Honorlock is an online auto-proctoring tool that can be linked to quizzes in Canvas. It is important to consider accommodations for students prior to using Honorlock as the students' accommodations may generate additional flags for review and/or may conflict with standard instructions you provide to students taking the quiz.

This document is part of an Honorlock guide series, Honorlock - Implementing disability-related accommodations (Instructors). or view the following steps for implementing Student Accommodations using Honorlock.

Steps for Implementing Student Accommodations

1. Review known issues and limitations of Honorlock (this document)
2. Setting up accommodations or bypass proctoring in Honorlock
3. Discuss accommodation plans with individual students
4. Document individual accommodation plans
5. Add extended time and accommodate timed assessments

Exam instructions may conflict with some student accommodations

When starting an exam, Honorlock presents the instructions that you provide.  The tool itself does not explicitly state behaviors, resources, etc. that are prohibited.  However, the auto proctoring artificial intelligence (AI) may flag certain behaviors for review.  For  example, if the student leaves their seat to stretch, take a break, use a medical device, or use the restroom, you may receive a notification that indicates "Face not clearly visible." 

Note that "Single Display" does not prohibit the use of a second monitor, but does require that the monitors all be in mirror or duplicate mode. In most instances, this should meet the need of students who use an external monitor for magnification or ergonomics. 

Some instructions that you put in the "Student Instructions" for an Honorlock proctored exam may also conflict with accommodations:

• Instructions to clear the desk and surrounding area may conflict for students who are approved for access to food/drink/medication or a medical device
• Restrictions on talking may conflict for students who may read questions aloud or who use text to speech technology for audio  
• Restrictions on the use of headphones may conflict for students who use headphones for audio exams, screen readers, or for noise reduction
• Restrictions on the use of other software may conflict for students who use assistive technology

Honorlock cannot monitor students under all circumstances

Not all students will be able to scan their ID in Honorlock when starting an exam.

If the instructor requires to turn on "Student ID" scan, Honorlock asks the student to hold a government or student ID up to their webcam during the startup process. Some students may be unable to position their ID in view of their webcam to complete this ID scanning requirement (due to a visual, physical, or other disability). 

Additionally, students may encounter difficulty scanning their IDs due to recent updates to identification information or their image which may impact a wide range of people including LGBTQ+ students.

If the ID scan fails, Honorlock does not specify the reason the scan has failed which can cause a usability barrier for the student attempting to resolve their scan ID issue. (Honorlock will not allow an image of the student’s face to be photographed instead of an ID.) 

If a student is unable to scan their ID using Honorlock, they can use Honorlock online chat to request assistance from an Honorlock Support Representative. If Honorlock is unable to assist the student in completing this step, the student may need to email their instructor to request an exemption from proctoring.

Not all students will be able to scan their room in Honorlock when starting an exam

If you turn on "Room Scan," Honorlock asks the student to scan their room prior to entering the proctoring session. A student may not be able to complete this task as a result of a motor or physical disability. Even with this setting on, Honorlock does not impede the student's ability to take the exam based on the quality of the room scan if the student clicks record, but does not move their computer during the room scan.  However, it is important for the instructor to let the student know, if appropriate, that they are exempt from moving their computer during the room scan. The quality of the room scan does create a flag for the instructor to review.

Get help with Honorlock

• Review the Honorlock Overview (UW-Madison) KB 

• Contact Honorlock Support by enabling Honorlock in your Canvas course and using the Honorlock online chat.

• For questions regarding student accommodations, contact the student’s McBurney Center Access Consultant (the Access Consultant’s Name appears on the student’s Faculty Notification Letter). The Faculty Notification Letter identifies accommodations that are intended to minimize barriers and provide equal access for students without compromising the essential elements of a course.