Tips for Triumph in the Testing Center

To promote a successful testing experience, the ELI Success Coaches encourage you to follow the tips outlined below:

Be Prepared – Begin reviewing/studying well in advance. If you need assistance locating helpful study resources, contact your Success Coach at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. For a sampling of helpful study resources offered through ELI, please click here. Additional resources to promote your testing success can be found here.

  Campus Testing Center Guidelines

• Do not wait until the last minute to take your exam(s). If you are able, we advise that you take your exam early. Not only will you avoid long lines, you many also avoid a last minute unforeseen emergency that could prohibit you from getting to a testing center. An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time so be sure to provide plenty of time.
• Do not forget to bring your completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID. You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site.
• Be prepared to stow your personal items, not permitted during your exam, including your cell phone (that must be turned off), in the manner required by the testing center (generally in a locker). Simply placing your phone on “silent” is not enough. You are not permitted access to anything other than your exam while testing, unless expressly stated in the exam instructions.
• If your exam is not working properly in Bb (ex. unable to type in a textbox, audio files not working, images missing) or if you feel your exam did not submit properly, please notify testing center staff immediately so they may help you troubleshoot the problem.
• If you are taking multiple exams, you will be required to go through the line for each exam that you are taking.

ProctorU Guidelines

Some courses offer online testing through ProctorU. Courses offering this option will be listed in Blackboard under the links, “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes”, “Syllabus” or “Announcements”.

• If you choose to use this online proctoring service, schedule to take your exam(s) through ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to testing to avoid a late fee.
• If it is your first time using ProctorU, sign in 15 minutes early to set up your computer.
• Be sure to have your photo ID ready.

In addition to being rested and well-prepared, be sure to have a healthy meal or snack before taking your exam(s). The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better your testing outcome.

As an ELI (NOVA) student, you are expected to follow the code of conduct for all NOVA students as outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook

Good luck on your exams!

 

Promoting Your Success: ELI Testing Tips

To promote a successful testing experience, the ELI Success Coaches encourage you to follow the tips outlined below:

Be Prepared – Begin reviewing/studying well in advance. If you need assistance locating helpful study resources, contact your Success Coach at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. For a sampling of helpful study resources, please click here.

  Campus Testing Centers

§ Do not wait until the last minute to take your exam(s). If you are able, we advise that you take your exam early. Not only will you avoid long lines, you many also avoid a last minute unforeseen emergency that could prohibit you from getting to a testing center. An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time. Regardless of the day, be sure to allow plenty of time.

§ Do not forget to bring your completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID. You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site.

§ Be prepared to stow your personal items, not permitted during your exam, including your cell phone (that must be turned off), in the manner required by the testing center (generally in a locker). Simply placing your phone on “silent” is not enough. You are not permitted access to anything other than your exam while testing, unless expressly stated in the exam instructions.

§ If your exam is not working properly in Bb (ex. unable to type in a textbox, audio files not working, images missing) or if you feel your exam did not submit properly, please notify testing center staff immediately so they may help you troubleshoot the problem. The testing center staff is well versed in the “tricks” of Blackboard.

§ If you are taking multiple exams, you will be required to go through the line for each exam that you are taking.

ProctorU

Some courses offer online testing through ProctorU. Courses offering this option will be listed in Blackboard under the links, “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes”, “Syllabus” or“Announcements”.

§ If you choose to use this online proctoring service, schedule to take your exam(s) through ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to testing to avoid a late fee.

§ If it is your first time using ProctorU, sign in 15 minutes early to set up your computer.

§ Be sure to have your photo ID ready.

In addition to being rested and well-prepared, be sure to have a healthy meal or snack before taking your exam(s). The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better your testing outcome.

As an ELI (NOVA) student, you are expected to follow the code of conduct for all NOVA students outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook

Good luck on your exams!

ELI-Important Dates, Events and Information: December 9-December 20, 2013

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES

Ø  December 10 – ELI 3rd 12-week session ends.

Ø  November 29 – ELI 4^th 4-week session (MTT only) ends.

