Exam Policies
Students enrolled at Washington College of Law are allowed to use computers to take certain exams, subject to the following rules and regulations.
NOTE FOR MAC USERS: WCL uses ExamSoft. ExamSoft does not offer a Macintosh client. If you have an Intel-based Mac, with BootCamp and Windows installed, you can use your Mac. WCL will not provide this software or provide technical support.
Procedures for Use of Typewriters and Computers
1. Except as allowed by this section, no typewriters or computers are permitted.
2. Typewriters, including memory typewriters, may be used ONLY if expressly permitted by the professor teaching the course.
3. Computers are permitted only if:
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a. the professor has specifically designated that course as one in which exams may be taken on a computer, and
- the use of ExamSoft is required and the student complies with all rules and deadlines as specified in emails from the WCL's Registrar, Exams@WCL, and the Office of Technology; or
- use of ExamSoft is NOT required by the professor.
c. All students must provide their own typewriters or computers. Students are also responsible for providing any necessary accessories, including, but not limited to, a/c adaptor, batteries, extension cords, and wireless card.
d. The student must download Examsoft correctly and take the practice test to insure that the software is functioning as designed.
4. Exam Software
WCL has contracted with Examsoft Worldwide to provide exam software. Students will be required to install the latest version of this software on their computers to use their computers to take exams. Students should be aware that there are certain minimum requirements for their computers. These are described below. The Examsoft SofTest software will not run properly on non-compliant computers. Students also need to bring whatever accessories are required to make their laptops function properly.
Note - Examsoft must be re-downloaded and installed each school year. Installed versions from previous years expire on Aug. 30.
Students are responsible for determining what components are required. Students must also bring their own extension cords. The law school will provide power, but not all outlets are conveniently located. The law school may designate certain rooms for computer users. These rooms will be announced at the end of the semester and prior to exams. Students are strongly encouraged to inspect these rooms prior to exam day.
WCL will not make available any computers for exam use. If a student does not own a computer and wishes to use one during exams, the student may wish to make arrangements to borrow or lease one. WCL will not rent or otherwise provide laptops for student use during exams. The laptops in the loaner laptop pool, available to students at the Pence Law Library circulation desk, may not be used for ExamSoft exams. Studies show that people who do not use computers on a regular basis are at a competitive disadvantage when they take exams on computers. We strongly suggest that you do not take an exam on a computer if you are not familiar with your computer and Examsoft. If you decide to purchase a computer, we suggest that you allow sufficient time to familiarize yourself with your new computer.
5. What is Examsoft/SofTest?
Examsoft's SofTest gives students the ability to take an examination on a Windows computer by providing the instructor the ability to lock down all other Windows applications, thereby reducing the risk of violations of the student honor code. SofTest serves as a simplified word processor similar to Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect for essay responses, including a cut, copy, and paste features, spell check as well as the ability to undo the user's last action. Note: these features are ONLY available if the professor allows any or all of them. Professors will advise students whether these features are available prior to exam day. It is important to note that SofTest has a number of safety features to ensure that answers typed into SofTest cannot be lost. There is an AutoSave feature that saves two separate encrypted files on a rotating basis to the computer's hard drive every 60 seconds. When the exam is concluded, the student will exit the exam and reboot. Upon reboot and establishment of a network connection, SofTest uploads the exam to the Examsoft website. The uploaded file is downloaded and printed by the law school administrative staff and given to the professor for grading. Grading numbers, which are applied automatically, ensures anonymous grading. Students can choose whatever formatting (font, line spacing, etc.) is comfortable for them during the exam; when printed, WCL administration will use ExamSoft to overwrite the students' format settings.
6. Hardware and Software Requirements
The following sets out the minimum requirements to run SofTest:
| CPU | |
| At least a Pentium II, 400Mhz | |
| RAM | |
| At least 128MB | |
| Drives | |
| At least 100MB of free hard drive space. | |
| Wireless Card | |
| Student laptops must be able to access the WCL wireless network. | |
| Operating System | |
| English language versions of Windows2000/XP/Vista. Windows 98 and Windows ME are not supported. Macs are ONLY supported if the student:
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|
| Software | |
| Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater installed | |
| Internet Connection | |
| Students must have an internet connection to download and register the SofTest software, as well as download the exam files. | |