Homework and Exam Information for DEN@Viterbi Students
The areas below contain important policy information for DEN@Viterbi students.
Homework
Off-campus DEN students will upload assignments via Brightspace assignment dropboxes created by faculty or course administrators. Assignments can also be graded through Brightspace with notifications sent to the students.
Submitting assignments in Brightspace: https://www.brightspacehelp.usc.edu/students/submit-an-assignment-in-brightspace/
Other instructional tools where you may submit assignments:
(All of the above are integrated with Brightspace system)
DEN@Viterbi Technical Support Center
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00AM-10:00PM
Contact information:
dentsc@usc.edu
(213)740-9356
Exams
The DEN Exam Coordinator notifies students via e‐mail of their examination date, time, and location approximately one week before a test date.
Midterm exam dates are announced by the course instructor.
Final exam dates are available on the university website's Schedule of Classes.
The student is responsible for taking the examination at the time scheduled. Exam dates and times are fixed and cannot be changed; no exceptions are permitted. Unforeseen, documented emergency circumstances that cause a student to miss a scheduled exam will be reviewed case-by-case
Your exam may come in any one of the following modalities:
- In-person (requiring proctoring)
- Online (with virtual proctoring)
- Standard Written
- Take-Home
- Online Quizzes
- Oral (Viva Voce)
- Practical
- Essay
- Project-Based
- Group/Team
DEN students that have examinations requiring in-person proctoring can either designate a proctor or take the exam at USC's main campus on the date and time stated on the course syllabus. DEN@Viterbi will review, approve, and coordinate with all proctors for your classes and exams.
Proctors for DEN students may be:
- Testing and examination centers
- Ex. National College Testing Association
- Current company or immediate supervisors/managers, HR representatives, or educational coordinators (employed at your company)
- Local College/School representatives
- Certified librarian at a library, college/university or K-12 school
- Military proctor from your military base
Proctors for DEN students cannot be:
- Peers, mentors, advisors or tutors
- Direct reports
- Family, friends, members of your household, landlord/former landlord or neighbors
- Former coworkers/supervisors
- Fellow students
About Testing Centers
These centers are usually open during standard business hours of 9am‐5pm local time and frequently charge a fee for their services. Professional testing centers are not affiliated with USC and administer exams for DEN as a professional courtesy.
Proctoring fees should be paid to the testing center and are due at the time of the examination. Fees will vary from location to location and are paid by the student directly to the testing center.
Examinations administered at authorized testing centers must be held at, or as close as possible to, the same time students on campus take the examination.
DEN will work with the student to identify and coordinate with local testing centers and notify students and proctors of the examination date, time, and location. To accommodate students in other time zones, or if there is a conflict with testing center hours, the examination may be given at a time different from on‐campus. In these cases, the examination will take place as close to the actual on‐campus examination time as possible.
In keeping with university policy for all students, students are not permitted to miss or relocate an exam because of vacation. Due to students ' personal vacations, DEN will not schedule make‐up or alternate location exams.
In the event of mandatory business travel, students are still required to take the exam at an authorized testing center. The student must inform the Exams Coordinator of the mandatory business travel destination at least two weeks in advance so that necessary proctoring arrangements can be made.
A letter from the student’s supervisor on company letterhead is required in advance to verify mandatory business travel during the date(s) of the exam. The letter must include the supervisor’s signature, title and contact information. Please scan this letter and email to the Exam Coordinator at denexam@usc.edu and mail the original to DEN.
Failure to give advance notice for business travel may result in DEN’s inability to support your request.
EXAM FORMAT & LOCATION
How do I know if my exam is in-person or online?
Your instructor sets the exam format. Exam formats are typically shared at the start of the semester or as soon as we receive the information from your instructor.
Can I choose my exam format?
No. The format is determined by the instructor. However, all DEN students may take their exam on campus at the scheduled time if they prefer—just indicate this on your proctor form if your course requires in person proctoring.
Can I take the exam on campus?
Yes. DEN students are welcome to take exams on campus at the same time as their on-campus peers. Just select "On-Campus" on your proctor form if your course requires in person proctoring, so we can plan accordingly.
Where do I go if I am testing on campus?
Details will be emailed to you in advance. Plan to arrive on time and bring a valid photo ID.
If I'm in OC/LA/Ventura County, do I have to take the exam at USC, or are there remote or proctoring options?
No, you are not required to test at USC. While you may take your exam on campus if you prefer, approved remote and virtual proctoring options—such as Honorlock—are also available, depending on your instructor’s approval.
Can I test in a different time zone?
