OCCC Testing Center to be open late during finals

The OCCC Testing Center will remain open 90 minutes later during finals week, May 7 through 11. The facility will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 12.

Testing Center Director Jim Ellis said students must arrive at least one hour before closing to start a test and must have their college photo ID.

The extended hours are particularly useful to students who work unpredictable schedules.

“My job requires me to work odd hours throughout the week,” student Hillary Kessler said. “I never know when I’m going to get off work so it’s comforting to know that I will have extra time to take my finals.”

Last spring the number of students who used the Testing Center was abnormally large, resulting in longer waiting times, Ellis said.

“Last year was an unusual year. This year I think it will be a little less than last year,” Ellis said. “To avoid crowds, students should remember there are fewer people taking tests in the mornings.”

He said to help speed things along, students should come prepared with the exam’s course category, course number, instructor’s name and test number.

The Testing Center uses two rooms that can accommodate up to 85 students as well as an additional third room for overflow, which can seat up to 35 more students, Ellis said.

Ellis said that students are reminded that no personal items are permitted in the Testing Center. and calculators are available.

He said professors determine calculator use on their own exams.

Ellis said all other electronic devices are prohibited and the exam session will be terminated if a student brings one in.

“No phones,” Ellis said. “Don’t even bring your phone.”

The Testing Center provides free lockers for students to store their belongings temporarily during their exams.

“We do have some larger lockers than we used to, to accommodate people’s industrial-sized backpacks,” Ellis said.

For more information about the Testing Center visit www.occc.edu/acs/testingcenter.html.

To contact Justin Voda, email onlineeditor@occc.edu.

Leave comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *.