Test Center

Winthrop Student Information

The Test Center is located on the ground floor of Macfeat House in room 104.

803/323-3290 (ph)
803/323-4585 (fax)

testcenter@winthrop.edu

* ALL TESTS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY* 

Test requests will not be reviewed until the following Monday
if received between 3:00pm Fridays and 8:00am Mondays. 

Fall/Spring Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Friday: 8:00am - 3:00pm

Summer Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: CLOSED

Final Exams Hours
Available exam times are 8:00am, 11:30am, and 3:00pm

 

Classroom Test Scheduling

  • Students MUST schedule each test at least five (5) business days in advance. This allows the Test Center staff ample time to check for seat availability, request the test from the professor, and to receive any testing materials/instructions from the professor. We recognize that miscalculations are inevitable; however, we must adhere to a consistent scheduling process for the benefit of all the students and professors who coordinate exams with our office.                                                                     
    • Note about scheduling during the University's Finals Week (December 4-10):
      After confirming with your instructor, please select the date and start time for the final as stated in your syllabus or on the Winthrop Final Exam Schedule from our block schedule (8:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM). In order to coordinate all testing accommodations during Finals Week, the OA Test Center may need to move your final to the next closest available time slot. Students will receive a confirmation email of their final exam dates/times/locations prior to Study Day (December 3). Fall 2024 Final Exam Schedule:  will be listed here when it becomes available from Records and Registration.
  • All students not submitting test requests with adequate notice will be given one exception per semester. Any future requests after the exception will be denied and the professor will be notified. EXCEPTION POLICY DOES NOT APPLY TO MAKE-UP EXAMS FOR TESTS THAT WERE NOT ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO BE TAKEN AT THE OA TEST CENTER. If you have questions regarding the scheduling process, please contact the Test Center Operations Manager at testcenter@winthrop.edu.
  • To schedule a test, visit our Student AIM Portal . Under the "My Accommodations" tab on the left-hand side of the screen, select "Alternative Testing." From there, you will find your class and select "Schedule an Exam."
    • If we have a question or see a conflict, we will contact you via your Winthrop e-mail account. Please make sure to check your e-mail regularly, as this is our primary means of communication.
    • By submitting a test request, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Test Center guidelines listed below.

Test Center Guidelines

The Test Center follows standard procedures so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Please familiarize yourself with the following information.

  • Schedule tests for the same day and at the same time that the test is given in class unless there is an academic-related scheduling conflict. Non-academic related obligations are not considered valid scheduling conflicts. If you have such a conflict (see example below), you are responsible for discussing this with your professor prior to scheduling your test at a different time. Your professor must send their approval via e-mail to the Test Center before we administer the test.
    Examples:
    • If the use of extended time for an accommodated test interferes with back-to-back classes.
    • If you attempted to schedule your test five (5) business days in advance, but the Test Center has no available space. In this instance, Test Center staff will contact your professor to find a reasonable alternative testing option for you.
    • Plan accordingly. Test Center staff will not provide excuses for missing class or work in order to complete a test.
    • If you are unable to take a test as scheduled due to illness or other emergency, notify the Test Center staff and your professor as soon as possible. You and your professor must agree on arrangements for rescheduling your test before Test Center staff will administer the test.
    • Note: If your test is online and not proctored, the student is responsible for reminding the professor to set the test for the appropriate extended time. (e.g., "Professor Smith, as per my accommodation letter, please set my online test for 50% extended time.")

 

On Test Day:

  • ONLY STUDENTS WITH TESTING APPOINTMENTS MAY ENTER THE TEST CENTER. The OA Test Center is a reduced-distraction environment. Unnecessary interruptions are strictly prohibited. Unless you are checking in for your appointment and are ready to begin your exam, you will need to contact the Test Center Operations Manager with any questions or concerns at testcenter@winthrop.edu or call 803-323-3290 (option #3).
  •  Arrive on time. It is recommended you arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your test beginning, but no more than 15 minutes early. This allows time for the proctor to give any instructions and to put away any personal belongings in provided cubicles. If you are late, those minutes will be deducted from your allotted time. Professors will be notified.
  • Present Winthrop ID prior to taking your test. No test will be administered without proper identification. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Bring only permitted material into the testing stations.
    • Calculators must be of the type permitted by the instructor and may be inspected by Test Center staff prior to use. Calculators with internet capability are not permitted. The Test Center has a limited supply of basic calculators for student use and we recommend you bring your own.
    • You may only use notes if instructor has notified us that they are allowed. Notes will be collected, attached to your completed test, and forwarded to the instructor.
    • Scratch paper will be provided by the Test Center. Scratch paper will be collected, attached to your completed test, and forwarded to the instructor.
    • Please bring your own writing utensils. The Test Center will provide standard pencils for testing, if needed. Mechanical pens/pencils are not allowed in testing stations.
  • Prohibited items include, but not limited to: brimmed hats, coats, purses, backpacks, cell phones, smart watches, programmable calculators, fitness trackers, laptops, photographic/recording devices, or any other electronic devices. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources at the testing station will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.
  • Storage lockers are available to store your personal belongings while you are testing; however, space is limited. It is recommended that you limit the items you bring with you. Personal items will be returned upon completion of your test.
  • No food and/or drink in the Test Center stations unless specified as an accommodation through the Office of Accessibility. Approved beverages must be in a clear container with a lid (NO ICE) and snacks must be discreet.
  • No firearms or other weapons. Winthrop University prohibits employees, students, and visitors from possessing any firearm or any components which can readily be assembled into a firearm unless otherwise authorized by law. Any violators will be subject to the appropriate legal and/or disciplinary action.
  • Seating will be assigned by the test proctor unless specified in an Office of Accessibility accommodation.
  • No bathroom breaks. Typically, tests are to be taken in one sitting. Bathroom breaks are not allowed unless permitted by an Office of Accessibility accommodation. We recommend you use the bathroom prior to your arrival at the Test Center. If you leave during your test for any reason, the Test Center proctor will document your departure and professors will be notified.
  • Visitors not allowed to accompany a student into the testing room. Unattended children are not permitted at any campus location.

 

Student Conduct and Disciplinary Action

In addition to proctors performing regular walkthroughs, security mirrors and computer monitoring software are also utilized to maintain an environment of academic integrity. Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity in accordance with the Winthrop University Student Code of Conduct at all times. Any violation of the Student Conduct Code (outlined in section V) will result in your immediate expulsion from the Test Center. The incident will be reported to your professor and the Dean of Students office which may result in disciplinary action.

Students who significantly interfere with or disrupt Test Center operations are in violation of the Test Center policy. They may be asked to leave the Test Center and may be subject to disciplinary action (outlined in section VI).

 

OA Test Center Student Resources and Info

How to Overcome Testing Anxiety - 129 KB

How to Access the Student AIM Portal - YouTube video

How to Schedule an Exam using AIM - YouTube Video

For all other questions or concerns, please contact the Test Center Operations Manager at testcenter@winthrop.edu.