Online Proctoring Resources for Faculty

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Important Points to Remember: MTSU uses the Record+ option only.

  1. Only use Canvas to set up your exam.
    • Do not go to the ProctorU website to set up your exam. 
  1. Students do not have to schedule to take their exams.
    • Students go into ProctorU, through Canvas, not the ProctorU website. 
    • Students take their quiz at any time within the window you’ve set up.
  2. You must give your quiz a password for it to be proctored with ProctorU.
  3. Updates to your Quiz should be done in Canvas, not ProctorU. 

Follow the Setting up a proctored quiz/exam in Canvas Using ProctorU instructions. *

*If you have questions or need assistance, contact us with our Online Faculty Support Request.

Five Faculty Options for Proctoring

Proctoring OptionStudent CostLocation
1. ProctorUNo CostOnline
2. Proctoring by the course instructor in personNo CostMTSU on-campus classroom or lab
3. Proctoring by the course instructor via videoconference (Zoom, Teams, etc.)No CostOnline
4. MTSU Testing CenterNo CostOn MTSU Campus at the MTSU Testing Center
5. Approved off-site testing centerThere is a fee per exam, which varies depending on which testing center the student chooses.An off-site testing center location chosen by the student and approved by the instructor.
General Proctoring Best Practices
  1. Ensure that your syllabus clearly describes the proctoring process, including any pre-test review of the test setting. 
  2. Ensure that your syllabus clearly describes your arrangement for an alternative to your preferred proctoring method, including one of the five options discussed above.  
  3. Consider and plan for remote proctoring options for online students who are not geographically local or have technology / internet issues.

Details For Each Proctoring Option

Option 1: ProctorU (no cost to students)

ProctorU is an online proctoring service that requires the student to use their computer with a webcam and microphone and install the Guardian browser. 

Chromebooks, smartphones, tablets, & iPads are not supported!

The computer must use Windows or Mac OS.

Instructor Procedures

Access the instructions on how to re-synch an exam with ProctorU.

Note: If you make any updates to your exam, you must re-sync it to ProctorU and wait 24 hours for it to be updated.

Getting help:

Option 2: Proctoring by the course instructor in person (no cost to students)

Points to remember:

  • When arranging the time of the proctored activity, take care to avoid conflicts with the schedules of other courses students are taking.
  • This method is not viable for students who do not live within a drivable distance of the MTSU campus. 
  • Geographically distant online students who cannot attend a face-to-face activity should be given an online option.

Instructor Led Proctoring Procedures

  1. Create the activity in Canvas. Remember to add a password.
  2. Reserve a classroom space for your proctored activity with computers or request your students bring laptops.
  3. Notify your students through email, announcements, and syllabus.
  4. Provide your students with detailed information on your proctored activity (method, date, time, location, etc.).
  5. Remind your students that they must present a photo I.D. when they take your activity. If an ID is not produced, the student will forfeit the opportunity to take the proctored activity.
    • Early in the semester, reserve a room for your proctored activity.
    • To avoid high-demand times (during mid-terms and finals), consider scheduling your proctored activity at other times during the semester.
    • After the space has been reserved/scheduled, notify your students immediately via email, announcements, discussion posting, etc.
    • The course instructor must be present for the proctored activity.
    • Inform students of the consequences of a missed activity.
    • Faculty can consider working with other faculty to proctor each other’s activities.

Option 3: Proctoring by the course instructor via videoconference (Zoom, Teams, etc.) (no cost to students)

Instructor Procedure

  1. Create the activity in Canvas. Remember to add a password.
  2. Notify your students through email, announcements, and syllabus.
  3. Provide your students with detailed information on your proctored activity (method, date, time, etc.).
  4. Remind your students that they must present a photo I.D. when they take your activity. If an ID is not produced, the student will forfeit the opportunity to earn a grade for the proctored activity.
    • Use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for live proctoring during exams.
    • Instruct students to position their cameras to show their workspace and screen.
    • MTSU Online recommends using groups no larger than five students per session so the proctor(s) can adequately monitor the students.
Option 4. Using the MTSU Testing Center (no cost to students)

Instructor and Student Procedures

  1. The student schedules a test time with the MTSU Testing Center.
  2. The student contacts the instructor with the date/time they are scheduled.
  3. The instructor contacts the Testing Center and provides them with the information below about the proctored activity.
    • Course (course name and section(s))
    • Exam duration (i.e., 90 minutes, 2 hours, etc.)
    • Exam dates (i.e., 9/3-9/6)
    • Exam password. (Do not give the password to students).
    • Any material that will be allowed during the exam
    • Instructor contact information (in the event the testing center needs to contact you)
  4. The student will complete the proctored activity at the testing center under the supervision of a certified proctor.  
Option 5. Using an approved off-site testing center (for a fee)
  1. Instructor creates the activity in Canvas. 
  2. A minimum of 15 days in advance of the proctored activity, the student should schedule the proctored activity and provide the necessary contact information to the instructor.
  3. Proctored activities that take place outside of the classroom environment must be password protected.
    • The instructor will make the password available to the testing center administrator or proctor (not to the student) prior to the proctored activity date.

Additional Alternative Proctoring Methods

  1. Loaner Laptops or Equipment Access – (Contact the MTSU Library for more information). 
  • Library or Community Resources – If students are near a public library or community center, they may have access to computers that support proctoring software.
  • Local College or University Partnerships – Some institutions allow visiting students to use their testing centers or computer labs. 

2. Flexible Testing Options 

  • Alternative Assessments – Consider alternative assessments such as open-book projects, oral exams, or written assignments. 

3. Partnerships with Local Organizations 

  • Public Libraries – Many libraries have computers available for public use, and some offer private rooms that could be used for proctored exams.
  • Community Colleges or Universities – Even if students are not enrolled, local institutions may allow them to use their computer labs or testing centers.
  • Workforce Development Centers – Some state or local job training centers have computer labs that may be available for student use. 

4. Employer-Based Testing

  • If a student is employed, some workplaces may allow them to take an exam using a company computer in a private setting. This is especially helpful for students in professional or technical fields. 

5. Proctoring at Military or Government Facilities 

  • If students are active military, many bases offer proctoring services.

6. If traditional proctored exams are not feasible, consider:

  • Oral exams via video call
  • Portfolio-based assessments
  • Timed essay responses submitted through the LMS
  • Project-based or case study assessments