Ø  December 16 - Mark Your Calendar – If you have registered for Spring 2014 classes, tuition is due on or before December 16.

Ø  December 17 – ELI 1^st 16-week session ends.

Ø  December 17 – ELI 4^th 8-week session ends.

Ø  December 20 – College offices close for the winter break and will re-open on Thursday, January 2.

 

EVENTS 

 

Ø  For a listing of ELI events, to include Native American Heritage month and our pedometer challenge, please click here.

Ø  For a listing of NOVA events to include college visits, symposiums and more, click here.

CAMPUS TESTING CENTER INFORMATION

If you will be using a campus testing center for your finals, we suggest that you do not put your test off until the last minute.  Lines can be long!  When using a Campus Testing Center, please remember:

·       An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time.

·       If you if you are taking your exam on or near an exam due or end date, please allow additional time to wait in line.  (If possible, we recommend that you take your exam before these due or end dates.) 

·       You will need to provide a completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID.  You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site. 

·       Students taking multiple exams will be required to go through the line for each exam.

UPCOMING ELI WEBNIARS

Attending an ELI webinar is a valuable way to invest your time to develop your academic skills as well as promote your academic success.  

Wednesday, December 18 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: Getting Ready for Your Next Semester - This 45 minute webinar for NOVA students will focus on answering key questions students have about preparing for their next semester.  Topics covered will include program identification, course selection, college resources, schedule planning, and registration/payment tips.  To register, please click on the date:  Wednesday, December 18 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm. 

Thursday, December 12, 9:30-10:30am: MEC Exchange Workshop - Interested in enrolling in one of MEC’s Allied Health and Nursing Programs?  Attend a MEC exchange workshop!  This workshop is intended to increase your knowledge of the admission process and to help you to prepare for admission into NOVA’s exceptional Allied Health and Nursing Programs.  For more details, contact MEC Advisor Bridget Page at bpage@nvcc.edu. 

Please be sure to visit our Webinar Schedule.  We will be offering many excellent webinars in January and February.

The Webinars referenced below will not be streamed live; however, please feel free to request recordings:

Conducting a Job Search - This 45 minute webinar will focus on basic strategies for conducting a job search. Topics covered will include creating a plan, identifying sources of job leads, and resume, cover letter, and interview basics. To register, please click on the date: This 45 minute webinar will focus on basic strategies for conducting a job search. Topics covered will include creating a plan, identifying sources of job leads, and resume, cover letter, and interview basics.  For a recording, please email, chjensen@nvcc.edu.

Tackling Math Anxiety:  Click here to view the webinar recording:  Math can be a difficult subject no matter how smart you are.  Many students view math as overwhelming and scary—but it doesn’t have to be.  Learn how to study more efficiently for mathematics and apply relaxing techniques to reduce your anxieties.   

Beyond Google – Basic Library Skills for Online Learners- Have you ever been assigned a paper or project and don’t know where to start? Do you feel like you need extra practice for your assignments? Are you curious what library resources are available to you without going to a campus library? This 5 minute video will give you a brief introduction to what library resources are available to you as an online learner. There might be more than you expect!  Watch the video!  

Creating a Personal Mission Statement: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to channel your goals into actions!  From visualization to motivation, this pre-recorded webinar will help you to create and fine-tune your personal mission statement.  

Creating Win-Win Relationships: Click here to view the webinar recording: Win-Win will teach you how to cooperate in relationships rather than compete.  This webinar will teach you how to share success with others by being respectful and assertive without being manipulated. 

Synergy: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to integrate your knowledge, skills, and expertise with others to collaborate effectively.  This webinar is excellent for working in small groups and communicating with your instructor or teammates.

ELI Orientation: Click here to request a recording of an earlier session. This one hour webinar for students enrolled in courses offered through the Extended Learning Institute (ELI) will focus on getting started in your courses, navigating in your Blackboard course site, identifying tips for success, and student support services.

ONGOING @ ELI

Spring 2014 Registration: Spring 2014 registration is currently underway.   Please click here  for registration information.  For a complete listing Spring 2014 ELI classes, please click here.   If you need assistance with ELI course selection, please email our counselors, elicounselors@nvcc.edu.  

