Online Exams

The University has made changes to our examinations since moving to online learning in response to COVID-19. There will be fewer examinations as many exams have moved to alternative assessments. The exams that will be held will be delivered via vUWS under examination conditions. There will be no face to face written exams held on campus until further notice.

Online Exams can be either Proctored or Not Proctored, read below for more details.

• KB0016545 – What is online proctoring?

If you have a ProctorU exam your personalised exam timetable will state that you have a ProctorU Live+ exam and a web link will be provided for you to schedule your exam.  If ProctorU is not mentioned,  you do not need to create an account or schedule a session. You can find more information about your exam in your vUWS site, either in the "Assessment Zone", Learning Guide or  announcements from your subject Coordinator.

Non-Proctored exams are done online through vUWS. There is no supervision by a live or AI supervisor.  You are not required to register or schedule your exams ahead of time.

Your Subject Coordinator may require you to have additional resources to sit your vUWS exam (such as Zoom), please check your vUWS site and Learning Guide for more details.

1. To commence your online examination on time, log in to your vUWS site 10 minutes prior to your exam start time to set up and be ready to open or download when your exam starts.
2. Ensure your internet bandwidth is not being used by anyone in your home or workspace to stream content such as You Tube or Netflix, as this could affect the performance of your exam.
3. Before logging in to vUWS check your browser is compatible at the following link (opens in a new window) (note Internet Explorer is NOT supported):
4. Log in to vUWS from the WSU homepage
5. Locate and click on the subject for which you have an exam
6. Locate your exam in the ‘Assessment Zone’ titled ‘Final Exam or ‘Final Examination’
7. Read the Examination instructions BEFORE attempting your exam
8. If you can't see the exam link, try refreshing the browser page
9. More information can be found on the Online Exam via vUWS guide (opens in a new window)

Proctoring’ is another word for exam supervision.  Western Sydney University is working with ProctorU to provide online exam supervision in 2020 and beyond. ProctorU is an online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam in your own space at home.  At the current time all exams in ProctorU will run using their Live+ exam delivery system.

Live+ means a real person will supervise your exam in real time via your webcam.  You won't be able to see the supervisor but you can contact them at any time using the chat option.  You will be asked to do a room check which involves you moving your webcam around the room to show the supervisor your space.  You will need a Computer or Laptop with a web cam and microphone, as well as stable internet.  You can check the technical requirements on the Proctor U Website (opens in a new window). To view how it works go to the Step by Step Live+ Guide (opens in a new window)

You must register with Proctor U and schedule your Live+ exam ahead of time (usually 72 hours). You may not be able to schedule your session if you leave it too late. For more detailed instructions on how to create your ProctorU account and schedule your session please refer to the Live+ Guide (opens in a new window).

Refer to the Online Exams 10 things to remember checklist (opens in a new window)

Still not sure or need help, submit an enquiry in WesternNow

• KB0016541 – What happens on the day of my Proctor U supervised exam?
• KB0016513 – Can I go onto campus to sit my exam?
• KB0016543 – What if I don’t have a valid student ID card?
• KB0016544 – What is an exam window?
• KB0016546 – What times do online final exams usually start?

If you have an Academic Integration Plan (AIP) that includes exam adjustments, these will be applied to your online exam. If you are unsure whether your Academic Integration Plan is current or you need to change your requirements, please contact your Disability Advisor or disabilitysupport@westernsydney.edu.au as soon as possible before your exam.

For more information, please visit Disability Services and Academic Integration Plans or you can email disability@westernsydney.edu.au

For support in using your assistive technology software in your exams please contact the Assistive Technology Specialists at ATSpecialist@westernsydney.edu.au

• KB0016542 – What if I am doing an online exam and have a special need or disability?

To complete your online exams successfully there are some specific technical requirements that are required. For Live+ exams being held via Proctor U, there is more information about these requirements on the Proctor U Website.  They also have some very helpful troubleshooting tips on their website.  To find out if your equipment will be suitable to complete your proctored exams you can test it here.

Don’t have a laptop?

If you don’t have a suitable laptop or PC to undertake your online exam, please contact the Assessments and Timetabling team by submitting an inquiry through WesternNow and they may be able to source a loan laptop for you to use.  Ensure you contact us well in advance of your online exam to give us time to source a computer and organise collection.

• KB0016538 – what equipment and technology is required for my online exams?
• KB0016503 – MAC requirements for online exams with Proctor U?

The University’s contract with ProctorU includes assurances that a formal security program in accordance with industry standards is in place that protects the security and integrity of the services being provided and the information being collected. ProctorU cannot use student's personal information for any reason other than the proctoring of online exams. For more information please refer to ProctorU Privacy FAQ (PDF, 232.63 KB) (opens in a new window)

Measures have been put in place to ensure academic integrity is maintained during online exams. Online proctoring services are used to support these measures.  Further information in relation to Student Misconduct can be found on the Student Misconduct webpage.

Should misconduct or irregular practices be suspected by the exam proctor an incident will be recorded.  The incident may be dealt with under the provisions of the Student Misconduct Rule (opens in a new window)

• KB0016539 – What happens if I do not follow examination instructions or guidelines?
• KB0016540 – What happens if someone tries to cheat during an exam?
• KB0016547 – What type of incidents are classified as a breach of the instructions or guidelines, and will be considered as misconduct?
• KB0016549 – Why can’t I leave the view of the webcam?

Below table indicates support team for the relevant enquiry to assist you.

• KB0016548 – Who should I contact for support during my online exam?

Subject Coordinator

Exam structure, Resources permitted

Counselling and Welfare

The Welfare and Counselling Services are available to support students. These services are confidential and here to help you. Find out more at Get Support.

• KB0016961 - What options are available if I don't have a safe space to sit my exam at home?