Laptop Exams Guides >>

• Introduction
• SecureExam Student Software
• PlanetSSI
• Software Installation  
• Practice Tests    
• Taking Exams
• Timeline

Introduction

New for Spring 2008 exams:

• New versions of the Securexam Student software for both Windows and Mac systems. All students who used laptops to take exams last semester MUST uninstall existing version and install the new one. 
  
  
• Installation Verification Form must be completed as a practice exam and uploaded to PlanettSSI before April 30, 2008 (11:00 p.m.) in lieu of signing the paper version of the form.

For several years, the Law School has allowed students the option to take exams on their own laptops. The results have been very positive for both students and faculty.  Students are accustomed to using laptops in their everyday lives so it is only natural to expand the tool to exams as well. Faculty members are pleased to grade legible, well-organized exam answers.   

The laptop exam option requires students' laptops to be locked down with access only to a word-processing program to write the exam.  No other files on the hard drive or any other storage media can be accessed during the exam.  The laptops also cannot have access to network resources or to the Internet during the exam.

There are several different programs available in the marketplace which provide the necessary requirements for laptop exams. The Law School uses a program called Securexam Student from Software Secure, Inc. Any attempts to modify the exam or to access outside programs will be tracked by the software.  Exams are saved in an encrypted format.  They can only be printed by authorized Law School staff using a special program. 

Laptop exams are optional. However, students must follow several mandatory steps if they wish to use a laptop for exams. It is the student's personal decision to utilize the laptop exam option.  The school is not liable for any problems that may occur to the student’s laptop as a result of the installation and use of the software. Students not using laptop exams will use the traditional Blue Book method.

Mandatory Student Requirements to Take Exams on Laptop

• Utilize a laptop that meets the minimum hardware and software requirements for the Securexam software and the DuqNet Wireless Network.
• Download, install, and run the Securexam Student software.
• Access and become familiar with PlanetSSI, the web-based management system where the exam software will be downloaded and where exams will be saved.
• Take a practice exam using Securexam Student software.
• Type the Installation Verification Form information and upload as a practice exam to PlanettSSI by April 30, 2008, 11:00 p.m.
• Carefully read and understand all of the laptop exam procedures contained in this section.
• Carefully read and understand the School of Law's General Policies and Procedures for Examinations (PDF)
• Comply with any additional requirements of the Law School Faculty, Registrar, and/or Administration.

All necessary laptop exam information should be contained in these pages.  If a student or faculty member requires any additional information or assistance, please contact Milan Komljenovic, Manager of Information Technology (412.396.5533, komljeno@duq.edu, Room 128) or Manson Seto, Application & Information Technology Specialist (412.396.1059, setom@duq.edu, Room 114C) in the Center for Legal Information, and they will be happy to provide assistance.