Exams

Blind Grading Policy

The College of Law uses a blind grading system in most classes, where examination grades are assigned to anonymous exam numbers. Each law student is assigned a random exam number each semester by the Office of Budget & Records. Class participation credit may be added or subtracted after grades are turned in to determine the final class grade.

Distribution and Collection of Exams

Exams are given either by the instructor or a proctor. Specific instructions will be given at the beginning of the exam. Blue Books will be provided by the College of Law if needed for the exam. Each instructor will identify what materials, if any, may be used during the exam. At the conclusion of each exam period, a representative of the Budget & Records Office will collect the examination material at a table located outside the exam room.

Examination Schedule

The final examination schedule will normally last up to two weeks. Generally, no student will have more than one exam on any one day. If a law student does end up with two exams scheduled on the same day, he/she may petition to move one of the exams to a different day.

Final Examinations

No student will be forced to take more than one final exam on any given calendar day. In order to schedule exams within the University provided time period, it is quite possible that during your career in law school, you will have final exams on consecutive days; this does not constitute a conflict that merits a remedy. Students are expected to take final exams during scheduled times. Consequently, students should not schedule other activities during this period. It is the general policy of the law school that an exception to a scheduled final exam period is subject to approval of the class professor and the Dean's Office. The Final Exam Schedule is posted in the middle of the semester. 

Missing a Final Exam

All students are required to take examinations as scheduled. An examination may not be deferred except for serious illness or emergency and then only with the written approval of the Dean. Notification of the illness or emergency must be given to the Dean's Office and the College of Law Registrar as soon as possible, followed by a formal written request for a deferred examination. Arrangements for taking a deferred examination must be made by the student with the registrar. A deferred examination normally must be taken within three weeks following the close of the regular examination period. A fee may be charged for each such deferred examination. A student who fails to take an examination when scheduled, and who has not received approval for a deferred examination, will receive a failing grade.

Typing Exams

Some instructors will allow the typing of the final exam. Students must provide their own typewriter (NO COMPUTERS), extension cords and typing supplies. Separate typing rooms are provided. Depending on the number of students typing their exam and an individual instructor's desire to proctor their exams, a student typing an exam may be giving up his/her right to anonymity in the grading of the exam.

Policy for Exam Taking By Students Needing Special Conditions

Students with disabilities or special needs may contact the Assistant Dean to arrange for special accommodations. Examinations for these students are normally handled through the Center for Accessibility Resources.