The evaluation of a student's progress is of vital importance whether the course is taught in a traditional classroom or online. Periodic student assessment is not only used as one component of a student's grade but provides essential feedback to both student and instructor. The student may use the feedback from exams to re-evaluate their study habits and develop new strategies to help them succeed in the course. Instructors should use the feedback from assessments to re-evaluate the instructional design of the course and address deficiencies that may become apparent. Given the importance of this process it is essential that assessments be administered in a manner that provides accurate and valid information to both student and instructor. Some instructors have chosen to use proctors to monitor students taking exams. To ensure the integrity of the assessment process it is the responsibility of the proctor to see that students follow an instructor’s guidelines for each exam. Proctors must be unbiased individuals who, in general, have no personal association or affiliation with the student(s) they proctor.

Selecting a Proctor

Students who will be taking online exams off-campus are required to identify a suitable proctor for these exams.
The student is responsible for selecting and making arrangements for a proctor by contacting an official from one of the categories listed below.

• Elementary or secondary school superintendents, principals, teachers or guidance counselors
• Professional employees of accredited post secondary colleges or universities
• Professionals working for public or private libraries
• Officers of the court
• Notary Public
• Hospital administrators
• Commissioned officers of the military (National Guard)
• Clergy
• University Extension staff including county Extension staff

Please note: Because a proctor must be unbiased toward the student they monitor, no relative, friend, friend of the family (including neighbors), or immediate work supervisor of the student is permitted to serve as an exam proctor.
Proctoring in a private residence is not permissible. The computer used should be one that is publicly available such as those often found in libraries, in a school, or some official location such as a business.

In arranging for proctoring, you must use the same exam proctor for each of the exams in a course. When making arrangements with a proctor, be sure to arrange supervision for all exams required for the course. Exam dates may be found on the course's public web site. Be sure that your proctor candidate has your name, your email address, and the course name and number.

Once identified, a potential proctor must complete the Online Proctor Agreement Form.
The staff in the Testing Facility will notify the candidate regarding the status of the proctor request.
Please note that proctor information is subject to verification. Providing false information is subject to Iowa State University rules for academic dishonesty.