University Governance
AMENDMENT TO USRR 1.3.2 AND 1.4.1
RECOMMENDED BY THE CALENDAR COMMITTEE
Charge to the Committee:
Discuss and identify a written calendar-related policy for on-line exams, taking into account the increase in the number of instructors using secure on-line exams. This policy could be as simple as adding a clause in the USRR regarding on-line and take-home exams and finals, and their effect on the freeing up of class time. Report this information to SenEx by November 3, 2008.
Recommendation:
The University Calendar Committee agrees that a rule for on-line exams, mid-terms and finals, which are increasingly being given, should be codified in the USRR and should also include take-home exams, which are also common. The recommendation is shown in bold italics below:
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USRR
Article I. Academic Schedules
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Section 3. Final Examination Schedules
1.3.1 The Calendar Committee shall prepare and submit to the University Senate for approval a schedule for final examinations for each semester, so that it may be included in the Official Timetable of Classes.
1.3.2. A Comprehensive Final Examination is defined as an examination that tests over class content covering the entire term. A Section Examination is defined as an examination that tests over class content covering a unit, section, topic or part of the term, but does not cover the entire content of the class.
Normally the last examination in a course - whether a comprehensive Final Examination or a Section Exam - is administered at the appointed time during the regularly scheduled final exam period. An exam may be given during the last week of classes ONLY if it is a Section Exam preceding a Comprehensive Final Examination; this Comprehensive Final Examination must be administered at the appointed time during the regularly scheduled final exam period. If neither a Section Examination nor a Comprehensive Final Examination is to be given, the class is not required to meet at its appointed time during the regularly scheduled final examination period. If a “take-home” exam is given, the earliest date it may be due is during the regularly scheduled final exam period for the class. Likewise, if the last exam is on-line, the earliest required completion date and time is the regularly scheduled final exam period for the class. The above does not apply to assignments such as projects, performances, or papers. These may be due or take place during the last week of regular classes.
Any exceptions to the above rules must be approved by the Calendar Committee. Petitions to the committee must be submitted at least three weeks before the last scheduled day of classes. Students' academic best interests shall be the criteria for the Calendar Committee's decisions on petitions. The Committee will consider a request for a special final exam time only if the request encompasses ALL sections of a course. The Committee will not accept petitions for special final examination times for the purpose of consolidating single exam times for multiple sections taught by the same instructor.
Students should report violations of the above to the appropriate department head or dean, or to the Provost.
Section 4. Examinations, Quizzes and Tests Other Than Final Examinations
1.4.1 Examinations and tests other than final examinations shall normally be given during regularly scheduled class or laboratory hours. When the examination is on-line, the instructor shall designate one class period when the class shall not meet, so that students will have a regularly-scheduled class period in which to take the exam if they so choose. When the exam is “take-home”, it is recommended that the instructor also provide a compensatory class period.
1.4.2 Examinations and tests other than final examinations may be given at times other than regular class hours when the time and place are approved by the Calendar Committee and published in advance in the Official Timetable of Classes. The Committee will consider a request for a special exam time only if the request encompasses ALL sections of a course. The Committee will not accept petitions for special examination times for the purpose of consolidating single exam times for multiple sections taught by the same instructor. When such examinations conflict with a student's obligation to other regularly scheduled university classes the student shall be accorded the opportunity to take the examination or test at a time not in conflict with other regularly scheduled university classes. In the event of the cancellation of an examination due to an emergency, rescheduling of the examination shall be negotiated by the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs with the affected unit.
1.4.3 Examinations and tests other than final examinations should not be scheduled in conflict with mandated religious observances. In order to ascertain in a given class if a scheduled examination conflicts with a mandated religious observance, at the beginning of the semester the instructor shall ask students who may be affected to identify themselves privately so that a make-up examination may be scheduled at a mutually acceptable time.
1.4.4 Students with a verifiable medical crisis of a relative or friend may be excused from being present for scheduled examinations and tests. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate discussion with the instructor, prior to the examination/test if possible. The instructor and student shall come to a mutually agreeable method of making up the missed work.
Section 5. Required Textbooks and Supplies
1.5.1 Within each department it shall be the responsibility of the chairperson to make certain that all necessary steps are taken to assure that required textbooks and supplies are ordered in time to give reasonable assurance of their timely availability. In schools not having program or departmental organization, this shall be the responsibility of the dean.