Proctored Exams Environmental Scan

Guidance Updated September 6, 2023

A 2022 district court case in Ohio found room scans during online exams to be unconstitutional.  As a result, the guidance from Purdue’s Office of the Provost and Purdue’s Office of Legal Counsel is to avoid any implementation of “room scans” at the Purdue West Lafayette campus.

In Respondus Monitor, this means turning off the “Environmental Check” feature.  In other proctoring tools (including Honorlock), this means not asking students to scan their room as a part of any online quiz or exam.

Should a student encounter an assessment where the room scan feature is enabled and the student is uncomfortable proceeding with this technology in place, the student is advised to contact their instructor immediately and work with them to identify an alternative method of completing the assessment.  If students need further support with this, they may connect with Purdue’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at:

We understand this guidance may elicit concerns about integrity.  Exam and Academic Consideration resources are available here to help instructors think about how to keep assessments secure.  For assistance with alternatives, please contact InnovativeLearningTeam@purdue.edu.