Proctor Requests:  If you are out of the area, be sure to submit your Proctor Request.  Proctor Requests are processed in the order they are received.  It takes 3-5 business days for the form to be processed so please do not wait until the day before your test!

 RESOURCES TO PROMOTE YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS 

Smarthinking Free 24/7 Tutoring:  Click here to access Smarthinking free tutoring.  Course Success is just a click away!

Student Lingo: Student Lingo is a series of interactive on-demand workshops, action plans, and valuable resources focused on helping students achieve their academic, personal, and career goals. Workshops include test taking strategies, time management, study skills, resume writing and more. Click here to learn more.

Promoting Your Success: End of Semester Testing

To promote a successful testing experience, the ELI Success Coaches encourage you to follow the tips outlined below:

Be Prepared – Begin reviewing/studying well in advance. If you need assistance locating helpful study resources, contact your Success Coach at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. For a sampling of helpful study resources, please click here.

  Campus Testing Centers

• Do not wait until the last minute to take your exam(s). If you are able, we advise that you take your exam early. Not only will you avoid long lines, you many also avoid a last minute unforeseen emergency that could prohibit you from getting to a testing center. An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time. Regardless of the day, be sure to allow plenty of time.
• Do not forget to bring your completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID. You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site.
• Be prepared to stow your personal items, not permitted during your exam, including your cell phone (that must be turned off), in the manner required by the testing center (generally in a locker). Simply placing your phone on “silent” is not enough. You are not permitted access to anything other than your exam while testing, unless expressly stated in the exam instructions.
• If your exam is not working properly in Bb (ex. unable to type in a textbox, audio files not working, images missing) or if you feel your exam did not submit properly, please notify testing center staff immediately so they may help you troubleshoot the problem. The testing center staff is well versed in the “tricks” of Blackboard
• If you are taking multiple exams, you will be required to go through the line for each exam that you are taking.

ProctorU

Some courses offer online testing through ProctorU. Courses offering this option will be listed in Blackboard under the links, “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes”, “Syllabus” or“Announcements”.

• If you choose to use this online proctoring service, schedule to take your exam(s) through ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to testing to avoid a late fee.
• If it is your first time using ProctorU, sign in 15 minutes early to set up your computer.
• Be sure to have your photo ID ready.

In addition to being rested and well-prepared, be sure to have a healthy meal or snack before taking your exam(s). The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better your testing outcome.

As an ELI (NOVA) student, you are expected to follow the code of conduct for all NOVA students outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook

Good luck on your exams!

Enhancing Your Leadership Through ELI

Looking to enhance your leadership skills? Join ELI for the Leadership Mason Conference @ GMU on Saturday October 26^th!  This 1 day workshop will assist in enhancing your skills and fostering leadership with the Mason IDEA model.  You will also get a chance to interact with students from ELI, NOVA, and several different Virginia schools.

Student Life is sponsoring up to 10 interested students at no cost.  Sign-up with now here! Deadline to register is October 13^th!

For more detailed information on the conference, please visit:  http://leadershipmason.onmason.com/

Outside Northern VA? Allow extra time for Proctor Request Forms

As an ELI or distance learning student, you will be required to take proctored exams. There are several ways to do this. The first, and most common way, is to take your exams at one of the six campus testing centers. A link to the Testing Center Calendar featuring the hours of operation for each, is located on the main ELI webpage.

One alternative for students, who are located outside of the service area of the campus testing centers, is to request a proctor using a Proctor Request Form. The link for the form also appears on the main ELI webpage under Announcements. Please be sure to read the form carefully and submit it in a timely manner. It takes 3-5 business days for these forms to be processed so, don't wait until the day before the test!

A third way to take tests that is course-specific is called Proctor U. ProctorU, an online proctoring service, is available for select courses for a fee of $7.50 per exam. To see if your course has the ProctorU service as an option, please check the Exams and/or Announcements pages of your Blackboard course, or ask your instructor. You must be 18 or older and meet minimum technical system requirements to use ProctorU. The specific requirements are listed on the ProctorU website.

