Examinations and Grades
6.1.3 Examination Centres
Students can write their examinations at Athabasca University buildings in Athabasca, Edmonton, or Calgary, Alberta. In addition, a Canada-wide Examination Invigilation Network has been established that is composed of many post-secondary institutions that are AU-approved invigilation centres.
If you wish to write your examination at a location other than AU or any of the listings in the Examination Invigilation Network, you must write at an accredited post-secondary institution such as a community college or a technical institute. If a college or technical institute is not accessible, you may write your examination at an educational institution such as a high school or library, provided it is approved by Examination Services Unit, Office of the Registrar.
If none of these options is available, review Invigilators: Pre-Approved.
Arrive promptly for your examination. Latecomers can be extremely disruptive to other students writing examinations. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled examination, and you have not notified your exam invigilator in advance, you should try to rebook your examination within 10 business days. Depending on where you write, you may be charged an exam rebooking fee (payable at Athabasca, Edmonton, and Calgary, Alberta).
After the 10 business-day hold period, the unwritten examination is returned to AU. If and when you request the exam again, the multiple examination fee will be charged.
Whenever possible, AU will accommodate moderately late arrivals; however, you will risk being interrupted if others leave the room before you are finished writing your examination. Allowing additional time may not always be possible.
If you think you might be late, please inform the institution where you are writing. Staff will advise you whether or not there is time to write your examination. If you still choose to write with less than the recommended time allowed, this will be noted on your examination in the case of a future appeal.
6.1.3.2 Centres Within Canada
It is preferred that students who live within a 100 km radius of an AU-approved invigilation centre, write their examinations at that centre. Students who live more than 100 km from an exam invigilation centre, may write their exams closer to home provided they arrange for an invigilator who meets specific guidelines and is approved by AU.
6.1.3.3 Centres Outside Canada
AU students who live outside of Canada must write their examination at an AU-approved post-secondary institution or Canadian Embassy, or use an invigilator who meets specific guidelines.
6.1.3.4 Grouped Study Students
Grouped study students write their examination at the same place, date, and time selected by the course professor unless approval for an exception has been obtained in advance by the AU course coordinator.
6.1.3.5 Online Examinations
An increasing number of AU examinations are completed and submitted online. The course syllabus and your course materials will indicate whether the examination(s) for your course are online. When writing an online examination, it is your responsibility to ensure a computer with an Internet connection and an accepted web browser is available for your use at the invigilation centre. Refer to your student manual for training resources, computer requirements and other information related to writing your online exam. Please direct your questions about online examinations to the Examination Services Unit or the AU Information Centre.
All other examination regulations apply to online examinations. You must complete and submit the Examination Request Form to Examination Services using the methods described in the Requesting an Examination section.
6.1.3.6 Examination Attempt and Time Allotments
Once a student has viewed an examination—unless the wrong examination has been sent to the approved invigilator or approved invigilation centre—the examination will be deemed to have been written or attempted to have been written.
Students must complete their examinations within the time specified on the official invigilation and examination instructions.
Information effective Sept. 1, 2013 to Aug. 31, 2014.
Updated October 01, 2013
