FAS Regulations: Final and Midterm Examinations
Robert D. Cameron, Associate Dean of Applied Sciences
Revision A - March 10, 2000
The following new section of the FAS Handbook of Regulations and
Guidelines is proposed to deal with the scheduling of examinations and
makeup provisions for missed exams.
FAS-5.X Final and Midterm Examinations
FAS-5.X.1 Final Exam Scheduling
- Final examinations are scheduled by the
Registrar's Office in advance of course registration.
The scheduling algorithm often makes a choice between two or three
feasible exam slots, based on a mapping of lecture slots to
exam slots. In compelling circumstances, and prior to the
publication of the exam schedule, a School may enlist
the assistance of the Associate Dean in requesting that
exams be moved between feasible slots.
-
Once course registration has begun, changes in the
scheduled exam time may only be made with the written
consent of all registered students.
FAS-5.X.2 Scheduling Conflicts and Alternative Evaluation.
- As a condition of course registration,
students are required to ensure their availability to write
the final examination as scheduled.
No student may write a final examination other than at the scheduled time.
-
On the basis of religious beliefs or other exceptional circumstances
that make it impossible for a student to write the final examination
at the scheduled time, the Director of a School may approve a request
to arrange an alternative evaluation scheme for assignment of a
course grade on a CR/F (credit/fail) basis.
FAS-5.X.3 Remote Examination
-
In extenuating circumstances, a student
may sit the final examination of a course at a remote location
under the supervision of an invigilator acceptable to the Director
of a School.
A remote examination fee of $100 applies.
The examination will be delivered to the remote location by fax
or another suitable method shortly before the scheduled exam time.
At the conclusion of the allotted time for the exam, the invigilator will fax
the completed student work to the School office and will arrange for
delivery of the original.
FAS-5.X.4 Missed Final Examinations
-
Normally, when a student misses a final examination, the
N grade (incomplete) is awarded.
However, in the event of illness, or for other compassionate reasons,
the student may be given consideration in the course if supporting
documentation is filed with the School Director (or Registrar)
within four days of the date on which the examination was to have
been written.
- If the Director of a School accepts the request for consideration
when a final exam has been missed due to illness or for other
compassionate reasons, the following options are available.
- The DE grade (deferred) may be filed pending final resolution of
the grade according to one of the options below.
- The instructor may propose an alternative evaluation system
in place of the final examination for determination of a course grade
on a CR/F (credit/fail) basis.
- If the nature of the illness or other compassionate consideration
makes it impossible for the student to complete an alternative
evaluation, the instructor may determine a final grade on
an AE/F (aegrotat pass/fail) basis.
- When circumstances warrant,
an alternative written exam may be scheduled for determination of
a final course grade on an A/B/C/D/F basis,
provided that the instructor has confidence that a second
exam can be accurately calibrated against the standard established
by the missed exam.
- If a DE grade is not otherwise modified by the fifth day of
classes of the semester or session immediately following the course,
the grade is converted to F.
FAS-5.X.5 Missed Midterm Examinations
- Normally, when a midterm examination is missed for any reason,
the final exam grade will be used in its place.
- Make-up midterm examinations are only available when both of the
following conditions hold.
- The course has no final examination or the midterm examination
has been identified in the course grading scheme as mandatory.
- The examination has been missed due to illness, or for other
compassionate reasons, and the student has filed acceptable
supporting documentation with the course instructor (or School Director)
within four days of the date on which the examination was to have
been written.
- Make-up midterm examinations will be held within one week of
the original examination or during the first week of the final exam period.
Rationale
This policy seeks to provide instructors and Schools with flexible
means to address exceptional circumstances that may arise with respect
to final or midterm examinations. Whereas make-up examinations
are both costly and difficult to calibrate against
the grading standards of the missed exams, the policy defines
alternatives that apply wherever possible.
Notes
The designation 5.X is temporary, pending assignment of section
numbers within the overall revision of the FAS Handbook.