I have prepared the following outline to make things easier for us all. I was a TA myself for many years; this document will hopefully give you a good idea of what is expected. In any and all events, if anything untoward crops up, I ask that you contact me as soon as you can. You can call me (or leave a message) here at work (562 3536).

All proctors should arrive at the test room no later than 10 minutes before the test begins. If you are the head proctor, please arrange to pick up the tests at the main office at least 20 minutes before the test begins. Please make arrangements as the office may be closed for lunch. If you cannot attend, for reasons of sickness, etc. please call me in any such event.

Tests in an 80-minute period should always begin at the beginning of the period, and last until the end of the period, no more, no less. There are no circumstances under which a student is to be given additional time to finish. Moreover, no student should be allowed in after 30 minutes, and in no circumstances if any student has already left the exam room.

2. This is a closed book exam, and no notes of any kind are permitted. The use of calculators, cell phones, or similar devices is not permitted. All implanted cyber devices not necessary for life-support must be disabled at the beginning of the exam.

Straight afterwards, please read the following quote from the Vice-Dean of Science, saying that it is indeed a quote from the Vice-Dean of Science:

"If caught with such a device or document, the following may occur: you will be asked to immediately the exam leave and academic fraud allegations will be filed which may result in you obtaining a 0 (zero) for the exam."

Then the exam can begin.

The Faculty of Science views cheating as a very serious matter. Despite precautions (tests will usually come in several versions), given the cramped conditions, it will still be possible for determined students to cheat. Therefore, please be vigilant and if you suspect a case of cheating, tell the head proctor, who will warn the student(s) that their paper will be seized if they are indeed cheating. Then keep an eye on this student. If the behaviour persists, write your name and the time on the front of the student's paper and take any evidence (like cheat notes). Ask the student to leave the exam room immediately.

Please also make a note for yourself of the students's name and number, and the time. Immediately after the exam is finished, send me a detailed written description (email is OK) of the incident, as well as the paper(s), and any other evidence.

Be firm but remain calm and polite even if a student becomes angry. Call Protection (613-562-5411) if the student refuses to leave. I will be able to support you if you follow these guidelines. Don't be too zealous, but don't be too timid either.

At the end of the period, if you are the head proctor, please tell everyone to stop writing, you may have to do this more than once. They are to remain seated and silent until you pick up their paper. This is one of the most difficult parts of your job, because it is at this time that a student intent on cheating will have the best chance.

It is very unfair to other students if some keep working while you collect the others' papers. I try to be firm on this point and I would ask that you enforce it as much as you can. If you find a student who will not stop writing, warn them that if they don't stop immediately, their paper will not be marked.

The head proctor should return the tests to the math office.

Some of this may sound a bit tough. However, honest students - by far the overwhelming majority - are not affected adversely, and appreciate the precautions. I have found that these measures help make this awful production-line system that we use a little fairer.