Writing Exams with MEC (McIntyre Examination Centre)
If you are writing any of your final exams with the McIntyre Examination Centre (in-person or online), we recommend the following tips to ensure a positive and productive experience.
Before Your Exams
- Check Ventus for accommodation details (course, date, start/end time, location, accommodations, status) of each exam:
- 14 days before the date of an in-person exam; and
- 6 days before the date of an online exam in Brightspace.
- If there is no accommodation information for an online exam, 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.
- Click the blue “VIEW” button under “Exams” tab in Ventus;
- 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):
- During the final examination periods in December and April, additional locations outside of 133 Nideyinan and 710 Dunton Tower are used.
- Use the interactive campus map to plan your route in advance.
- If you are writing an 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 are trained and comfortable using the software before your exams. 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 Exam Day
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your exam begins.
- If you arrive late to an exam:
- There is a 30-minute grace period at the start of formally scheduled exams. If you arrive at your exam location within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time, you will be admitted without question.
- If you are more than 30 minutes late, proceed to your exam site. The on-site proctor will contact your professor to seek permission for you to write the exam.
- You will not receive additional time to compensate for the time lost due to the late arrival.
- Before you begin your exam, 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.
- For in-person evening exams with earlier start times, students will not be permitted to leave the exam site until at least 30 minutes have passed from the official start time of the exam.
Additional Tips and Resources
Managing Exam Accommodations FAQ
On Exam Day – Before the Exam, During the Exam, and Around Campus