Suspension of COLE, Concordia’s online exam platform

Dear Concordians,

Late last night during the final testing phase of COLE, Concordia’s online exam platform, we encountered an integration issue affecting the security of the solution. We immediately shut down the platform to investigate. 

The issue has since been resolved. That said, we would like to conduct more testing of the platform. As exams are beginning next week, we have concluded that it would be prudent to suspend the rollout of COLE for the time being, and reassess over the summer.

The exams that were to have taken place on the COLE platform will still take place but in a different format, and will not be proctored. All other exams, including timed exams on Moodle, will proceed as scheduled.

We realize that this news may cause stress at a time that is already filled with anxiety for many members of the community. We regret this unforeseen turn of events. We have been working to adapt to an ever-evolving landscape to the best of our abilities. Please be assured that we are continuing to do so.

As a reminder, students who are not able to write a timed online exam and who wish to request either a deferral or a redistribution of grades must visit this page to fill out the appropriate form. The deadline to submit the form is May 10. 

We will be communicating further details to faculty and students in the coming days. 

Best regards,

Anne Whitelaw
Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic