. 1025 or 1-866-383 3244. 

Proctor U provides 24/7 live technical support for students. If students run into any technical issues during their online exam, they may call the 24/7 hotline at +1 (855) 772-8678 or visit https://support.meazurelearning.com/hc/en-us/p/chat

Trent Online receives detailed incident reports and video recordings for any issues experienced during online exams, such as the student’s use of unauthorized materials, turning the webcam, or microphone off.  These incidents are flagged for Trent Online who will then contact the instructor in the course to review the recording.  

Trent’s academic integrity policies are to be followed as per all incidents of possible academic dishonesty: the instructor is responsible for notifying the Chair and completing all required forms. If you would like access to an incident report or video for one or more of your students, please contact online@trentu.ca.    

Normally Proctor U is not used for mid-terms. In special circumstances where this may be required, please contact the Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning. Dean’s approval will be required.