News-Letter

As if the difficulty of exams weren't enough, students this year will be faced with some unnecessary and frustrating scheduling problems they have encountered in years past. Despite the administration's efforts, exams will likely be given during reading period, or worse, during the last week of classes. Some professors assign papers in lieu of exams but set the due dates prior to the exam period. The current exam schedule also allows for two finals to be scheduled at the same time. This wouldn't be a problem if some maverick professors did not ignore designated make-up times.

The CUE report called upon the University to address this issue, stating that "regardless of the particular configuration of the class week, it is vitally important that, within the semester calendar, the reading and scheduled examination periods be respected." The University responded, reiterating its policy on exams in a letter sent out to faculty that contained guidelines for professors to follow for reading and exam periods. These guidelines have partially addressed the issue, as more professors are respecting the intention of reading period by withholding examinations on those days. However, the University must do more to guarantee that the Commission's recommendation is implemented.

Students do not have easy access to these guidelines if they have questions about when an exam can or cannot be scheduled or when an assignment can or cannot be due. A higher standard could be ensured if both students and faculty were aware of these guidelines. With greater transparency comes consistency and respect for the guidelines. Unfortunately for students and faculty, these guidelines are not posted anywhere online, nor are they listed in the student handbook. One need only check out the Web sites of our peer institutions to see their exam policies proudly posted.

In a letter sent to faculty members, then interim Dean Andrew Douglas and Dean Daniel Weiss stressed "these procedures are prescribed in the interest of fairness to students and an orderly and manageable final examination schedule." However, there is a gap between the ideal of fairness and its actual application. Professors are still scheduling finals and make-ups at their own discretion. The University needs to publicize an explicit policy if they actually want to ensure its fairness.

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