Academic Directives

Examinations may be given in electronic (e.g., ExamSoft, Canvas, or PAEA Exam Delivery Platform) or traditional paper format, as decided by the course director. If an electronic delivery route is chosen, students are responsible for ensuring their device is properly charged in advance of the assessment session. In addition, as a requirement for electronic test delivery, students may be required to use internet browser lockdown programs or other downloaded programs to ensure assessment integrity. 

Expectations for Students

• If the electronic route of delivery is used, students will be required to utilize their personal computer or another suitable device for the assessment.

• Students should download the exam at least 1 hour prior to exam start.

• All personal belongings, other than an electronic device and pen/pencil, should be left in a designated area outside of the testing room.

  • This includes, but is not limited to,  drinks, snacks, bags, cell phones, smart watches, large jackets, or headwear (unless worn for religious purposes).

• Students must sit as directed for exams (e.g., opposite sides of desks).

• Students must have a privacy screen protector on their device.

• Scratch paper will be provided by the program and will be turned in at the end of the exam session.  

• Students are expected to take all examinations on the scheduled date. The course instructor may allow rescheduling an examination if circumstances warrant it or in the case of an excused absence. If a student fails to take a scheduled examination without the course instructor's permission, the student will receive a zero.

• Examinations are generally timed; therefore, all examinations will begin on the scheduled date and at the scheduled time. Students arriving late for the exam after their peers have completed t.  Under extenuating circumstances and with timely notification from the student, exceptions to this policy may be considered by the course director.

General Prohibition of Ancillary Aids

To ensure the integrity of student evaluations and maintain the highest standards of professional ethics, the use of unauthorized ancillary aids during any assessment or evaluation is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to:

• Electronic Assistive Devices: Cellular phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, tablets, or any other wearable technology.

• Analog/Manual Aids: "Cheat sheets," handwritten notes, unauthorized textbooks, or any form of external documentation.

Recording Devices and Smart Technology

The Physician Assistant program maintains strict protocols regarding the use of technology capable of capturing data. Smart glasses or any device with audio, video, or photographic recording capabilities are strictly prohibited during all assessments. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Written and digital quizzes or examinations.

• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).

• Simulation-based evaluations.

• Anatomy Laboratory assessments.

Environment-Specific Restrictions (Simulation & Anatomy Labs)

The Simulation Center and the Anatomy Laboratory are sensitive learning environments. To protect intellectual property and maintain laboratory decorum, the use of smart glasses and any device capable of recording is strictly prohibited at all times within these facilities, regardless of whether a formal assessment is in progress.

Violations and Disciplinary Action

The unauthorized possession or use of any prohibited device or material during an assessment constitutes a major breach of professional conduct. Such actions will be classified as a violation of the Lipscomb University Academic Integrity Policy.

Infractions will be reported immediately and are subject to the disciplinary rules and sanctions outlined in the University policy.

Didactic Phase Exams

Examinations will not be returned to students. Following the exam, a statistical analysis of the exam will be performed and reviewed by the faculty. Scoring adjustments will be made based on psychometric performance. Individual exam items may not be challenged. 

SCPE Phase Exams

During the clinical year, the program uses standardized exams provided by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). As these are validated, peer-reviewed, and proprietary evaluations, no exam review will be conducted. However, students will be able to access performance metrics in content categories, tasks, and concepts (e.g., keywords) in order to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Students who have been approved through the Accessing the College Community and Enabling Student Success (ACCESS) Program for accommodations must also notify the PA program of their intent to use accommodations as follows:

• If approved for accommodations,  students must notify the applicable instructor or the Director of Clinical Education at the beginning of the block/semester (or when accommodations are approved) about their intent to utilize accommodations for exams or quizzes for the semester. Failure to notify a faculty member is considered a deferral.

• Students must also submit a Semester Request through the Bison Accommodate App found in the MyLipscomb portal promptly at the beginning of each semester on an ongoing basis.

Note: A student may defer using accommodations for any assessment; however, the student will not be allowed to retake that assessment with accommodations afterward.