Tag: testing

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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!

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center opens today, provides accommodated testing services to SMU community

The University Testing Center (UTC) opens today and begins to offer accommodated testing services to the SMU community.

Today begins a three-phased opening of the center. In phase one, most accommodated testing – for students with testing accommodations approved by Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) – will be proctored by the center. Accommodated testing will be conducted by the UTC as a backup to instructors and academic departments. The test proctoring process and reservations of testing seats remain the same within DASS Link.

In spring 2023, phase two will pilot the expansion of services to student athletes during their sport’s competition season.

Depending on space usage and demand, the final phase will be to add placement testing and evaluation services. A handful of other campus test proctoring services will remain operational and resources to instructors. Learn more about the new testing center, eligibility for testing, policies, and booking processes at smu.edu/testing.

UTC Open House Reminder

On August 24, from 2-4pm, join us in the basement of Clements Hall (G15) to learn about the space, the services offered, and how we support you in providing a secure and reduced distraction environment for students.

Food will be served and information sessions and tours will be led by our Testing Manager and Coordinator every 20 minutes. We hope you’ll stop by and join us in welcoming this new department to campus.

Reach out to us via email at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu or by phone at 214-768-6064.

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center welcomes new Testing Coordinator

The University Testing Center welcomes Lauren Horton as the new Testing Coordinator.

As a Testing Coordinator, she will assist with: (1) preparing testing room, materials and equipment for test administrations according to individual requirements and accommodation guidelines, (2) proctoring online and conventional pen/paper tests, (3) co-supervise Testing Assistants, undergraduate and graduate student test proctors, (4) other UTC operational needs.

Lauren shared, “I have worked with SMU for many years in different facets, but my love for students and passion for teaching remains prevalent through it all. My favorite way to spend my days is by wandering the beautiful campus, exploring campus buildings, going to SMU games and events, and socializing with my fellow Mustangs on Dallas Hall Lawn. Pony Up, y’all!”

Please join us in welcoming Lauren to the UTC!