UNL Digital Learning Center: Exam Scheduling & Info
Quick Summary
- Digital exam proctoring service
- Two campus locations available
- Online reservation system for exams
The Digital Learning Center (DLC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) serves as a central hub for web-based assessments. This specialized facility, also known as the Exam Commons, offers a streamlined environment for both instructors and students to manage and complete digital examinations. Designed to support large-scale, digitally administered tests, the DLC provides a proctored setting crucial for academic integrity. It facilitates exams created on widely used learning management systems and assessment platforms. Understanding how to utilize this essential university resource can greatly enhance your academic experience at UNL. Whether you are an instructor submitting an exam or a student preparing to take one, this guide offers a clear overview of the DLC's functions, access methods, and support options.
- 📋 Preparing for Your Digital Learning Center Assessment
- 📍 Accessing Your DLC Exam Schedule and Instructor Tools
- ⭐ Key Offerings of the University's Exam Commons
- ⚠️ Navigating Common Challenges at the DLC
- 🔒 Ensuring Fair and Secure Digital Testing Environments
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Answers to Your Top Digital Learning Center Questions
Preparing for Your Digital Learning Center Assessment
- For Instructors: You must submit an official exam request through the dlc-reserve.unl.edu portal. Ensure your course's exam is designed for platforms like Canvas, Mobius Assessments, or WeBWorK, as these are natively supported.
- For Students: Your instructor must have already scheduled your exam through the DLC. You will then need to reserve a specific testing timeslot in advance via the dlc-reserve.unl.edu website.
- University Credentials: Access to various UNL digital portals, including Canvas and MyUNL, typically requires your standard University of Nebraska-Lincoln login or TrueYou credentials.
Accessing Your DLC Exam Schedule and Instructor Tools
- For Instructors to Schedule Exams: Visit http://dlc-reserve.unl.edu to initiate and submit your exam request. Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation.
- For Students to Reserve Testing Times: Navigate to dlc-reserve.unl.edu. You can begin registering for available timeslots up to two weeks before the examination period. The system will send automatic notification and reminder emails about your scheduled exam.
- General Access to UNL Tools: For a centralized entry point to various academic resources, including the DLC Exam Commons link, log into MyUNL with your UNL login. This digital portal connects you to Canvas, MyRED, and other essential university services.
Key Offerings of the University's Exam Commons
- Comprehensive Web-Based Assessment Service: The DLC provides a robust environment for administering and overseeing digital exams, ensuring a consistent testing experience for all participants.
- Dedicated Proctoring Support: On-site managers and trained student staff are present at both locations to proctor examinations, maintaining a fair and controlled testing atmosphere.
- Broad Platform Compatibility: The center supports digitally created exams from key educational platforms, including Canvas, Mobius Assessments, and WeBWorK.
- Intuitive Exam Scheduling System: Instructors can easily submit exam requests, while students can conveniently reserve their preferred testing times through the dlc-reserve.unl.edu online account management system.
- Convenient Campus Locations: The DLC operates two accessible sites: the City Campus Exam Commons (in Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons) and the East Campus Exam Commons (in Dinsdale Learning Commons), offering flexibility for students across campus.
- Automated Communication: The dlc-reserve system keeps students informed with automatic email notifications and reminders about their scheduled exams, reducing the chance of missed appointments.
- Instructor Exam Moderation Tools: Instructors have the ability to extend quiz dates or grant additional attempts within Canvas, which is particularly useful for handling makeup exam requests.
Navigating Common Challenges at the DLC
⚠️ Forgot Username or Password for UNL Services
Cause: You are unable to access your university digital portal or specific academic tools.
Solution: If you forget your UNL login credentials for services like MyUNL, Canvas, or the DLC reservation system, look for 'Find My Username' or 'Reset My Password' options. Avoid creating a new account. For Canvas specifically, your TrueYou credentials are used.
⚠️ Late Arrival for a Scheduled Exam
Cause: You arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled exam start time at the DLC.
