Tips for Writing Tests with the McIntyre Exam Centre (MEC)
Midterm season is upon us! Whether you are a returning student who knows the drill or writing your first tests or exams (in-person or online) with the McIntyre Examination Centre, we recommend the following tips to ensure a positive experience.
Before Your Test…
Make-Note-Of and Comply-With MEC Deadlines:
- Request accommodations in Ventus at least 10 business days before a quiz, test or midterm if you have not already requested accommodations for the course at the beginning of the term.
- Exam accommodations with MEC are not guaranteed after the 10-business-day deadline. They will accommodate pending space availability up to 5 business days before a test or midterm.
- Note that MEC is not able to accommodate requests for test or exam accommodations made less than five (5) business days before the test or exam.
Check Ventus for Accommodation Details
Check the course, date, start/end time, location, accommodations, status of each test…
- 10 business days before the date of an in-person scheduled test.
- 3 days before the date of an online test in Brightspace AND confirmation of location status for an in-person scheduled test.
- If there is no accommodation information for an online test, email the course instructor ASAP to inquire if they intend to extend the extra time in Brightspace themselves or if MEC will apply it on their behalf.
Ensure Accommodations for Each Exam are Accurate
- If your accommodations are not accurate, contact your PMC Coordinator ASAP.
- “Online Exam – Professor to Accommodate” indicates that the professor will apply the extra time in Brightspace.
Familiarize Yourself with In-Person Exam Location(s)
MEC has two main exam locations for in-person scheduled tests and exams: 133 Nideyinan and 710 Dunton Tower.
- Take a virtual tour of these two exam locations.
- Please note other locations on campus will be used in addition to these main sites, especially during formal exams periods.
Use the interactive campus map to plan your route in advance.
- If you are writing a test or exam that is being e-proctored by CoMaS or Zoom, make sure you are familiar with the technical guidelines before the exam.
- If you have Assistive Technology (AT) software (e.g. reading or voice dictation) as part of your exam accommodations, make sure you’re trained and comfortable using the software before your test or exam. AT training with an assistive technologist can be arranged through your PMC coordinator.
- For “pre-approved personal music” accommodations for your exams, contact Jason Goveas, JasonGoveas@cunet.carleton.ca, to make arrangements to drop off your music playlist for vetting.
- Budget enough time to travel to campus in time for your exams whether arranging a ride with family/friend or planning out your OC Transpo trip.
On Test Day
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your test begins.
- Before you begin your test, review the summary of accommodations and the amount of time (extra time included) you are entitled to receive for accuracy. Report any discrepancy to the proctor ASAP.
- If you are using assistive technology software or equipment as part of your exam accommodations, make sure they are working properly and report any problems to the proctor right away.