Proctortrack FAQs

Proctoring software is one way to maintain the academic integrity of the examination process. Some programs are accredited, meaning that they meet or exceed standards for their curriculum developed by professional or disciplinary organization outside of ISU. Some accrediting bodies require that exams are proctored, if offered in remote locations.

Yes. The software was vetted by ISU’s Information Security Office to determine the risk to students. All student data is handled in compliance with FERPA regulations, protected with military-grade encryption, and purged in accordance with a clear data retention schedule. Proctortrack does not access any personal files and it does not allow anyone remote access to students' computers.

Currently there is a team of 14 course instructors and other ISU staff doing testing and meeting with the vendor weekly. Included in this testing process are

• Tests related to the quality of the software and the user experience with the software.
• Accessibility testing to ensure that student needs are met via the Proctortrack platform.
• Discussions amongst University-level as well as College-level support IT staff, the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology, course instructors, and students.

When Proctortrack is not running, it does not access any data.

Monitoring is only ever underway when a large blue frame is present around the screen.

Once it is running, Proctortrack accesses the computers' connected device list, desktop screen, webcam, process logs, and system-level logs to do a system check to check for any blacklisted applications, virtual webcams, external displays, multiple keyboards, virtual machines, and for any test policy violations.

It is the expectation that behaviors online during an exam should be comparable to behaviors when taking an exam in a face-to-face course. Certain exam situations require that students not be able to get up and leave their seats, whether in online or face-to-face contexts.

A computer is required – phones are not supported.

A webcam is required, either part of the computer or connecting via cable to the computer.

ProctorTrack provides a way to test your technology prior to taking a proctored exam – this is a required “onboarding” activity to ensure you are ready for your test. Please plan on doing this onboarding well in advance of your exam, using the same computer and webcam you plan to use for the exam.

If you don’t have a computer or a webcam and are unable to get them, please contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357, SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu or ITHelp.IllinoisState.edu for assistance.

You should reach out to your instructor to discuss other options depending on your needs. In addition:

If you want to request an accommodation based on disability or religion regarding ProctorTrack you can contact Student Access and Accommodation Services at (309) 438-5853, AbleISU@IllinoisState.edu, or https://studentaccess.illinoisstate.edu/.

If your issues with using Proctortrack are due to problems with your computer, webcam, microphone, or accessibility, you can contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357, SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu or ITHelp.IllinoisState.edu for support.

ProctorTrack has been tested by ISU's Technology Solutions Accessibility personnel. Students with specific concerns should contact ISU's Student Access and Accommodation Services (as they would for in-person examinations).

"Malware" is specifically designed to monitor and access all data on a computer system without the user’s knowledge.

Proctortrack does collect video, but can only work with the user’s knowledge and only with the online examination as specified and set up by the instructor. Unlike malware, the program makes it clear when data is being captured, by explicitly asking the test-taker to start the proctoring session and by putting a blue border around the screen. At the end of the examination, the system clearly asks the test-taker to close the Proctortrack window, ending the video collection. The student may then delete the software.

Proctortrack was vetted by ISU’s Information Security Office. Data security for Proctortrack is consistent to the industry standard. Risk was deemed to be medium-low risk.

There is no additional cost to the student or departments to use Proctortrack.

No. Only those who want to use it will do so.

It is simple. Students will download the software and it will walk you through the process and check your cameras and mics. If students have problems during the exam, the vendor has 24/7 chat within the window that will open during the exam.

Some of the other institutions using ProctorTrack include Rutgers, UNC-Chapel Hill Med, Pepperdine, Ohio University, Georgia Tech, and Florida International University. ProctorTrack partnerships with schools range in usage anywhere from 1,000 up to 100,000+ students.