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Policy 1.2 Assessment and Testing Standards

Applies to: A/BSN, CIPCT, DNP, Certs, PhD

I. Policy Statement

Assessment and testing are core elements of student evaluation in the School of Nursing. Across all programs, assessments are designed to support student learning and progression, reflect course and program objectives, and uphold fairness, academic rigor, and professional standards.

Assessment practices are determined by course faculty, who retain academic freedom in the design and administration of evaluation methods. Course-level policies must be communicated to students at the start of the quarter through the syllabus. The School affirms its responsibility to promote transparency, accessibility, academic integrity, and student support in assessment processes.

II. Process

1. Assessment Standards and Transparency

  • Course syllabi outline the types, timing, and weighting of assessments, along with grading criteria and expectations for academic conduct.
  • Once a course begins, any modifications to assessment structure will be clearly communicated to students.

2. Testing Environment and Conduct

  • Faculty determine the appropriate conditions for testing based on course objectives and program-level expectations. All students are expected to uphold standards of academic integrity and professional conduct during testing, whether in-person or online. Actions such as unauthorized collaboration, sharing answers, or accessing prohibited materials are breaches of the Student Conduct Code.
  • For in-person, classroom-based assessments, testing protocols may include—but are not limited to—the following practices:
    • Students may be asked to leave personal belongings (e.g., backpacks, books, electronic devices, jackets, hats, water bottles) at the side or back of the room during the exam.
    • Use of electronics such as cell phones, smart watches, or tablets is prohibited during testing unless explicitly allowed by the instructor.
    • When scantron forms are used, faculty will provide them; students are responsible for bringing their own pencils. When online platforms such as Canvas are used, students may be required to use their personal device under specified conditions.
    • Students are expected to:
      • Keep eyes on their own work
      • Refrain from talking to others
      • Keep test materials flat on the desk or table
      • Follow any other conduct expectations communicated by the instructor
    • Students must submit all required exam materials (e.g., question sheets, answer sheets, seating cards if applicable) as instructed. Failure to return these materials may result in the exam not being graded.
    • Students must remain in the testing room until the exam is complete and should exit quietly without use of electronics or disruptive behavior.
    • See section 4 below and School of Nursing Policy 2.2: Attendance and Short-Term Absences for expectations regarding make-up exams.
  • Students are expected to observe professional behavior consistent with nursing standards during assessments.
  • Faculty members who observe or suspect academic misconduct during an exam should refer the matter directly to UW Community Standards & Student Conduct officials and not attempt to investigate on their own.

3. Accessibility and Accommodations

  • Students with approved testing accommodations from Disability Resources for Students (DRS) should provide their accommodation notification to faculty early in the quarter.
  • Course faculty and instructional staff work with DRS and the student to ensure appropriate and timely implementation of approved accommodations.

4. Make-Up Exams and Extensions

  • When illness, emergencies, or university-approved activities prevent a student from completing an exam as scheduled, a make-up exam or extension may be arranged.
  • Students should communicate proactively and provide documentation when appropriate. Faculty retain discretion over the format, timing, and conditions of make-up assessments. See also School of Nursing Policy 2.2: Attendance and Short-Term Absences for general expectations regarding excused absences.

5. Feedback and Grade Posting

  • Faculty are encouraged to provide timely and meaningful feedback that supports learning and progression.
  • Final grades must be submitted and posted in compliance with UW Registrar deadlines.

6. Assessment-Related Concerns

III. Roles and Responsibilities Summary

Task Course Faculty Students DRS Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs CSSC Department Chair
Establish assessment methods and communicate expectations R/A I
Implement approved DRS accommodations R/A I C
Define and oversee testing conditions R/A I
Refer suspected academic misconduct R A C I

RACI Legend:

  • R = Responsible: Performs the task
  • A = Accountable: Ultimately answerable
  • C = Consulted: Provides input
  • I = Informed: Kept up to date

Related Policies & References

Last updated: September 2025