At NOVA, integrity is a fundamental value that supports all learning. It reflects a commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in your academic work. As a NOVA student, you are expected to uphold these values in everything you do—from submitting assignments and taking exams to participating in class discussions. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to:
Since online courses and online requirements vary, your professor will help you understand what does and does not constitute cheating in your course and on your proctored assessments. Be sure to ask your professor if you aren’t sure.
If you violate the Academic Integrity Policy, your professor may give you a failing grade for the assignment or for the course. Further, you may be reported for an academic integrity violation, reported to an academic dean, or even referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action depending on how serious an infraction was committed.
A webcam is required to complete proctored assessments in NOVA Online courses.
Before your first proctored assessment, review the Proctored Assessments module and the college’s minimum technology standards by pathway/school to ensure you have the equipment and software needed for successful testing.
Please note:
You must complete all required items in the Proctored Assessments module before accessing course exams. This includes the Academic Integrity and Identity Verification activity, which uses Honorlock to verify your identity.
Honorlock uses AI-assisted identity verification by comparing your photo ID with the name listed in Canvas. If the name on your ID does not match the name enrolled in Canvas, contact your instructor before the exam to discuss available accommodations.
You do not need an access code to use Honorlock.
If Honorlock asks for an access code, one of the following may be causing the issue:
To prepare for testing:
Honorlock may prevent you from accessing an exam if other browsers or applications remain open.
When you are ready to begin:
Students may uninstall the Honorlock extension after submitting their exam.
If calculator use is permitted in your course, Honorlock provides a built-in calculator. Select the Calculator button on the Honorlock toolbar during the assessment to access it.
Honorlock offers 24/7 technical support through live chat on the Honorlock support website.
If you experience technical difficulties or have concerns about testing, contact:
Students with special circumstances, including privacy concerns, equipment limitations, military deployment, or other approved needs, should contact their instructor as early as possible.
You may also submit a request through the NOVA Online Proctor Request Process for approved alternative arrangements, such as testing at a college testing center or military installation. Requests should be submitted well in advance, as processing may take up to five business days. Delayed requests may result in missed assessment deadlines.
If you are enrolled in this course through a different Virginia Community College other than NOVA (SSDL), you may contact your home college liaison for proctoring instructions about how to test at your home college.
Faculty will always work with students to implement their Office of Accommodations & Accessibility approved Memorandum of Accommodations (MOA), which may impact how your proctored assessments are given. Please reach out to your professor to discuss specific needs for the course and for course testing at the start of the semester to ensure you are fully supported.