Exam Information for Students

This content supports the Examination Procedure by providing an overview of key points as they relate to students. It should be read in conjunction with the Examination Procedure document.

When will my examination take place?

The official exam period is outlined in the Academic Calendar.

Whether enrolled on-campus or by distance mode, students are required to be available to undertake examinations throughout the official exam period relevant to their course.

The Examination Timetable is published on the Avondale website by the end of the fifth week of the semester.

Students must be available at the date and time when their exam is scheduled, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Where will my examination take place?

Oncampus exams: at the campus on which you are enrolled.

Where students believe they have extenuating circumstances which may allow them to attend their examination on the other campus, they need to submit a written request to the Director, Student Administration Services, or delegate, no later than 15 working days prior to the commencement of the relevant examination period, with their reason for the request.

Distance exams (students who live within 100 kms of the oncampus examination venue): at the oncampus examination venue scheduled for your unit examination.

Distance exams (students who live more than 100 kms from the oncampus examination venue): either at the oncampus venue scheduled for your unit examination, or at an appropriate off campus venue. Students will need to liaise with the Exam Centre to identify a suitable person to supervise their examination off campus.

Online exams: you should identify a quiet environment where you can set up your computer to complete your exam without being interrupted. This may be at home, work or any other suitable location.

Where students can’t access a suitable location, Avondale has a limited number of exam spaces on campus that they can apply for. To apply, students must email the School Office staff at least 2 weeks ahead of their examination date/s. Email contact details for the School Office admin staff can be found in your Unit Information document.

If circumstances prevent students coming on campus, alternative provisions may be made be on a case-by-case basis.

Exam Conditions

Can I enter an examination late?

Students may enter an examination venue or commence an online exam up to 30 minutes after the exam has commenced.

Students who arrive late will not be given additional time beyond when the examination was due to end.

Students who arrive after 30 minutes has elapsed will be denied entry by the examination supervisor. In extenuating circumstances, the student may apply for Special Consideration.

When can I leave an examination?

Students may leave any time after 30 minutes has elapsed, but only after their exam script has been collected by the supervisor, and in the case of online examinations, once the supervisor has confirmed receipt.

A student who leaves early is not permitted to re-enter.

What should I bring to my examination?

Students must bring their Avondale student ID card to the examination as proof of identity.

• Where a student does not bring an Avondale student ID card, the student may provide a driver’s license or passport as proof of identity. In the case of oncampus examinations, students will be required to sign a form provided by the exam supervisor and then present in person to Student Administration Services within 24 hours with their student ID card, or other valid proof of identify where their student ID card cannot be located.
• Students who are unable to present any form of photo ID when attending their examination will be denied entry, or in the case of online exams, will not be granted access to the exam paper. In extenuating circumstances, the student may apply for Special Consideration.

Students must supply their own writing implements for an examination. Writing implements, if in a container, must be in a transparent case (e.g. transparent pencil case or a clear plastic bag).

If a drink bottle is present, it must be an unannotated clear drink bottle. Drink bottles which are not transparent are not permitted on the student’s desk or within reach.

No caps, hats or hoods are permitted to be worn during an examination.

No glasses cases are permitted on the student’s desk or within reach.

Mobile phones, smart watches and other unauthorised electronic devices are not permitted on the student’s desk or within reach.

• Where such items are brought to the examination, students have a responsibility to ensure they are switched off and, in an oncampus exam, left in the location designated by the supervisor.
• During an online exam, a student may leave their desk to retrieve a phone for use in the event of technical difficulties.

Additional allowed material (e.g. calculator, non-marked Bible) is only permitted if specified on the examination cover page.

In the case of an open-book exam, the Unit Coordinator and/or lecturer will advise what material the student may bring into the exam, limited to printed materials such as texts, personal notes, other reference materials, a Bible, a dictionary, etc.

How should I prepare my online examination environment?

Clear your workspace of all papers, books, and clutter, with the exception of material permitted for your exam.

For an open book exam, make sure you have all your notes, required materials and other resources organised, easily accessible and ready to use.

Have some rough paper and a pen available for reviewing and planning your approach to the exam.
If completing your exam at home:

• arrange for animals and children to be cared for somewhere away from where you are working
• advise the other people in your household that you will be taking an exam and cannot be interrupted

Your phone may be used for the exam onboarding process, however it cannot be on your desk during the exam, and will need to be placed out of reach (i.e. on the floor under your chair).

