Exam Guidance for Faculty
Questions? Contact StAARExams@tufts.edu.
The StAAR Center continues to expand its testing capacity to proctor accommodated exams. Our goal is to provide students with a consistent testing experience while reducing the logistical burden on faculty.
Successful exam administration depends on timely coordination among students, faculty, and the StAAR Center.
Accommodate Faculty Portal
Beginning Fall 2026, the StAAR Center will be using the Accommodate Faculty Portal to streamline the process for managing student accommodations and submitting exams for proctoring. By moving these tasks into a single online system, we hope to reduce email and make managing accommodations more efficient for faculty.
Through the Faculty Portal, you can:
- Submit exams for proctoring by the StAAR Center
- Create Exam Pages with the details of your exams (time limit, permitted materials, special instructions, etc.)
- View students who have submitted requests to take exams at the StAAR Center
- Access completed exams taken at the StAAR Center
To help you get started, we've created several resources:
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We have created a step-by-step written guide for accessing and navigating the Faculty Portal. This was sent to all AS&E faculty in late-August, 2026. It can also be found below:
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You can find a brief video demonstration of the Accommodate Faculty Portal and its key features in the following video:
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Join us for a virtual overview of the Faculty Portal, followed by time for questions. Webinars will be hosted on:
- Thursday, September 10th, 2026 from 11:00 am - 11:45 am
- Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
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If you'd like individualized support, you can schedule a 20-minute virtual appointment during one of our office hour sessions.
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Additional questions? Contact the exam team by email at StAARExams@tufts.edu.
Key Exam Deadlines
Student Booking Deadline
All students must individually schedule accommodated exams with the StAAR Center via Accommodate at least three (3) business days before the scheduled exam date.
We strongly encourage students to schedule as early as possible. Exams scheduled early will receive priority. All exam bookings are subject to availability and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you would like to learn more about the student exam-booking and exam-taking experience at the StAAR Center, please visit our Exam Accommodations for Students webpage.
Faculty Submission Deadline
All faculty must submit their exams and complete all testing instructions via Accommodate at least one (1) business day before the scheduled exam. Earlier submission is always appreciated and helps us ensure that exams are prepared and administered smoothly.
Important: If we do not receive the exam and testing instructions by this deadline, we may be unable to administer the exam as scheduled. The student's testing appointment may need to be canceled or rescheduled.
Exam Submission Info
When a student schedules an accommodated exam, the StAAR Center will request the following information from faculty:
1. Standard exam length.
The length of the exam without accomodations.
2. Approved testing date/time window.
The date and times during which the student may complete the exam.
Providing an acceptable testing window is especially helpful when students have extended time for exams, overlapping classes, or other circumstances that may require scheduling flexibility.
3. Permitted testing materials.
Please indicate whether students may use any materials, such as:
- Calculator
- Notesheet
- Formula sheet
- Textbook
- Other specific course materials
4. Exam format.
Indicate whether the exam will be administered on paper or through Canvas.
For Canvas exams, please review the StAAR Center's guidance on setting up online exams with accommodations:
5. Preferred method for receiving completed exams.
Indicate whether you would prefer to receive completed exams electronically (via Accommodate) or through in-person pickup.
Please note that physical exams are retained securely by the StAAR Center only for the duration of the semester. All exams from the semester are shredded after grades are due.
Best Practices
Share Exam Information
As soon as exam dates and formats are available, please share them with the StAAR Center via Accommodate. Early info allows us to plan staffing and space, as well as better support students during busy periods.
Provide Flexible Testing Windows
When course logistics allow, providing a range of acceptable testing times can make it easier to accommodate students with extended testing time and other scheduling considerations.
Submit Exams Early
Submitted exams and testing instructions earlier than the one-business-day deadline gives StAAR staff time to review materials, prepare testing spaces, and resolve any questions before the exam.
Set Up Canvas Exams Properly
The StAAR Center is able to proctor accommodated Canvas exams provided they are timed and proctored in-person for the rest of the class. All Canvas exams proctored at StAAR must follow the guidelines and procedures listed in our Canvas Exam Guide below:
Keep Testing Instructions Clear
Please provide all information necessary for us to administer the exam as you intend, including permitted materials, technology requirements, and any special instructions.
Test Center Hours
The StAAR Center has expanded our hours to support evening exams. Beginning Fall 2026, StAAR's Test Center will proctor exams during the following hours:
Mondays-Thursdays: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Fridays: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm