Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General InformationScheduling an ExamAdditional Questions

 

General Information

  • Where is the University Testing Center?

    We are located at Library Ground North (LNG) 113, which is in the basement of the Glenn G. Bartle Library Building. The easiest way to reach us is by using the Library Tower elevators to the basement level or going down Stairwell 14, between the Newcomb Reading Room and Jazzman’s Café, and making a left at the bottom of the stairs. Please follow the posted signs.

    Campus map with Bartle Library circled

  • When is proctoring available?
    Proctoring is available by appointment only - we cannot take “walk-in” students.

    During the Fall and Spring semesters, proctoring appointments are available from 8:00am to 10:00pm, Monday through Thursday, and from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Fridays.

    During the Winter and Summer sessions, appointments are scheduled based on staff availability.

    The UTC follows the University’s academic calendar, and therefore is closed when classes are not in session (i.e. holidays, inclement weather, emergencies). In cases of a sudden closure, exams scheduled for that day will be rescheduled by the instructor for the course.

    Please note that the administrative office, which responds to emails, processes requests, receives and returns exams, etc. is only open from 9:00 am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
  • How much does testing with the UTC cost?
    University Testing Center services are included in tuition and fees, therefore, there are no extra charges for Binghamton courses.

    External (non-Binghamton) exams may incur a $25 fee, which must be paid prior to exam administration. Details regarding payment methods and refund policies will be included with the confirmation email.
  • How do exams with the UTC work?
    1. A reservation request is submitted.
    2. UTC staff review and approve appointments.
    3. A confirmation email is sent to the student and instructor.
    4. The instructor provides the exam at least 24 hours in advance.
    5. The exam is administered.
    6. The exam is collected from our office (Photo ID required) or may be emailed to the instructor, within 48 hours, upon request.

    *Students requiring testing accommodations must meet with the Services for Students with Disabilities office prior to their appointment. The UTC has no input in determining or accessing students accommodations and cannot “give” or “change” any accommodation that has not been approved by the SSD office.

  • How do testing accommodations work?

    Students who need special accommodations to complete exams (more time, reading software, accessible furniture, etc.) must make an appointment with the Services for Students with Disabilities office to discuss their circumstances.

    If SSD has approved testing accommodations, the student must request that an accommodation letter be emailed to their instructor. The instructor will then make arrangements to accommodate the student, either on their own (using their own or the department’s resources) or at the UTC. Our services are completely optional. If an instructor chooses to schedule an appointment with the UTC, they must provide information regarding the student's accommodations when submitting a request.

    Please note that the UTC has no input in determining or accessing students accommodations and cannot “give” or “change” any accommodation that has not been approved by the SSD office.

  • Am I required to use the UTC?
    Not at all! Our services are completely optional. Instructors may choose to accommodate their students on their own (using their own or the department’s resources) as long as they meet any disability-related needs, if applicable.
  • How are final exams administered at the UTC?
    The process of scheduling final exams at the UTC is the same as throughout the semester. Due to the high volume of exams administered at the UTC during Finals Week, most students will take their exams in external classrooms. UTC proctors will administer all exams and the check-in process, policies, and standards will be the same as at the UTC office. Students and instructors will receive confirmation emails that state that the student will be informed of their testing location the day prior to their exam, and the student will then get a new email with their classroom assignment, typically in the evening before the appointment date.
  • How do I become a proctor?
    Due to HR regulations and confidentiality concerns, we can only hire Binghamton graduate students to administer exams. External candidates, undergraduate students, and alumni are not eligible for a proctor position at this time. More information, including a job description, can be found on our Applications page.

Scheduling an Exam

  • How do I schedule an exam for myself?
    Unfortunately, only instructors of record can request reservations for Binghamton courses. Any student desiring to take their exam at the Testing Center must contact their instructor, so that they can make a reservation on the student’s behalf. For external exams, see "How do I schedule an exam for a non-Binghamton course?" below.
  • How do I schedule an exam for my students?
    The instructor of record for the course can make reservations for their students using our new UTC Room Reservations software. Further instructions on how to use the new software can be found on our Software Training page.
  • How do I schedule an exam for a non-Binghamton course?
    Reservations for proctoring a non-Binghamton exam can be made by filling out the External Exam Request form. This form may be filled out by the instructor or the student, however, the instructor’s contact information (email and phone number) must be submitted before the appointment can be finalized. Please note that there is a per-exam fee for external proctoring. The UTC does not proctor any standardized exams (e.g. SAT, TOEFL, GRE).
  • Can I reschedule my appointment?
    All changes to existing reservations must be approved by the instructor of the course. Students who need to reschedule their appointments are encouraged to speak with their instructor and ask them to get in touch with us. Instructors may call or email us with requested changes. If changes are approved, the UTC will be happy to reschedule the exam, pending availability
  • I've had an emergency and cannot make my appointment  – what do I do?
    Please contact us and your instructor regarding the situation. Your instructor will decide how to help you proceed. If the exam needs to be rescheduled, your instructor will have to inform us of the requested change.
  • My class has been cancelled  – do I still need to take my exam at the UTC?

    If your instructor cancelled class, please reach out to them for further direction. Email us if you will not be taking your exam as scheduled.

    If the university has cancelled classes, the UTC is closed. An email will be sent to all students with an appointment as well as their instructor. As with any rescheduling, the instructor for the course will need to make changes to your appointment. If you have not heard back from us within a few days, it is your responsibility to contact us for updates.

  • I missed my appointment  – what do I do?
    In cases of “no-show”, the UTC will get in touch with the instructors on how to proceed, either rescheduling the appointment or cancelling the exam. Students should speak directly with their instructor about their circumstances. The UTC cannot reschedule an exam without direct approval from the instructor.
  • Can I schedule a make-up exam for my class?

    Unfortunately, the UTC does not proctor in-class exams for instructors. This includes "alternate" or "make-up" test dates. Large groups of students (>8) taking a make-up exam at the same date and time will need to be proctored by the instructor or an authorized designee.

    Instructors can make appointments for their students taking make-up exams at various times/dates or in smaller groups by using our UTC Room Reservations software.

  • Why can’t students, teaching assistants, or departmental secretaries schedule exams?
    Our new software works through Banner and is subject to the same rules and regulations of all student records. Additionally, instructors must be aware of the Testing Center’s policies and guidelines when making an appointment. By completing the requests themselves, instructors have the opportunity to review and agree with these requirements.
  • What if I can’t schedule two business days prior to administration?
    At the University Testing Center, we always do our best to accommodate late-notice requests. However, it is important to note that the UTC administers over 2,000 exams per semester and we cannot always ensure availability for all appointments. Advance notice allows us more flexibility to manage our schedule and deal with any issues that may arise. The less time you give us to plan, the more likely we will be unable to accommodate your needs.

 

Additional Questions