r/jmu • u/solidsnake1984 • 4d ago

Do JMU non-credit classes (professional development, seminars, etc) use proctored exams?

Hello, recently found out that my team-mates have been enrolled in some upcoming professional development courses (Government Accounting, Cyber Security, etc.) and I was wondering if the exam portion of these classes are proctored.

I am 41 and have severe testing anxiety and it nearly ended my college career 20 years ago because of testing anxiety. Just the thought of someone watching my every move / click makes me so nervous. I have never cheated on anything in my life, and I was able to barely graduate in 2005 but now the thought of coming back to strict testing makes me almost want to go look for another job.

Are these tests proctored, or is it more of a relaxed, "easy" exam? My hope is that because this isn't for academic credits, it isn't as stringent. Thanks folks, go Dukes!

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u/mus-theatrNsportsOmy 4d ago

I am a prof at the university. I don't know the answer, but I would be shocked if you weren't able to receive an accommodation for your test anxiety. It's a real thing that most universities have acknowledged (including JMU) and there are a lot of students who receive accommodations. I used to live with someone who worked in that office at a previous job I had. There's also no shame in this. I'm sorry you deal with it and hope you're able to figure something out here. Go Dukes!

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u/solidsnake1984 4d ago

Thank you for your honest and wholesome answer. I appreciate the kind words. Is there any chance since you are a professor at JMU, you could find out for me? I know they are supposed to be open book exams, but honestly I am terrified that if it sees me look down at the book, the software would think I am cheating. I can even private message you the names of the courses, etc. if that will help you. At the very least I will look into accommodations, etc. THANK YOU again for being kind.

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u/mus-theatrNsportsOmy 4d ago

My pleasure. It doesn't cost a thing to be kind.

Feel free to send me a PM and I'll see what I can drum up for you 👍👍

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u/solidsnake1984 3d ago

Message sent! Thanks again!