Last evening, the UBC Vancouver Senate voted in favour of a motion to direct UBCV Faculties to stop using remote invigilation tools that involve automated recording and algorithmic analysis of data captured during invigilation, except in cases where the use of such 'remote proctoring software' is required by external accreditation bodies. This motion, which is effective immediately, comes after much discussion and consultation with stakeholders across campus, including students and faculty.
The Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic is working with Deans and Faculties in implementing the Senate’s decision. We know that this change, coming late in the term, will impact the planned final assessments for some courses. Support will be available for instructors through their Faculties, such as providing extra TA resources for alternative methods of invigilation and/or exploring alternate options for final course assessments. The Centre for Teaching, Learning & Technology is also preparing additional one-on-one consultation support for instructors, available through their website. In light of this decision by the Senate, our previously announced procurement process to consider options for online proctoring software will be modified moving forward.
I am thankful of the work done by the Senate committee on this matter, and in their thoughtful and comprehensive recommendations.
Simon Bates,
Associate Provost, Teaching and Learning