5 Mid-Semester Testing Tips You Need To Know

Late June – early July is the period of heaviest testing for the Summer 2013 semester at ELI.  Exams are due for all sessions, 6, 8, and 12 week.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when taking exams during this period.

1.       Never wait until the last minute to test.  Crowds can be large, lines long, and Blackboard can be affected by the volume.

2.       Avoid Saturdays, if at all possible.  If you cannot, please arrive at or before the testing center opening time.  If your course offers exam proctoring through ProctorU, consider using that option, keeping in mind item number one.  Blackboard is affected everywhere during high volume periods.

3.       Please note there can be lines during this period, even during what might normally be slow times at your campus testing center.  Plan to arrive earlier than you normally would at other times during the semester.

4.       Be sure to have your completed exam pass and your photo ID ready when you arrive.  Anything that speeds up the process of getting students into the center and exams started is beneficial to all.

5.       Please keep in mind testing center staff are doing the best they can with the resources they are provided.  A smile can go a long way to make everyone’s experience a pleasant one.

Sat. May 11 – Extended Testing Center Hours

As you prepare for finals, please note...

All NOVA Testing Centers (*except MEC) will be open from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday, May 11th. 

As always:

·         ESL Placement tests must be started 3 hours prior to closing.

·         Placement tests must be started 2 hours prior to closing.

·         ELI and all other exams must be started 90 minutes prior to closing.

·         All exams are collected 15 minutes prior to closing times.

More Testing Center Info.



Testing Center Hours



Promoting Your Success: ELI Testing Tips

To promote a successful testing experience, the ELI Success Coaches encourage you to follow the tips outlined below:   

Be Prepared – Begin reviewing/studying well in advance.  If you need assistance locating helpful study resources, contact your Success Coach at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. For a sampling of helpful study resources, please click here.

 Campus Testing Center: 

• Do not wait until the last minute to take your exam(s).  If you are able, we advise that you take your exam early.  Not only will you avoid long lines, you many also avoid a last minute unforeseen emergency that could prohibit you from getting to a testing center.  An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time. Regardless of the day, be sure to allow plenty of time. 
• Do not forget to bring your completed Exam Pass  for each exam and a photo ID.  You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site.
• Be prepared to stow your personal items, not permitted during your exam, including your cell phone (that must be turned off), in the manner required by the testing center (generally in a locker). Simply placing your phone on “silent” is not enough. You are not permitted access to anything other than your exam while testing, unless expressly stated in the exam instructions.
•  If your exam is not working properly in Bb (ex. unable to type in a textbox, audio files not working, images missing) or if you feel your exam did not submit properly, please notify testing center staff immediately so they may help you troubleshoot the problem. The testing center staff is well versed in the “tricks” of Blackboard
• If you are taking multiple exams, you will be required to go through the line for each exam that you are taking.

ProctorU 

Some courses offer online testing through ProctorU. Courses offering this option will be listed in Blackboard under the links, “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes”, “Syllabus” or “Announcements”. 

• If you choose to use this online proctoring service, schedule to take your exam(s) through ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to testing to avoid a late fee.
• If it is your first time using ProctorU, sign in 15 minutes early to set up your computer.
• Be sure to have your photo ID ready.

In addition to being rested and well-prepared, be sure to have a healthy meal or snack before taking your exam(s). The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better your testing outcome.

As an ELI (NOVA) student, you are expected to follow the code of conduct for all NOVA students outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook

Good luck on your exams!

 

Testing Center Hours During Spring Break

Many of the campus student services offices are operating with modified hours during Spring Break (March 5-10). This could include testing centers. The Woodbridge Testing Center will be closed during Spring Break and all testing centers will be closed Saturday, March 10th.

Visit the Testing Center Calendar for the most accurate information on operating hours during Spring Break to make your plans accordingly.

Be sure to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to closing to begin your ELI test and be sure to have your photo ID and a exam pass in hand and ready to go.

Good Luck!