TOLC@HOME: Regulations – INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS @ UNIVERSITY OF SIENA

Participants must comply with the virtual exam room rules outlined in this regulation, as well as the specific Room Configuration, Network and Technical Requirements, which they acknowledge upon test registration.

Logging into the system serves as an electronic signature for entry, while clicking the button to confirm test completion at the end of the exam serves as an electronic signature for exit and a declaration of proper test execution.

It is the participant’s responsibility to properly terminate the test. If the test is not completed, the participant will not be able to view the score, and the TOLC@HOME result will not be validated.

Participant Obligations

Failure to comply with the following rules may result in test suspension or cancellation. For the entire duration of the TOLC, participants must:

Keep the mobile device’s camera activated at all times.
Keep the mobile device’s microphone activated and refrain from using any accessories connected to it.
Ensure proper lighting in the testing environment.
Remain completely silent throughout the exam.
Comply with all verification procedures requested by the exam commission at any time.
Prevent any other individuals from entering the testing room and keep the door closed for the entire duration of the TOLC@HOME session.

Technical Assistance and Communication

For any technical or procedural issues, participants may communicate with exam proctors (Commissioners) via:

Private chat on the Zoom application.
Chat within the test platform (after the test has started).

At least one Commissioner per virtual room is responsible for ensuring the proper administration of the TOLC@HOME. Commissioners will:

Continuously monitor test conditions to ensure compliance.
Request at any time that a participant show their surroundings and confirm their presence.
Ensure all security protocols are followed to prevent irregularities.

Examiner Authority and Disciplinary Actions

Commissioners have the authority to:

Immediately cancel the TOLC if the rules are violated or if any irregularities or attempts at misconduct are detected.
Invite additional monitoring staff into the virtual rooms, granting them administrative rights to assist with identification and supervision.
Request additional video verification from the participant at any time, either by:
- Activating the laptop’s built-in camera via a browser popup.
- Using the mobile device’s camera for further checks.

In cases of technical issues affecting Commissioners, CISIA staff may temporarily replace them and continue monitoring and verifying participants.

If no Commissioner can return to the virtual room within 30 minutes, the TOLC may be reset and rescheduled.

Commissioners are required to suspend the test if a participant:

Leaves the virtual room.
Disables their camera or microphone.
Produces noises incompatible with proper test conditions.

For serious violations, Commissioners may, at their sole discretion, immediately cancel the test.

Technical Issues and Test Validity

Participants and Commissioners can communicate via chat on the laptop throughout the session.
If a participant experiences technical difficulties, they may request assistance via the private chat.
Once the issue is resolved, Commissioners can reactivate the participant’s credentials to resume the test.
If chat is unavailable, Commissioners may contact participants by phone.

If a technical issue arises that is not due to the participant’s negligence and cannot be resolved, the participant may receive a credit to reschedule a new TOLC session at no additional cost.

However, if the participant’s laptop or internet connection does not meet the required specifications, the test will not be initiated or validated, and no refunds will be issued. In such cases, the participant may still register for a future session by paying the registration fee again.

For severe violations, universities, in collaboration with CISIA, may impose additional sanctions.