Q&A for 100% Online Classes and Proctoring Q: What is the difference between an “Online Class” and a “100% Online Class” at NWFSC? A. An “Online Class” may require that you attend an orientation or complete a midterm exam and/or final exam on campus. However, most NWFSC instructors are able to accommodate students who are not local on an individual basis. If you are unable to attend, prior arrangements must be made with the instructor. In a “100% Online Class,” you will not be required to step foot on campus! Your teacher will still hold an in-person orientation, but your attendance is optional. While most assignments can be completed online, some exams may require that you secure an acceptable proctor if you are not able to take the exams during the advertised times and at the advertised location. Q: I am enrolled in a “100% Online Class,” and I chose not to attend the in-person orientation. What do I do now? A: You should visit your instructor’s website and read the syllabus for your course. Your instructor will have details that explain how you should get started. Note that you will have an assignment due during the first week of classes, and if it is not completed, you may be dropped from the class. Q: I would like to enroll in an “Online Class,” but the course has a mandatory orientation that I cannot attend. Can I still take the course? A: You need to contact the instructor immediately to see if arrangements can be made prior to the scheduled orientation. Q: What is a proctor? A: A proctor is someone who verifies your identity and monitors your completion of an assignment. Q: How will I know if I need to find a proctor? A: The course syllabus will let you know if you will need to find a proctor. In some classes, all the assignments are online and a proctor is not necessary. If it is unclear if you need a proctor, you should contact your instructor directly. Q: Who is an acceptable proctor? Acceptable proctor Sites: List of Potential Proctors: College or University Accredited College or University Faculty/Testing Center Administrators Public Library Certified Librarian US Embassy US Embassy Official US Military Bases Testing Control Officer/Unit Education Officer (Master Sergeants can be used only if they are the head of the testing or education center.) Military students in remote areas Commissioned Officers (other than in your chain of command) with a rank of O-3 or above. Individuals excluded from approval as proctors include but are not limited to the following: Family/Relatives (this includes extended family and in-laws). Employers/Supervisors/Chain of Command/Co-workers (This includes anyone within the same school district, college/university system, or company). Neighbors Friends or other students Clergy Adjunct Faculty Members (unless the faculty member is your current online instructor) K-12 Schools Certified K-12 Librarians Q: I cannot make it to my instructor’s exam and I would like to use a proctor. What do I do next? A: Your instructor will help you with this process. First, you will need to contact an acceptable proctor to find out if he or she is available to proctor your exam during the time frame needed. You will then need to contact your instructor and provide contact information for the proctor you would like to use. Your instructor will then coordinate with your proctor directly. At NWFSC, you have three options for taking exams in 100% online classes (or online classes): 1. You can take the exam during the advertised time with your instructor. a. Check your syllabus for details. 2. You can schedule to take the exam at the NWFSC Testing Office. a. An appointment is required, and you will need to bring a Photo ID. You must make your appointment at least 24 hours in advance by email at testing@nwfsc.edu or calling (850)729-6016. b. The Testing Center schedules appointments at the following times*: i. Mondays – 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM ii. Tuesdays – 8:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 5:00 PM iii. Thursdays –1:00 PM iv. Fridays – 8:30 AM *Additional times are available during registration periods at the end of the semester. c. The Testing Center is located on the Niceville Campus (100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL 32578) in Building C-2, Room C-212. Click here for a campus map. Note that effective January 24th, 2012 the Testing Center will be located in Building SSC (Student Services Center), Room 281. 3. You can utilize proctoring services in your local area. a. Most colleges and universities offer proctoring services. In addition, local libraries and companies such as Sylvan Learning Centers offer proctoring services. Generally, a fee is charged and you are responsible for paying the fee. (Most fees are in the range of $25$35). b. Military students may use the testing services of their Military Education Centers. If you are deployed and do not have access to an Education Center, an officer with a rank of O3 or higher may be approved to serve as your proctor. 0s 12/2011