For many students, a single exam can make or break their academic journey. A test score might determine whether they pass or fail a course, earn a diploma, or graduate with honors. With so much at stake, the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming, sometimes leading students to take desperate measures like cheating.
As a result, a whole industry has popped up in recent years to help address school's cheating concerns: proctoring services. These services aim to prevent cheating during online exams.
Have you been accused of cheating by a proctoring service? Our Student Defense Team is here to help. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can defend your rights as a student and fight for your future. Call us at 888.535.3686 or fill out our confidential consultation form.
What Is Honorlock?
One of the most widely used proctoring tools is Honorlock, a surveillance-based system that monitors students during exams using AI, facial detection, motion tracking, and browser monitoring.
Honorlock flags any behavior it deems suspicious, leaving instructors to determine whether a violation has occurred. While universities claim such measures are necessary to maintain academic integrity, students often find themselves facing accusations based on questionable or misunderstood evidence.
How Does Honorlock Work?
Honorlock's first line of defense against cheating is AI. Utilizing a Chrome browser extension on every student's computer, AI is there in the background, constantly monitoring student activity during the length of the test.
AI is keeping an eye on:
- Webcam and Microphone Use: AI records all webcam and microphone use, as well as the student's computer screen.
- Browser Activity: All browser activity is monitored, with unauthorized websites triggering immediate red flags.
- Cell Phone Detection: Honorlock can detect if a cell phone is in use in the same room as the test taker.
- Voice Detection: AI records audio and can detect specific keywords or phrases related to the testing subject.
- Eye Movements and Other Behaviors: Honorlock flags behaviors like people being out of view of the camera, eye movement, and suspicious behavior.
If AI detects a red flag, a live human being is alerted to check out the student's screen and assess whether a violation has truly occurred. If the live proctor determines that a violation is likely, the school and instructor will be notified.
What Does an Honorlock Violation Mean?
An Honorlock violation can range from a minor infraction to serious allegations that potentially put your academic career at risk. The most immediate consequence you'll likely face is receiving a failing grade for the exam in question, but you may also face failing the entire course, academic probation, or even suspension or expulsion from school.
My Test Was Flagged, Now What Should I Do?
Facing an Honorlock violation can be a scary and stressful experience. Staying calm is crucial. Take a deep breath. Remember, not all flagged exams result in full-fledged violations. Addressing the situation with your instructor or the live Honorlock proctor in a calm and respectful manner can make a big difference in the moment.
AI can sometimes misinterpret data and human activity. If you encounter a red flag due to a simple misunderstanding, communicate this clearly and confidently to your instructor or proctor. Provide a straightforward explanation. Again, be as calm and respectful as possible. Many issues can be resolved through open and honest conversation. Going forward, use this situation as an opportunity to familiarize yourself with Honorlock and avoid similar issues in the future.
I'm Facing a Violation, Now What?
Firstly, seek legal counsel. Do not try to face an Honorlock violation alone. Facing consequences like suspension or expulsion is a serious matter that not only affects your academic career but can set you on a difficult trajectory post-college as well.
If an Honorlock accusation progresses to the point of a violation, you need legal representation to ensure your rights as a student are protected.
The Lento Law Firm knows how to challenge unfair cheating allegations and protect your future. Our Student Defense Team has helped hundreds of students across the country, and we can help you. Don't let one accusation derail your education and future; reach out today.
Other Tips and Resources
Having an experienced education attorney on your side is the most important step you can take after being accused of an Honorlock violation. Beyond that, here are some additional actions that can help strengthen your position and improve your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Remain Calm: Staying calm allows you to think clearly and avoid making potentially damaging statements against yourself.
- Don't Try to Initiate Conversation or Explain: The time for giving an explanation is when Honorlock initially flags your exam. After the situation progresses to a violation, you need to let your attorney speak for you. You may be surprised how easy it can be to accidentally incriminate yourself when trying to explain even a simple action.
- Gather Evidence: Collect any supporting documents, screenshots, or other evidence that can be used in your defense.
- Review the Honorlock Report: After students complete an exam that uses Honorlock, there is an opportunity to view the entire recording. It's best to review this yourself and, if possible, download and save the recording.
- Review your School's Honor Code: Anytime you are accused of cheating or academic misconduct, it is a good idea to review your school's official honor code. This can help you better understand what policy you may have violated.
- Don't Discuss Your Case with Friends: It can be very tempting to vent to friends and fellow students about the incident, but it is not in your best interest to do so. Again, you never want to put yourself in a situation where you may accidentally incriminate yourself.
- Don't Discuss Your Case Online: You may find yourself wanting to go online to share your experience, but this is not in your best interest. Anything you write or say online can be later used against you.
Protect Your Future. Take Action Now.
An Honorlock accusation can have serious consequences, but you don't have to face it alone. Whether you've been wrongly flagged due to AI misinterpretation or are facing disciplinary action, having the right legal support can make all the difference.
If you or someone you know has been accused of cheating by Honorlock, it's crucial to have an attorney well-versed in academic misconduct matters. Our Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has extensive experience representing students in these situations, and we are ready to fight for you.
Don't let one accusation derail your education and future. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or submit a contact form to discuss your case.
