In many classes at UMass Boston, professors have required the usage of proctoring softwares (such as lockdown browser/respondus). These softwares use cameras and microphones in order to record and upload students as they are taking their exam. This is an invasion of privacy for all students. In addition, these softwares result in extreme anxiety because students are being flagged for moving around, looking anywhere else but the computer screen (which causes eye strain), grabbing a piece of paper/water/calculator, family members speaking around them, ect. Attending school online has been challenging, but also having to worry about being flagged and the anxiety of being recorded during an exam affects student performance negatively.

* Semester and final exams should not be proctored anymore. Students can not be expected to take a proctored online final exam for the allotted time of three hours.

Other cons include and are not restricted to:

-Getting kicked off the software and having to take the exam again

-Sometimes not being able to go back to previous questions

-3rd party companies gaining access to our identification and a video of our surroundings. 

-Technical problems while logging on (resulting in a reduced exam time)

-Bad internet connection (especially students who are not in the country, as we have a lot of international students who may not have fast wifi)

-International students have to deal with the time difference

-Some computers are not compatible 

-Many students struggle finding a quiet place to study (it is chaotic being at home with siblings at school, and parents working remotely). In addition, all libraries and cafes are closed. Some students do not have desks and are forced to work on their beds, which isn't effective. Therefore, studying for proctored exams is harder than usual, and it unfair. 

-It is harder for students to get partial credit in math based classes, or classes that include calculations. Students are unable to show work. 

-There are many more downsides to proctored exams compared to the only upside: Avoiding cheating.

Professors have many other options to avoid cheating. Using lockdown browser is not the best one. UMass Boston should not take this petition as students trying to be "lazy" but overworked. We are all trying to adjust with the ongoing situation, although proctored exams are adding unnecessary stress to students. Due to the pandemic, professors and students are experiencing an increase of mental health problems. We are all exhausted. Why not make it a little better for all of us.

UMass Boston should consider the well being of their students and consider alternative methods of exam taking without being proctored. Many other schools in Massachusetts have banned these softwares, why shouldn't UMass Boston? 

Students, please share any other inconveniences in the comments!

Thank you for your consideration!