Final Exams
Final Exams
What is a final examination?
Final examinations provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of a specific body of knowledge or a specific subject area or demonstrate their ability to apply a specific set of skills at the end of a period of instruction. Many BTVI courses require a final examination at the end of the semester.
When do final exams occur?
Final examinations begin the week immediately following the last day of classes. This usually occurs during the 15th week of the fall and spring semesters and the 8th week of the summer semester.
How do students find out about final exams?
Normally, the Office of Examinations and Testing Services (OETS) posts the final examination schedule no later than 6 weeks before the end of classes for the fall and spring semesters and 3 weeks before the end of classes for the summer semester. Students must check the final exam schedule carefully. Misreading the final examination schedule is no excuse for not taking a final exam.
What should students expect to see on the final examination schedule?
Students should expect to see the following:
• Course abbreviation, number, section number and name.
• Name of course instructor.
• Whether the exam is in-person or virtual.
• Date of the exam.
• Start time and end time for the exam.
What should students do if they have concerns or issues with the final exam schedule?
Students who have concerns or issues with the schedule must contact OETS immediately at [email protected].
Must students sit their final exams on the day and time indicated on the final exam schedule?
Yes. Students must sit the final exam on the day and time indicated on the schedule. Failure to do so may result in an F for the exam.
What should students do if they are unable to sit their final exam as scheduled?
Students who, due to extenuating or other circumstances outside of their control, are unable to sit their final exam as scheduled should notify their course instructor and OETS as soon as possible, preferably before the start of the final examination period. Students may request a special sitting of their final exam.
What happens if students are late for their final exam?
• Students should arrive on time for each final exam; to be on the safe side, students should report to the exam room at least 20 minutes before the start of the exam.
• Students who arrive within 45 minutes of the start of the exam, will be allowed to sit the exam but will not be given extra time for the exam.
• Students who arrive 45 minutes after the start of the exam will not be allowed to sit the exam.
What should students bring to the final exam?
• A valid photo identification such as a BTVI student ID card, e-passport, National Insurance Board card, driver’s license or other form of government issued photo identification.
• Required electronic and/or other approved devices and resources needed for the exam.
• Cell phones, headphones and earbuds are NOT allowed in a final exam.
What should students with disabilities and/or special needs do if they require special assistance with final exams?
• Students with disabilities and/or special needs who require special assistance with final exams should contact OETS immediately after the final exam schedule has been posted.
• OETA will, with the help of the Office of Student Affairs, make every effort to accommodate the exam needs of students with disabilities and/or special needs.
Can students be removed from a final exam?
Yes. Students may be removed from a final exam if they:
• communicate with anyone other than the invigilator during the exam.
• provide or receive assistance during the exam from anyone other than the invigilator.
• turn their camera off during a virtual exam.
• access course or other external resource materials during the exam, including those available through the VLE platform, unless explicitly authorised to do so by the invigilator, course instructor and Head of Department.
• possess unauthorised material or devices during the exam, whether they intend to use them or not.
• leave the examination room without the invigilator’s permission.
• step away from their device in a virtual exam without the invigilator’s permission.
Can students see their graded final exam papers?
Yes. Students may request to see their graded final exam in the presence of their course instructor or Head of Department. Final exam papers will not be returned to students.
What should students do if they have concerns with the grade allocated for the final exam?
• Students should meet with their course instructor no later than 48 hours after the final exam grade has been posted to discuss any issues or concerns with their final exam grade.
• After meeting with their course instructor, students who still have issues or concerns with their final exam grade may submit a completed Final Grade Appeal Request to the Dean of Academic Administration. The Dean shall convene a meeting of the Final Grade Appeal Panel to review the concern, act as mediator and make a decision. The decision of the Panel is final.
Policy on Final Examinations