Testing Center Policies

1. Exam requests are approved using a priority system that strongly encourages students to schedule exams as early as possible:  

   • Requests with SDRC-registered accommodations are approved on a rolling basis, as long as space is available. 

   • Requests without registered accommodations are approved beginning 10 days prior to the testing date, as long as space is available. 

   • Requests received fewer than five (5) days prior to the exam will not be approved except in special circumstances.
     
     

2. Students must take their exam during Testing Center operating hours on the day of the regularly scheduled exam, or within the timeframe approved by their instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure compliance with this policy.
   
   

3. Late Arrivals and No-shows:

   • Students arriving late for their scheduled exam may be asked to reschedule.

   • Students who miss a scheduled exam or who reschedule the same exam more than one time must meet with the Director before they will be permitted to schedule another exam. Contact us at oasustesting@rice.edu with any questions or concerns or to schedule a meeting.
     
     

4. Restroom breaks are permitted. Before going to the restroom or stepping out for a break, students should hand their test to the Test Administrator; it will be returned after the break. For those students whose accommodations do not include breaks, the exam timer will not pause for breaks. Students are not permitted to leave the 5th or 6th floor of Fondren Library during breaks.
   
   

5. In the case of an unavoidable interruption to an exam such as an emergency, the Testing Center staff will collect all exam materials and instruct students to seek guidance from their instructor.
   
   

6. At all times during their visit to the Testing Center, students are bound by the Rice Honor Code.

Scheduling an Exam

The Testing Center is open 8:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday during the regular term, with expanded hours during Final Exams. Students initiate exam schedule requests directly, after which faculty are contacted to confirm approval and provide testing material.

General Process

1. The student asks their instructor for their approval to take their course exams in the Testing Center. 

2. The student submits an exam request using this form: OASUS Exam Request Form (Fa26) - Must be logged in to Rice Google account to access 

   • • Students with accommodations will be directed to the SDRC Student Portal (AIM) through the OASUS Exam Request Form to submit their exam requests. The Testing Center Staff will check availability in the Testing Center for the requested exam date. Students with accommodations will receive an approval or denial notification directly from the SDRC Student Portal (AIM) or oasustesting@rice.edu at least 5 days before their requested exam date.

     • Students with other testing needs will use the OASUS Exam Request form to submit their requests. The Testing Center Staff will reach out to the instructor to confirm the eligibility of the students requesting to use the Testing Center for other testing needs. The Testing Center Staff will check availability in the Testing Center and review the student exam requests starting 10 days before the requested exam date. Students with other testing needs will receive an approval or denial notification from oasustesting@rice.edu at least 5 days before their requested exam date.

3. Students take their exam according to the exam parameters submitted by their instructor. 

4. Instructors will retrieve the completed exams by the next business day.

1. All students can make their scheduling request on the following form: OASUS Exam Request Form (Fa26) - Rice Google Account Required. 

   • Helpful tip: The system allows you to schedule all your exams for the semester as soon as you have the dates. 

2. Students must take their exam during Testing Center operating hours on the day of the regularly scheduled exam, or within the timeframe approved by their instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure compliance with this policy.

3. The OASUS Testing Center Staff will receive the exam scheduling request and approve or deny the request. If your request is denied, you will be given a message indicating what is needed for approval.

4. On the day of your exam, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your exam. When you arrive at the 5th floor of Fondren Library, look for the check-in area by elevator B. There, you will be greeted by a Check-in Coordinator who will check you in and secure your belongings for the duration of the exam. 

   • Students must present a valid ID in order to check in for their exam (Rice ID or another form of legal identification).

3. After checking in, you will store your backpack, phone, and/or other belongings in the designated storage area and only bring the items needed for testing. The storage area is locked and supervised by the check-in coordinator at all times. Please pay close attention to your instructor’s instructions regarding allowable materials in the testing room. You will not be allowed to bring anything other than instructor-approved items. 

   • Note: If you will need your phone for Duo authentication, you should plan to take your phone with you into the testing room, where the Test Administrator will secure it in a lockbox after you complete the authentication process. 

4. Once you’ve checked in and stored your backpack, etc., you’ll be handed a number that corresponds to your assigned carrel, and directed to the testing room to take your exam.

   • Students are not permitted to retrieve anything from their backpacks once they begin their exam.

5. When you arrive in the testing room, you’ll present your ID to the test administrator to receive your exam materials and head to your carrel. All carrels come with noise-cancelling headphones, adjustable seating, and carrels 1-14 include an adjustable overhead light. The staff member will be available throughout the exam for any questions and will notify you of remaining time at 60 minutes, 30 minutes, and 10 minutes. 

   • Note: If you have questions during the exam, Testing Center staff will follow your instructor’s guidelines, which may include documenting the question and your best understanding, or contacting a member of the instructional team. 

6. After completing the exam, you will return all exam materials to the test administrator. You’ll then head to the check-in area to retrieve your belongings and check-out. 

7. Your completed exam will be sent to your instructor by 12pm on the following business day.

1. To submit your exam request, please visit the OASUS Exam Request Form (Fa26) and select the Testing Category: Other Testing Needs (no SDRC accommodations).

2. Please review the Important Notes before submitting your request section.

3. You’ll then provide the following details:

   • The partnered course subject, number, and section associated with your exam request. 

   • Your professor’s first and last name.

   • Your requested testing date.

   • Your requested testing time.

   • Alternative days/times for your testing request.

   • Brief description of your testing needs.

4. Submit the form. The OASUS Testing Center staff will then reach out to your professor to confirm you are eligible to test with the Testing Center.

5. You will receive an email from oasustesting@rice.edu once your eligibility is confirmed and OASUS has scheduled your exam.