Skip to main content
Grand Valley State University Logo Grand Valley State University Logo Grand Valley State University Logo

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.

Student

Prepare in Advance

  • Avoid using perfumes, colognes, body sprays, or scented lotions on the day of your exam.
  • Your student ID card is required to take a test at the Universal Testing Center. Screenshots or pictures of your student ID are not acceptable.
  • Bring only what you need for the exam - see "Allowed Items" below.
  • Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your exam's start time to complete the UTC check-in process. This will allow you time to meet the staff, check-in, and secure your belongings in a locker (if needed).
  • Arriving after the scheduled exam start time does not change the scheduled end time; it reduces your test-taking time.

Check-In Process

  • Check your ID 
  • Confirm your exam duration and end time
  • Ensure all items you bring into the testing space are allowed (see below)
  • If you have items not allowed in the exam space with you (e.g., backpack, mobile phone, smartwatch, etc), you can secure them in a locker or stow them near the lockers

Allowed Items

  • Writing utensils
  • Permitted aid, explicitly designated by the instructor for your exam
  • Non-smart watch, without an alarm
  • Water bottle
    • A drinking fountain and refill station is right outside the testing space.

Lockers

When possible, bring only what is allowed in the testing space for your exam. In case you are coming directly from somewhere else, there are a limited number of lockers at the front desk of the Universal Testing Center. Personal items that don't fit into lockers can also be stowed nearby at the front desk of the testing space.

  • Items stored in the lockers must stay in the locker for the duration of the exam
    • If you have an accommodation for food/snacks or medication, take these items into the Universal Testing Center.
      • Avoid food/snacks that smell and wrappers that make loud sounds.
  • Turn off mobile phones and smart devices before leaving them outside the testing space.

Proctoring at the UTC

In a standard classroom or lecture hall, in-person proctors have unobstructed lines of sight to each student. To give a single proctor at the UTC similar lines of sight to students testing in partitioned spaces or separate rooms, cameras will provide realtime video feeds that can be monitored during exams.

No Recording

  • Video feeds will be turned on and monitored - in realtime - by a proctor at the UTC during the exam period only.

During the Exam

  • If you have a question, ask the exam assistant in the testing space.

Exam question/correction

  • If you have a question, an exam assistant will call a course instructor or TA for clarification
  • If the course instructor contacts the UTC with an exam update or correction, the information will be shared with you

Restrooms

  • Accessible and all gender restrooms are outside the testing space 
Page last modified September 23, 2025