Columbus School of Law

Policy & Procedures for use of Laptop Computers for Exams

(Please note that, while the substance of the information here is correct, dates and version numbers may be out-of-date, and will be updated when there are new dates and versions.)

To avoid any potential problems during exam time, please make sure all Windows and Mac updates are completed on your laptop. 

I. Exams Covered (Faculty Option to Opt Out)

Students will be allowed to use laptops for all examinations unless the faculty member notifies the Academic Dean's office and the students that he/she will not allow laptop administration of exams. If a faculty member wishes to opt out of laptop administration, this notice is to be provided to students at the beginning of the semester.

Please note: These procedures do not apply to students receiving accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

II. General Notice

Students electing to use their laptop computers accept the possibility that software or hardware problems may occur that will prevent them from completing the exam with the laptop.  In the event of a technical problem, a member of the Computer Services staff will attempt to troubleshoot the problem and attempt to restart the program.  However, if the program cannot be restarted, the student will be required to complete the exam by handwriting in a blue book.

All students are advised that they retain the laptop computer until the examination(s) have been successfully printed by the Academic Dean's Office. This is of particular concern to students who rent a laptop. If the uploaded exam cannot be printed, the encrypted version of the exam must be accessed from the laptop hard drive. You may confirm that the exams have been successfully printed by contacting the Academic Dean's Office.

III. Online Registration

If you wish to use your laptop to complete your examination, you must register no later than Monday, April 26th, 2010.   You must register to use Securexam by visiting www.planetssi.com, downloading, installing and taking the practice exam. Once the practice exam has been taken and uploaded, registration is complete.  The Dean's office must have this information to prepare the proctor's list for each exam and also to confirm that you have loaded and registered the Securexam software.

IV. Software Download

Students will only be allowed to use their laptops if they have the required Securexam software installed and registered. If you have not properly installed and registered your software Monday, April 26th, 2010 you will not be allowed to use your laptop for the Spring 2010 exams.  The current versions are Windows 6.5 and Mac OS 6.5.6.  If you do not have the current version, you will need to download and install it.

V. Exception for Users of Rented Computers

Students who do not own laptop computers, or wish to use a laptop other than their own, may make arrangements through Computer Services to rent a laptop. Students who are interested in this option should contact Computer Services no later than April 23rd, 2010.

VI. On the Day of the Exam

1.  Arrive 30 minutes early.

2.  Bring your power cord.

3.  Set the volume on your laptop to MUTE so that your laptop will not disrupt others.

4.  No technical support will be available at the exam.  If your laptop is not prepared, if the software registration is not complete, or if you experience technical problems, you will be required to handwrite the exam.

5.  Close ALL software applications, including Microsoft Word, leave only your Desktop.

6.   Pay close attention to all directions given by the proctor, and by Computer Services, to ensure that you begin and end the exam properly.

7.  If you experience a problem with the laptop or the software, immediately notify the proctor. You and the proctor should note the time, so that additional time, if necessary, may be calculated properly.