Policy 1.2 Assessment and Testing Standards

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.

All work submitted for a School of Nursing course must be the student’s own. Under the Student Conduct Code for the University of Washington (WAC 478-121-107), academic misconduct includes the use of unauthorized assistance in completing assignments, the use of online sources without instructor permission, and behavior specifically prohibited by an instructor in a course syllabus. Generative artificial intelligence tools may not be used in preparing coursework unless the syllabus or assignment states that such use is permitted, and any permitted use must follow the conditions the assignment sets. School of Nursing assignments are designed to build critical thinking and the application of course material, and unauthorized use of these tools displaces the practice those assignments exist to provide.

A student who is unable to sit a scheduled examination because of illness or emergency must notify the course faculty before the examination begins. Where notice is not given before the examination begins, a make-up may be declined.

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. Assessment practices are aligned with course objectives, program learning outcomes, and applicable accreditation standards.

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.
• Course syllabi state attendance and participation requirements, including any required learning activity that cannot be made up and any minimum participation necessary to meet course objectives.

2. Academic Integrity in Assessment

Faculty state in the syllabus or in the assignment itself whether generative artificial intelligence may be used and under what conditions. Where the assignment is silent, use is not permitted.

A student who is unsure whether a particular use is permitted should ask the course instructor before submitting the work. Asking is always permitted and is never itself a violation.

• Unauthorized use of generative artificial intelligence is academic misconduct under WAC 478-121-107(1)(a), (1)(c), and (5), and is addressed under Student Governance and Policies, Chapter 209. Referral follows the same route as any other suspected misconduct, described below. 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 (SGP 209; WAC 478-121).
• 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, and 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 UW 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) are expected to provide their accommodation notification to faculty as early as possible in the quarter to allow for timely implementation. Accommodation is governed by UW Student Governance and Policies, Chapter 208.
• Course faculty and instructional staff work with DRS and the student to ensure appropriate and timely implementation of approved accommodations.
• Faculty do not determine eligibility for accommodation and do not require a student to disclose the underlying condition. Questions about the scope of an approved accommodation are directed to DRS.

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 for general expectations regarding excused absences.
• Notification of an absence from a scheduled examination is made by the method stated in the course syllabus.
• A student who was genuinely unable to give notice before the examination began, such as during a medical emergency, should contact the course faculty as soon as they are able. Faculty may accept late notice in these circumstances.

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

• Students are encouraged to address concerns about assessment practices or grading directly with the faculty member first.
• If concerns remain unresolved, students may follow the procedure described in UW School of Nursing Policy 5.1: Communicating Concerns about Instruction. A concern about a posted final course grade follows the grade appeal process in UW School of Nursing Policy 1.3: Grading and Incompletes, which carries University deadlines.

III. Roles and Responsibilities Summary

Last updated: September 2026