Testing Center Now Requires Appointments

A vital College resource, the Testing Center reopened this month at campuses in Hampton and Williamsburg with a notable change. The center now requires appointments for service.

"The biggest change is that we're going to an appointment basis via Navigate (which is accessible from MyTNCC)," said Yvonne Blow, Testing Center coordinator in Hampton. "That doesn't mean we're not going to serve the walk-ins … if there's an opening, say 3:30, the student would have to go on Navigate and put their name down for that 3:30 and we will take care of them."

The Testing Center team includes Blow and Charles Eckstein in Hampton (room 254, Wythe Hall) and Katherine Hart at the Historic Triangle campus (room 124). They provide students with a range of services, including:

• Make-up testing for students in asynchronous and synchronous classes;
• Computerized testing for students who face technology or connectivity challenges;
• Personalized testing for students who have disabilities per their accommodations (for ADA compliance);
• Virginia Placement Test to veterans for GI Bill eligibility; and
• Virginia Placement Test upon request by students as well as advisers.

The center also offers a community service - proctoring tests for Peninsula residents enrolled at other colleges/universities upon request. They must also make appointments by calling the Hampton campus location at (757) 825-3540 or (757) 258-6538 for the Historic Triangle campus. Blow pointed out Navigate is not required since these patrons cannot access the online platform.

The shift from walk-in service to appointments was part of Reconstitution Group efforts when the College mapped return to campus plans as pandemic restrictions eased. Blow and math faculty member Paul Tessier co-chaired the Reconstitution Group's Testing Center subcommittee. It aimed to examine operations and identify the center's mission and vision.

Blow thanked Tessier for his strong support and dedication to meeting the goals. She also acknowledged everyone for their participation in subcommittee efforts.

"The Testing Center services are an asset to the students and faculty. It is imperative we all work in harmony for our students' success. The objective is to help the students be successful and the centers provide that assistance," she said.