Use of amanuenses (or scribes) during exams

Prior to the first examination session the School / Department should:

• arrange a familiarisation session between the amanuensis and the student, at this stage the amanuensis should remind the student that they can ask that the dictated script be read aloud as often as is needed during the exam
• ensure that the amanuensis checks with the student how they wish to use their support (different students may have different preferences in terms of how they will dictate their answers etc.)
• ensure that the amanuensis familiarises themselves with these notes for guidance and the University’s Codes of Practice on the Conduct of Centrally Co-ordinated Formal Written Examinations.

NB: It is important that the amanuensis adopts the approach and pace preferred by the student

During the examination the amanuensis should:

• write down or word process answers exactly as they are dictated, including punctuation as stipulated by the student
• write legibly
• require the student to provide spellings for specialist or technical terms used in his / her answer
• allow the student on request to review and seek correction of the script

The amanuensis should not:

• give any factual help to the student or offer any suggestions
• give advice to the student on which question to answer or in which order
• give advice to the student regarding when to move onto the next question

The student is permitted to use an answer book to make any rough notes if required.

• The amanuensis must ensure that the student’s details are completed on the front of each answer book and that all written work is handed in. Any rough work, which the student does not wish to be marked, should be crossed through.
• All discussions between the amanuensis and the student are strictly confidential. The amanuensis should not discuss students outside the working environment.

• Students are responsible for notifying their Schools/Departments immediately of any alternative examination requirements. Any late notification will require at least 48 hours for appropriate arrangements to be made.
• If a student requiring an amanuensis is unable to attend an examination they should advise the School / Department as soon as possible.

• Schools / Departments are responsible for appointing an amanuensis and for providing a separate venue for the examinations sitting.
• Given the need for some degree of expertise in the subject area, Schools / Departments are responsible for finding an amanuensis; should they experience any difficulty in finding a suitable nominee, advice can be sought from DLSS and the Examinations Office.
• Schools / Departments should arrange an initial briefing session prior to the examination to facilitate a practice or familiarisation session. This will allow the student to clarify their mode of working without eroding into the session of the examination.
• The School / Department should provide the amanuensis with a copy of these guidelines prior to the start of the examination.
• The Examinations Office will only meet the costs for centrally administered examinations during the main summer and supplementary examination periods. The home School / Department will need to meet the cost for an amanuensis, if required, for any class tests or examinations, which fall outside these periods.
• In instances where a student states that they require an amanuensis but this does not form part of an SSA agreement then please contact DLSS in the first instance.

• The Examinations Office will pay the invigilation costs of an amanuensis for centrally administered examinations done during the January, Main Summer, and Supplementary Examination Periods.