Also see Online Examinations: Instructions for Students

What can I do in advance to minimise potential technical problems in an online examination?

Restarting your computer before you commence the exam and ensuring all unnecessary applications are closed can prevent technical issues occurring.

If you are using a laptop, ensure it has sufficient battery reserve or is plugged in so your battery does not run out during the exam.

Ensure your internet connection is working correctly and that you have sufficient data available if relevant.

Ensure your computer will not run updates at the time of your exam. Attend to this in the days prior.

If you’re in a multi-user environment, ask others to limit internet use (e.g. Netflix) if they can while you’re doing your exam.

Also see Online Examinations: Instructions for Students

What is expected during my examination?

Once students have entered the exam venue or online exam, they must follow all directions provided by the supervisor/s.

Supervisors will ensure that students who have officially been granted special provisions are provided those arrangements during their examination. No variation to the specified conditions will be permitted.

Online examinations will be conducted using a teleconference platform and the Learning Management System (Moodle). During the examination students must have their camera on at all times, and their microphone muted. Any questions to the supervisor are to be asked using the direct chat mechanism.

Online examination papers will be made available via one of three methods:

• an MS Word document accessed from a link that students will complete on their computer with MS Word.
• a quiz/test in Moodle that students are to type their responses directly into.
• handwritten; students will need to use their own paper for this.

Lecturers for each unit will inform students taking online exams about which option will be allowed for the exam.

Students are not to communicate with anyone other than the supervisor and must remain seated for the duration of the exam, with the exception of toilet breaks.

Students are to request permission from the supervisor before leaving their seat during an exam for any reason. Any visit to the bathroom should be less than five minutes, and no additional time will be added to the exam duration.

If a student becomes ill during an exam, they should let the supervisor know immediately. If they need to discontinue the exam, they may apply for Special Consideration within 24 hours.

Students are expected to complete all assessment tasks with academic integrity. Any perceived incidents of academic misconduct in any form will be handled in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy. Students completing their exam online will be required to accept the Exam Integrity Confirmation Statement prior to receiving their exam paper.

Students must write their Student ID number clearly on all pages of the examination question paper and/or answer sheet and/or examination writing booklet.

In the case of oncampus and distance exams, once students have completed their examination, they must remain seated until their examination scripts have been collected by the supervisor.

In the case of online exams, students may keep a copy of the exam question paper and answers for 24 hours, and then destroy these as per the Exam Integrity Confirmation.

What should I do if I experience technical difficulties during an online examination?

Students should advise the supervisor immediately. If the student is unable to contact the supervisor, the student should phone the Helpline number provided for exam support. Students may use their phone during the exam to contact the helpline.

If technical issues impact exam completion, it’s recommended that students record screen captures, error messages, or other evidence of the issues that occurred, and email this to the supervisor of the exam.

If technical issues prevent exam submission through Moodle, but students still have access to email, it’s recommended that the completed or partial submission is emailed to the supervisor.

Students who experience technical difficulties in accessing the examination may, at the supervisor’s discretion, be provided additional time equivalent to the time lost to technical difficulties. Students may apply for Special Consideration in extenuating circumstances.

Students who have to leave the examination prematurely due to an emergency (for example a fire alarm) should inform their supervisor as soon as practicable and apply for Special Consideration within 24 hours.

Also see Online Examinations: Instructions for Students

What should I do if there are circumstances preventing me from attending my examination at the scheduled date and time?

See Guidelines for Examination Reschedule, Special Provisions and Special Consideration

What should I do if I experience an unexpected medical condition or injury leading up to exams, and require special provisions to complete my examination?

See Guidelines for Examination Reschedule, Special Provisions and Special Consideration

What should I do if I have a long-term or chronic health condition or ongoing adverse circumstances?

Students affected by long-term circumstances, such as a chronic or recurring medical condition, are encouraged to register with the Equity Office. The Equity and Disability Support Officer is available for consultation with students who have a disability, language difficulty or a medical condition who are seeking support.

Applications for Special Provisions through the Equity Office must be made prior to the deadline published in the Academic Calendar for the relevant semester, in line with the Disability Policy and must be supported by verifiable, appropriate documentation from a relevant professional.

Students who have been granted special provisions through the Equity Office will receive an official letter from the Director, Student Administration Services prior to the exam period detailing the specific conditions granted for them.

What should I do if I experience an adverse situation during my examination?

Students should advise the supervisor immediately, or as soon as practicable.

See Guidelines for Examination Reschedule, Special Provisions and Special Consideration