Use of electronic devices during examinations
Except when specifically allowed by the course instructor, no devices that allow communication of any kind may be used during examinations (tests, quizzes, final exams, etc.) conducted as part of College of Science and Engineering courses. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, pagers, messaging devices, PDA’s and computers with wireless network connections and calculators with IR communication capabilities. Use of a prohibited device during an examination is considered cheating (Scholastic Dishonesty) and falls under the CSE Scholastic Policy on Conduct and Discipline.
Approved by CSE (then IT) ASSA, 3/23/2004 (2013-9-12 changes: IT to CSE edits)
Optional CSE standards for calculators used during examinations
In addition to the restrictions above, instructors may specify in the syllabus for their course what types of calculators may be used during examinations (tests, quizzes, final exams, etc.) conducted as part of their course. To assist instructors with this, the following two options are suggested and may be specified in the course syllabus as the standard for allowable calculators.
1. Many calculators have the ability to store text and equations. This includes the common graphing calculators, which have the ability to store equations in symbolic form. To restrict the calculator usage to only those calculators without any storage capability, instructors may follow the guidelines set by the NCEES for Professional Engineering Exams.
Visit the NCEES Advancing Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors Calculator Policy web page for details on their policy and examples of acceptable and unacceptable calculators. This is also the appropriate standard to use if your course directly prepares students for the Professional Engineering Exams, as it will allow the students to get accustomed to the type of calculator they are allowed to use on these exams.
2. To allow graphing calculators (which is the type of calculator most students have) but still prohibit calculators that can store text, images, etc., an instructor may elect to follow the guidelines set out by The College Board for the SAT exams. Visit the SAT Calculator web page.
Some calculators are labeled as acceptable for use on the SAT in stores. The major restriction in this standard is that calculators with QWERTY (or other) keyboards are not allowed as these allow text to be entered and stored in the calculator.
In addition to one of these guidelines, it is suggested that a statement similar to the following also be included in the syllabus of any course that restricts the use of calculators:
Instructors always have the final say on what calculators may or may not be used in their examinations. Students are advised to check with their instructor prior to any examination if they are not sure if their calculator is acceptable. Use of a prohibited device during an examination is considered cheating (Scholastic Dishonesty) and falls under the CSE Scholastic Policy on Conduct and Discipline.