Solution: If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may be asked to contact your instructor directly or to reschedule your testing appointment for another time. Prompt arrival is important to ensure you have sufficient time for your assessment.
⚠️ Unable to Modify an Instructor Exam Reservation
Cause: An instructor needs to change details for an exam reservation that has an 'Approved' or 'Approved/Locked' status.
Solution: Once an exam reservation reaches 'Approved' or 'Approved/Locked' status, instructors cannot make direct edits. You must contact the DLC manager to request any necessary changes. Instructors can, however, cancel a request from their dashboard on dlc-reserve.unl.edu.
⚠️ Student Requires a Makeup Exam or Extended Access
Cause: A student needs to take a makeup exam or requires extended access to an assessment in Canvas.
Solution: Instructors are responsible for extending quiz dates through the last day of the makeup request in Canvas. If a student needs an additional attempt, instructors can add it in the 'Moderate This Quiz' section of Canvas.
Ensuring Fair and Secure Digital Testing Environments
- 🔒 Understand Access Restrictions: The DLC often uses IP restrictions for certain testing platforms, meaning access is confined to specific computers within the testing facility, rather than relying solely on passwords.
- 🔒 Adhere to Material Policies: You are generally not permitted to bring any outside materials into the Digital Learning Center unless your instructor has clearly specified and approved them beforehand. Always clarify with your instructor if you are unsure.
- 🔒 Utilize Two-Factor Authentication: Enhance your online account security by setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with Duo for your UNL login. This adds an extra layer of protection to your digital identity and data.
- 🔒 Stay Informed on University Security Protocols: The University of Nebraska requires annual security awareness training for employees and offers optional online modules for all faculty, staff, and student workers. These cover crucial topics like password management, identifying phishing attempts, and protecting university data under Executive Memorandum 16 (EM 16), which governs responsible use of IT systems.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For assistance with the Digital Learning Center, you can reach out through several channels: * DLC Manager Email: [email protected] * DLC Specific Phone: 402-472-2110 * UNL IT Help Center Phone: (402) 472-3970 * Toll-Free IT Help: 1-866-472-3970 * IT Support Email: [email protected]
Answers to Your Top Digital Learning Center Questions
Q: How do students schedule an exam at the UNL Digital Learning Center?
Students must pre-schedule their exam timeslots through the dlc-reserve.unl.edu website. You can typically begin registering for your exam up to two weeks before the examination period starts.
Q: What are the operating hours for the UNL DLC Exam Commons?
The City Campus Exam Commons typically operates Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, and Sunday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm during regular semesters. Summer hours and East Campus Exam Commons hours may vary, with East Campus generally closed on weekends. Both locations are closed during student breaks, holidays, home football game days, and in cases of inclement weather. It is advisable to check the official website for current hours.
Q: What items are prohibited during an exam at the DLC?
To maintain a secure testing environment, students are generally not allowed to bring any outside materials into the Digital Learning Center. Exceptions are only made if your instructor has explicitly specified and approved particular items beforehand. Always confirm with your instructor prior to your exam.
Q: Where are the physical locations of the UNL Digital Learning Center?
The Digital Learning Center has two primary locations. The City Campus Exam Commons is situated in the southeast corner of the Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons (Love Library North). The East Campus Exam Commons is located in the basement of the Dinsdale Learning Commons (C.Y. Thompson Library).
Q: What should I do if I am late for my scheduled exam at the DLC?
If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled exam start time, the DLC staff may ask you to contact your instructor immediately or to reschedule your testing appointment. To avoid issues, plan to arrive on time for your reservation.
Wrap Up
The Digital Learning Center at UNL plays a vital role in supporting the academic success of students and instructors by providing a reliable and secure environment for web-based examinations. By understanding its requirements, utilizing its efficient scheduling system, and adhering to its security protocols, you can smoothly navigate your digital assessments. Remember to leverage the available support channels for any questions or challenges you encounter, ensuring a focused and fair testing experience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.