Athabasca University
The course
Distance education is different from conventional classroom-based education in that it allows you as a student to complete courses and programs without attending scheduled group classes in a central location, such as a university campus. As an AU distance education student, you can
• work from anywhere, such as your home or workplace
• work at your own pace, on a schedule that suits your individual needs
• register for a single course or enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree, diploma or certificate program
Policy
This policy defines the regulations and guidelines associated with undergraduate exam requests and undergraduate exam completion at Athabasca University (AU).
1. Exam Request and Completion
1.1 Exam Request Deadlines
All exams must be requested in accordance with the established deadlines of the Undergraduate Exam Request and Completion Procedures.
1.2 Exam Completion Deadlines
All exams must be completed in accordance with the established deadlines of the Undergraduate Exam Request and Completion Procedures.
1.3 AU’s Right to Require a Re-write of an Exam
The University reserves the right to require that a student re-write an exam. This policy does not limit AU’s right to proceed with charges of Student Academic Misconduct or Non-Academic Misconduct as established in the Student Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct Policies.
2. Exam Supervision and Invigilation
2.1 Exam Supervision
Students must write exams under the supervision of an AU approved exam invigilator or at an approved invigilation centre.
2.2 Request for Invigilator Approval
Students who are putting forward a request for consideration of an individual who is not an AU approved invigilator must do so in accordance with the established procedures of the Exam Request and Completion Procedures. Only those AU staff members who have the delegated authority of the AU Registrar may approve invigilators or invigilation centers.
2.3 AU’s Right to Refuse an Invigilator
AU has the right to refuse a requested invigilator, require the student submit an alternative invigilator or require that students write their examination with an AU approved invigilator or at an invigilation centre. AU has the right to discontinue the use of an AU approved invigilator or approved invigilation centre at any time.
3. Exam Shipment and Delivery
3.1 Paper Based and Online Exams
Paper based exams will be sent only to an AU approved invigilator or invigilation centre. See the Undergraduate Exam Request and Completion Procedures for further information.
Access to online exams will be provided via the established procedures of the Undergraduate Exam Request and Completion Procedures.
3.2 Letter Mail and Courier Delivery Timelines
AU cannot guarantee the delivery of an exam prior to a requested write date.
4. Exam Attempt
Once a student has viewed an exam, unless the wrong exam has been sent to the AU approved invigilator or invigilation centre, it will be considered to have been an attempt at the exam and the exam will be considered written and assigned a grade.
5. Exam Time Allotment
Students will be allowed only the amount of time that has been specified on the official invigilation and examination instructions to complete their exam.
6. Exam Return to AU
All written and unwritten exams must be returned to AU by the AU approved invigilator or invigilation centre in accordance with the established procedures of the Undergraduate Exam Request and Completion Procedures.
7. Lost Exams
See the Undergraduate Lost Exam Policy (072) for specific regulations that pertain to lost exams.
8. Exam Re-booking
The re-booking of an exam must be done in accordance with the established procedures of the Undergraduate Exam Request and Completion Procedures.
9. Exam Related Fees
Students are responsible to pay all associated fees that are assessed by AU, an AU approved invigilator or invigilation centre for the services related to an exam.
Exam related fees paid to Athabasca University are non-refundable.
10. Appeals
10.1 Appeal of Policy
All appeals to this policy must be made in accordance to the procedures of the Undergraduate Exam Request and Completion Procedures.
10.2 Appeal of a Mark or Grade
Students must make an appeal of a mark or grade in accordance with the Student Appeals Policy and the established procedures of the Student Appeals Procedures. (add link)
interaction
Student- teacher interaction :
students are supported by tutors who provide feedback on their work and are generally available to them at face-to-face tutorials, by telephone, and/or on the Internet.
Student – content interaction:
In October 2006 the AU joined the Open educational resources movement with the launch of OpenLearn. A growing selection of current and past distance learning course materials will be released for free access, including downloadable versions for educators to modify, plus free collaborative learning-support tools.
Student – student interaction:
Also students can meet each other face to face, at tutorials and informal study groups. There are even clubs, societies and social events organized by the student union, which is the biggest in the CANADA .Also they can connect each other by internet forum that the university provides
Support
As an AU student, you will benefit from an extensive network of student services including access to one-on-one support from faculty members, academic advisors, counsellors, tutors, help-desk personnel and other support staff who will, together, provide you with information, advice, and service.
Cost
The process costs $750. This is less than the cost of a conventional course. The PLAR fee is separate from the General Application fee and/or the transcript evaluation fee. You can apply to be an AU student here.
Services
• Information
• Educational Advising & Counselling
These services are offered in consideration of an individual’s specific functional differences (or factors related to the disability or medical condition) and how they impact on study activities or academic progress. They are intended to supplement general AU Advising and Counselling Services.
Also see:
o ASD Learning Supports
o ASD Assistive Technology Requirements
o ASD Course Materials Requirements
• Assessment
o Academic supports
o Learning supports
o Assistive technology requirements
o Course materials requirements
o Re-assess according to need
• Cooperative Development of an 'Individualized Education, Assistive Technology and Support Service Plan
o Modify and revise according to need
• Funding
o Information & Referral
o Guidance in completing applications
o Preparing documentation as required
o Reviewing applications
• Academic Support
o Modified course load
o Extended time
To complete individualized study courses;
To complete individual assignments in grouped study or paced courses
o Alternative delivery mode (where possible)
o Alternative format materials (most AU materials can be provided in electronic format, but assistance locating alternative sources for materials that cannot be reformatted on campus is provided)
o Assistance finding educational aide (Reader, Scribe, Aide, Interpreter, etc.)
• Exam Accommodations
o Extended time
o Access to computer/technical supports
o Alternate invigilation site
• Advocacy
• Liaison
o Faculty
o AU departments
o Community organizations
o Funding agencies
• Referral
Certain services may be not be available through internal resources and may only be accessed through the student's local community resources.
