Author: Lori Krone

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center expands services this fall with new test-scheduling software

The 2022-23 academic year brought many exciting changes on the SMU campus, including a three-phased opening of the University Testing Center (UTC) in Clements Hall last August. During phase one, the center began providing accommodated testing services previously proctored by Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS), except scribe and reader tests.

This fall, phase two operations will expand testing services to student-athletes during their sport’s competition season, which necessitated a migration from DASS Link to a new test scheduling software to increase student group access.

The new UTC Portal offers a comprehensive, streamlined approach for delivering additional academic testing and credit-by-exam services to SMU students and local community partners during the phase three expansion in Spring 2024.

Watch our new video overviews for students and professors to learn more about our new system. Professors can schedule one-on-one consultations to be oriented to the new platform.

The UTC is certified by the National College Testing Association (NCTA) and adheres to professional standards ensuring exam integrity and accessibility for both examiners and examinees.

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention University Testing Center

University Testing Center welcomes Amie DeRegge as Testing Coordinator

As the University Testing Center (UTC) launches its second year of operation this fall, we are excited to welcome Amie DeRegge as our new Testing Coordinator!

Amie brings over 20 years of experience in student academic records management, having served as a Texas charter high school registrar.  Her passion for serving students and her strengths in data management, multi-tasking, and customer service make her a tremendous addition to the UTC team.

“I’m so happy to work in the University Testing Center.  I love the culture and spirit of SMU and look forward to helping our students reach their academic goals for success in life,” Amie said.

Amie’s arrival at the UTC coincides with more new changes coming to the UTC this fall.  In addition to providing testing services to students receiving accommodations from DASS (Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies), the center will expand testing services to student-athletes during their sport’s competition season.  A migration to test scheduling software in the new UTC Portal will provide additional academic testing and credit-by-exam services to SMU students and the local community.

“It’s an exciting time to be at the UTC and be a part of its growth,” Amie said.  “It provides yet another opportunity to become immersed in the life of SMU.”

Amie enjoys spending time outdoors in her spare time, vacationing with family on the beach, being “Minyama” to her grandkids, and having fun with her pets Sparky and Doc.  She and her husband, Andrew, are proud Mustang parents to their daughter, Molly, an incoming freshman and member of SMU Cheer.

The UTC is certified by the National College Testing Association (NCTA) and adheres to professional standards ensuring exam integrity and accessibility for both examiners and examinees.

 

 

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

University Testing Center to hire full-time Testing Coordinator

We’re looking for a full-time Testing Coordinator to support the University Testing Center (UTC) this Fall! The position was formerly occupied by Lauren Horton, who received her Masters of Science in Cybersecurity in May. Lauren will be missed by many as she leaves the Hilltop for new adventures ahead, and we are forever grateful for her wonderful contributions to our center.

We continue to serve our students needing accommodated testing services as we have since opening our doors last August. In the coming months, we will expand our services to other groups, including SMU student-athletes needing makeup testing while away for their sport and non-SMU distance learners, and professional examinees in the community needing fee-based proctoring services.

Some of the many things our new team member will do:

  • Prepare testing labs, materials, and equipment for paper-based and computer-based tests;
  • Manage daily electronic test registrations, reschedules, cancellations, and testing lab capacity;
  • Manage electronic receipt and return of exam materials;
  • Perform check-in procedures, electronic test proctoring, and confidential test security protocols;
  • Assist with phone inquiries, email inquiries, and walk-in inquiries;
  • Troubleshoot and document testing issues and irregularities;
  • Maintain security and confidentiality of student records, information, and accommodations;
  • Publicize news and events through blogging, website, and campus marketing resources

Our ideal applicants will have:

  • Ability to learn software for test scheduling and computer test administrations;
  • Experience in website development, database systems, blogging and online file storage and manipulation;
  • Proficiency in MS Office;
  • Ability to interface with a diverse constituency of students, parents, faculty and staff;
  • Willingness to work additional hours during peak testing times and as needed to support testing center operations

Please consider, share with your offices, and post within your professional networks.

Deadline:  July 7, 2023

Priority consideration to submissions received by June 27, 2023

Hiring Point of Contact:  Lori Krone (lkrone@smu.edu / 214-768-2269). See the job posting in the SMU Staff Career Portal.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

Congratulations and farewell, Lauren Horton!

Congratulations to our University Testing Center Testing Coordinator Lauren Horton, who will graduate with a Masters of Science in Cybersecurity this weekend!  She will be with us until the end of May before embarking on an exciting new career as a Cyber Systems Security Engineer for Lockheed Martin.

Lauren has been invaluable to the UTC since opening in Clements Hall last August.  She will be missed by many on the Hilltop, and we wish her all the best for her continued success!