Yes, but you must begin your exam at the same time as your class, adjusted to your local time zone. If you are testing at a center that closes before the exam would end, you must contact us before the proctor deadline to request an exception or alternate arrangement. Late requests may not be accommodated.
PROCTORS & APPROVAL PROCESS FOR IN-PERSON PROCTORING COURSES
If my class requires in-person proctoring for exams, who can serve as an acceptable proctor?
Approved in-person proctors include:
- Testing centers (e.g., NCTA-affiliated)
- Work supervisors, HR reps, or educational coordinators
- Non-student university or college staff
- Certified librarians
- Military base proctors
- Honorlock (virtual proctoring)
Honorlock is a free online proctoring service approved by USC. It is a virtual alternative for students who are unable to secure a local, in-person proctor. You will be monitored via webcam and screen capture and must have a quiet space, reliable internet, a webcam, microphone, and ID. Use of Honorlock must be approved by your instructor. For more information, you can visit our Honorlock FAQ page: https://viterbigrad.usc.edu/instructional-support/honorlock/
How do I submit a proctor for approval?
Complete the DEN Student Proctor Form at least two weeks before your first exam. Submit a separate form for each proctor and email denexam@usc.edu if you change your proctor. Instructions on how to submit a proctor form will be sent out as soon as possible at the start of each term.
Are there any fees for proctoring?
Yes. If your selected proctor charges a fee (e.g., testing centers), you are responsible for paying it. USC does not reimburse any proctoring-related costs.
Why does DEN require a specific proctor?
To uphold academic integrity standards and comply with university policy. DEN reserves the right to revoke proctor approval at any time.
What does the proctoring agreement cover?
Proctors agree to verify your ID, supervise without distraction, and protect exam materials. Friends, family, or students cannot serve as proctors.
My proctor is unsure what to do. Can you help?
Yes. DEN sends instructions to all approved proctors. You or your proctor can email us for clarification anytime.
My proctor changed—what now?
Submit a new form and immediately email denexam@usc.edu with the subject line "Urgent – Proctor Change."
I submitted a form but never heard back. What should I do?
Follow up with denexam@usc.edu after 3–5 business days. Keep copies of everything you submit.
What happens if I use an unapproved proctor?
You may face academic integrity violations, including course failure or disciplinary action under the USC Student Conduct Code.
What happens if my proctor does not return the exam?
This could delay your grade and the proctor may also be disqualified for future use.
EXCEPTIONS & ACCOMMODATIONS
How do I request exam accommodations?
Contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) to obtain a letter. Email your accommodation letter to both your instructor and DEN Exams at least one week before your exam.
Will DEN share my accommodations with the instructor?
No. You are responsible for emailing your OSAS letter to both the instructor and DEN Exams. DEN does not coordinate with the OSAS center directly.
I am traveling during the exam. What are my options?
Business Travel: Submit a signed supervisor letter on company letterhead at least two weeks in advance.
Vacation/Personal Travel: Not an approved reason to miss or reschedule an exam.
What if I forget to submit my business travel letter?
DEN may not be able to support alternate arrangements without timely documentation. Always notify us at least two weeks in advance.
Can I take the exam at home if my child is sick?
Home-based proctoring is not allowed, unless a virtual proctoring solution (such as Honorlock) is discussed and approved.
Can I reschedule my exam due to a conflict?
Only if approved by your instructor. DEN does not reschedule exams unless the instructor authorizes a change.
What if my exam format changes?
Exam formats may vary by term or instructor. Prior online exams are not a guarantee of future online availability. Always check your syllabus.
What happens if I submit my proctor form late?
You may be required to test on campus or at a testing center with limited availability. Late forms may not be processed in time.
DURING THE EXAM
What info will I get in the DEN Exams email before the test?
It will include your exam time, proctor info, and special instructions. Confirm all details are accurate and contact DEN if anything is wrong.
What happens if I am late to the exam?
You could lose exam time or be disqualified. Notify your proctor and DEN immediately if an emergency delays you.
Can I bring water, snacks, or headphones to the exam?
Water is usually fine. Headphones, smartwatches, and other electronics are prohibited unless specified in your accommodations or exam rules.
PLANNING & SUPPORT
When should I start planning for my exam?
As soon as you have exam dates. Secure time off, childcare, and (if your course requires in person proctoring) a proctor. Testing centers may book up fast, especially for finals.
My course requires in person proctoring and I am having trouble finding a proctor. Can DEN help?
Yes! Reach out to DEN Exams for assistance locating an approved testing center or alternative proctor in your area.
Who do I contact with questions?
- Email: denexam@usc.edu
- Phone: (213) 740-9356
- Website: https://viterbigrad.usc.edu/technical-support/homework-exams