DELTA Testing Services Adapts to Change
In FY 2018-2019, DELTA Testing Services experienced unprecedented demand for proctoring services.
DELTA Testing Services adapted quickly and implemented a number of changes including launching an appointment-only exam system.
The new appointment-only model began in January 2019 and continued through the semester with success. The appointment system was put to the test during spring 2019 finals.
From April 29 to May 7, DELTA Testing Services proctored 9,281 exams at five different locations.
In addition to the Main Campus Test Center and Centennial Campus Test Center, Brooks Hall, Nelson Hall and D.H. Hill Jr. Library were used as pop-up locations which provided an additional 193 seats to supplement the test centers’ 150 permanent seats.
“We were never overloaded with students, and as students came in we knew we would have seats for them. Appointments evened out the traffic flow throughout the day, and we did not have crowds,” says Sharon Broere, senior associate director of Online and Distance Education Administrative Services.
The testing services team enlisted the help of DELTA and faculty volunteers, as well as paid graduate students and temporary staff for a total of 70 people working during final exams.
“We achieved our goal for every student to take their exam with minimal or no waiting,” says Tim Petty, associate vice provost of Online and Distance Education.
The appointment system was implemented after a busy fall 2018 final exam period. Due to inclement weather and a university closure, the DELTA test centers experienced a high volume of on-demand testing that caused long wait times for students. However, the implementation of appointment-only testing in spring 2019 completely eliminated this problem.
“We expect that being able to better regulate test-center traffic will allow DELTA to more efficiently serve [even] more students and instructors in future semesters,” says Petty.
DELTA continues to work with university partners to identify and fund expansion space for the test centers.
With the demand for testing on an upward trend, DELTA staff members are adapting to the change and will continue to provide high-quality service to faculty and students.
