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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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University Testing Center

University Testing Center closed for Good Friday

Following University policy, the University Testing Center will be closed on Good Friday, April 7th. We will resume regular hours on Monday, April 10th. Visit smu.edu/testing for more details.

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University Testing Center

Bring life, and nature, into the University Testing Center this SMU Giving Day

Opened for less than one academic year, the University Testing Center seeks to bring life and nature into the center this SMU Giving Day.

Our mission is to provide a secure and professional testing center, as well as one that is inviting, comfortable, and supports the emotional well-being of our students and community clients. In our first few months, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors about our facility in the Clements Hall basement.

Adding live foliage at our entrance would create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere in the testing labs.

Example of low-light wall-mounted plants. Similar products could be placed above entrance lockers to create a relaxing testing environment.

Test anxiety is real. It’s a top psychological issue on college campuses far and wide and right here at home on the SMU campus. Nature and plants are proven by social psychologists to reduce stress and calm people. 

At the UTC, we support academic and mental health needs for the most favorable outcomes possible. Can you help us reach our $4,000 goal of bringing more life into the center? Learn more and join us on March 7 for SMU Giving Day.

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center closed for Spring Break

Following the undergraduate academic calendar, the University Testing Center (UTC) will be closed from March 13 through the 17th. The week after, March 20-24, will have adjusted hours from 8:30am to 4:00pm.

Reach out to universitytestingcenter@smu.edu or 214-768-6064 for any questions!

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center spring Testing Assistant team members

The University Testing Center welcomes to its team a new Testing Assistant: Yash Guptaa.

Yash will join returning Testing Assistant Matt Swigart in working alongside the Testing Manager and Coordinator to prepare testing rooms, materials, and equipment for test administrations according to individual requirements and accommodation guidelines. Testing Assistants will also proctor online and conventional pen/paper tests.

Yash says, “I enjoy working at the crossroads of travel and strategy.  My interests include, but are not limited to, pen sketching, 8 ball, hiking, and stand-up comedy. I have experience as a business developer and budding entrepreneur.  The previous few months at SMU have been nothing short of a delightful surprise in making valuable connections, and I eagerly await the next step in my path.”

We are glad to introduce you to the team as we jump into the new semester!

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center Open House scheduled for January 25

The University Testing Center (UTC) is back open for Spring 2023!

We will be hosting an open house from 2-4pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 in our office G15 in the basement of Clements Hall to welcome students and faculty back to campus. Catering will be provided as well as information regarding the policies and practices of the UTC.

Learn more about how the University Testing Center can support you and join us in celebrating the start of a new semester.

Happy 2023!

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center certified by National College Testing Association

The University Testing Center (UTC) is excited to announce its recognition as a certified testing center by the National College Testing Association (NCTA), valid through March 2024.

“We’re proud to be a member of the NCTA and to have received this distinguished recognition as a certified testing center,” said UTC Manager Lori Krone. “SMU is the only certified center in Dallas, and one of three in the greater D/FW area. We appreciate being recognized for our dedication to testing integrity and adherence to NCTA’s best practices in test administration.”

The certification is a rigorous, one-year accreditation process granted to those centers whose test administration policies are compliant with testing industry standards developed by the NCTA. Centers are evaluated using criteria from the NCTA’s Professional Standards and Guidelines that focus on the evaluation of the test facility, test integrity methods, test security, confidentiality practices, staff training, and public relations.

Krone says the distinction is not only important for the SMU community, but also to others as UTC expands its service offerings that will include professional testing for certification and licensure, proctoring for distance learners attending other universities, credit-by-exam placement testing, and school admission exams.

The National College Testing Association is a non-profit organization of testing professionals working in post-secondary institutions, in companies with test-related products and services, and in other professional testing venues. NCTA was organized in 2000 and currently has more than 3,000 members and has certified more than 300 testing centers throughout the country.

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center will be closed Wednesday, November 23

As classes will not be in session on Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, the University Testing Center will also be closed.

This closure will take place Wednesday, November 23, 2022, and the center will reopen the following Monday, November 28, 2022.

We wish students a happy holiday and give thanks for all the support we have received in the opening of the center this semester!

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center to close for Fall Break

In reflection of the undergraduate class schedule, the University Testing Center will be closed, Monday, October 10, and Tuesday, October 11, for Fall Break.

We will resume normal operation hours on October 12! Good luck to all of our students on midterms!

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center welcomes new Testing Assistants

The University Testing Center welcomes to its team three (3) new Testing Assistants: Cossy Ogburie, Matt Swigart, and Anku Upadhyay.

These Testing Assistants will work alongside the Testing Manager and Coordinator in preparing testing rooms, materials, and equipment for test administrations according to individual requirements and accommodation guidelines. Testing Assistants will also proctor online and conventional pen/paper tests.

Cossy says, “I enjoy doing volunteer community service which taught me how important it is to help others. It’s a habit I continue to practice and have used to help build positive relationships. I am a big fan of travelling and love taking pictures. I am that person that reads every ingredient list on skincare product before any purchase. Hey there buddy, SMU! I am happy to be here, and Dallas, my home away from home!”

Matt adds, “I came to SMU after performing with the Marine Band while in NC. I love to read, play saxophone, and travel during my free time. I would have to say my favorite place I had the opportunity to visit was Athens! I have had a great time so far at SMU and look forward to spending the next couple of years here completing my studies.”

Anku greets, “Nameste! I am a Master’s Student in SMU Guildhall Game Design & Development course. I like to read literary fiction. I also enjoy trekking and trying new cuisine. Not typically at the same time. My passion for learning has brought me to SMU, and I am excited to meet people from here, there, and everywhere.”

We are glad to introduce you to the team as we jump into the new semester!