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Universal Testing Center (UTC)

A student is diligently preparing for final exams, utilizing the Mary Idema Pew Library's resources and collaborative spaces to support their academic success on December 4th.

Universal Testing Center

Welcome to GVSU's state-of-the-art Universal Testing Center, offering testing options for students in a quiet, convenient, secure space.

Faculty and Instructors

Make Up Testing

Make-up testing services, designed to offer flexibility to Grand Valley State University professors, are available for students who cannot complete an exam at its scheduled time. This service is intended only for excused absences. While the validity of an excuse is at the professor’s discretion, we ask that this condition be respected so that requests do not exceed the Testing Center's capacity. 

Please note the following: 

  • Students are required to show a GVSU ID upon arrival for the test. 
  • Tests will be given under conditions set by the instructor (e.g., time limits, deadlines, testing aids allowed). 
  • All testing stations will be videotaped. 
  • The following items are not allowed in the testing room: cell phones, smart watches, other electronic devices, backpacks, purses, and coats. Laptops are permitted only for Blackboard and Respondus tests. 
  • Requests for testing may be denied due to reasons such as Universal Testing Center capacity and student eligibility. 
  • We serve as exam proctors and therefore do not control the availability of the test, the extension of test times and deadlines, or other parameters such as the use of extraneous materials. We follow the instructions provided by the instructor. 
Two students are diligently preparing for final exams, utilizing the Mary Idema Pew Library's resources and collaborative spaces to support their academic success on December 4th.

Procedure

  • The professor completes the test request form, and the completed form is sent to the Universal Testing Center team. Please note that the professor must approve all test requests 
  • The Universal Testing Center sends the student a link to sign up. 
  • The student completes the form and submits it. The student will not be placed on the schedule without completing this step. 
  • The student takes the test at the specified time in the Universal Testing Center in Devos 116A. Please arrive 10 minutes before the exam. 
  • The Testing Center returns the completed test to the instructor electronically. 

Testing Guidelines

  • Accommodated testing appointments must be made at least seven days in advance.  
  • Makeup/alternate testing dates are available for students who have excused absences such as those due to illness, university-sponsored events, or family emergencies. The Universal Testing Center cannot accommodate students who miss a test due to oversleeping, choice, or other reasons. 
  • Tests will be locked in a secure room until the student takes them, at which time the tests will be sealed and returned to the professor via email, scanned. 
  • A student who is late for a test sacrifices testing time and will still have to stop the test at the original designated stopping time. 
  • If a student is late for a test, the Universal Testing Center will email the student and the professor. 
  • A student who misses a test or is more than 15 minutes late for a test must follow up with their professor before using the Universal Testing Center again.  
  • The Universal Testing Center makes every effort to assist with technological problems that may arise with online tests, but cannot guarantee solutions and will contact IT and the instructor if a problem cannot be solved. 
  • During the semester, tests will be returned via scan/email or via pick-up by the professor or appointed representative. Alternatively, the professor may arrange ahead of time to pick up the test in person. Tests cannot be personally delivered. 
  • The Universal Testing Center can provide pencils and blank scratch paper as well as basic calculators if the instructor allows their use.  
  • No phones, watches, or other devices will be allowed in the testing rooms unless specified by the instructor. 
  • Appointments must coincide with the time that the rest of the class is taking the test (including final exams); if extended time accommodation causes a conflict with another class, then the appointment must be made as close to the class test time as possible and must be approved by the instructor.  
  • Students will be allowed only a pencil and blank scratch paper (provided by the Universal Testing Center) in the testing room along with their test. All scratch paper must be returned to the proctor along with the completed test. 
  • Individual testing rooms are reserved only for those whose accommodation specifically requires them. 
  • If the Universal Testing Center is at or near capacity, testing priority will be given to students by registration date. 
  • Meet with the professor to discuss plans for each test. 
  • Sign up for each test at least seven days before the test. After this deadline, an appointment is not guaranteed. 
  • Sign up for a time slot that coincides with the time that the class is taking the test, unless this interferes with another time. In this case, choose an alternative time that is close to the scheduled testing time, and confirm with the professor that this is acceptable. 
  • Email the Universal Testing Center as soon as possible, copying the instructor, if it’s necessary to change or cancel an appointment. 
  • Keep and be punctual for each appointment.  
  • Maintain academic integrity. 
  • Monitor and manage remaining time during tests; the Universal Testing Center cannot issue notices at different intervals. (Each testing space has a visible clock.) 
  • Adhere to the professors’ instructions and all Universal Testing Center rules. 
  • Raise any concerns (about allotted testing time, allowed materials, etc.) immediately/before leaving the Universal Testing Center. 
  • Stop the test at the designated time. 
  • Keep tests secure before, during, and after the test is administered. 
  • Administer tests according to the professor's instructions. If none are provided, students will be allowed only a pencil and blank scratch paper (provided by the Universal Testing Center) in the testing room along with their test. 
  • Contact the professor via the directions provided (email, Teams, text, phone) during the test if there are any questions. If the professor is unavailable, the Universal Testing Center will use best-faith practices (not allowing extra materials, using information provided for a previous test, etc.). 
  • Contact the professor immediately if academic dishonesty is detected and provide all the details and evidence. Depending on the situation, the Universal Testing Center may stop the test or allow it to continue until directed otherwise by the professor. 
  • The Universal Testing Center proctors’ final exams starting at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. on final exam days, according to the university schedule. Students will not be able to schedule different start times, even if the professor has scheduled a different start time for the class. 
  • The Universal Testing Center does not oversee 6:00 p.m. final exams; those must be rescheduled to one of our scheduled time slots as approved by the professor. 
  • During final exams, tests will be delivered directly to the professor’s office and will NOT be scanned. Alternatively, the professor may arrange ahead of time to pick up the test in person. 
  • While the Universal Testing Center makes every effort to accommodate all make-up tests, the capacity for proctoring make-up tests will be extremely limited during final exams. 

 

Testing Center Policy

Page last modified September 23, 2025