UPDATED Testing Procedures - FAQ

Effective Spring 2026

1. How far in advance must students schedule their exams with the DRC? 

• Students are required to schedule exams at least two (2) business days in advance of the exam date.
• Exception: Students who are newly registered with the DRC will be approved to take exams under the 2-day window during their first week. 

2. What if a student misses the scheduling deadline? 

• Students must submit a Late Testing Request Form. Approval is not guaranteed and is based on availability.
• If no seats are available, the student will be instructed to reach out to you directly to coordinate an alternative testing plan. 

3. Will the DRC help with alternative testing plans? 

• Yes. The DRC is available to support faculty in arranging alternatives, such as:
  • Rescheduling for a time when DRC has availability
  • Faculty or departmental proctoring
  • Student takes exam with class (may not have access to full accommodation)

4. Are we still allowed to email or upload exams to the DRC? 

• Yes. Faculty will be able to upload their exams to the student accommodations portal for DRC staff to print. Other ways that exams can be provided are as follows:
  • Faculty may drop off the printed exam(s) at the DRC.
  • Student may bring the printed exam in a sealed envelope to the DRC.
  • DRC tram will pick up exams from the College Dean’s office daily at 2pm. 

5. How will I receive my completed exams? 

• Faculty or designee will pick up the exam from the DRC Testing Center in person.
• Exam is scanned and uploaded securely to your AIM faculty portal (scanned exams that are not picked up after one week will be shredded).
• Student returns exam to professor in a sealed envelope. 
• DRC Tram service will drop off completed exams every day between 2:00PM and 4:00PM at each college dean’s office (please allow up to 48 hours for delivery after exam completion).

6. What happens to my printed exams that are completed and scanned or unused? 

• Faculty or designee can pick up scanned exams up to 1 week after the exam is completed. Any exams not picked up will be securely shredded.
• Unused exams will be saved for 2 weeks in case the student reschedules and then will be securely shredded.

7. How can I accommodate my student on pop quizzes?  

• Please coordinate with the DRC in advance to identify possible solutions for students with accommodations. Since students may not be able to take unplanned quizzes at the DRC, you may need to implement alternative strategies to accommodate for pop quizzes (e.g., providing extra time after class or offering the quiz earlier/later in the day). 

8. How is the DRC supporting students through these updated procedures? 

• Hosting exam scheduling workshops during Weeks 1–3
• Offering tech workshops on using digital tools to manage deadlines
• Sending weekly reminders to encourage timely exam scheduling through email and canvas. 

9. How can faculty support their students through these updated procedures? 

• Encourage students to:
  • Schedule all exams for the entire quarter as soon as you provide your course syllabi
  • Submit requests at least 5 business days in advance
  • Contact you directly if the DRC is unable to accommodate their request

For questions about the DRC's updated testing procedures, please contact DRC Testing Services at 805-756-6087 or drctesting@calpoly.edu.

For additional information regarding testing accommodations, please visit Testing Accommodations FAQ.