As the final examination period approaches, I would like to clarify some grading issues and reiterate the importance of giving final examinations according to the Final Exam Schedule as referenced on http://inside@towson.edu, the academic calendar category.
The final examination period starts on Saturday, December 13 with exams held at the scheduled class time. In the event of inclement weather on Dec. 13, Saturday “finals” will be held on Dec. 20.
The final examination period for M-F classes starts on Monday, December 15, and ends on Friday, December 19. All faculty are expected to follow the approved final exam schedule. Requests for giving a final exam outside of the final examination period will not be approved. Exceptions during the approved final exam schedule require permission from your department chairperson and college dean. Specifically, if you wish to change the approved final examination day and/or time for any of your courses, you must:
Submit a written request to your department chairperson with a copy to the dean of the college. The request should specify the course title, course number and section number, the Scheduled exam day and time, and the proposed exam day and time.
Include a rationale explaining why a change in exam days and times is necessary.
Include the signatures of the students enrolled in the course supporting the requested change. Students who cannot take the exam at the proposed day and time must be accommodated on an individual basis.
Include verification from Enrollment Services – Registration and Scheduling, of room availability. Cite the specific building and room.
Please note that there are no automatic approvals of exceptions. Several colleges have their own criteria for requesting changes to the final examination schedule which must also be met in addition to those mentioned in this memorandum.
I also ask that you respect established university policy and do not give examinations during the last week of classes. At the end of the semester my office receives a number of complaints from students who have to take exams while completing other course assignments and preparing for final exams. If such complaints continue, I will ask the deans and chairpersons to address them directly.
The Academic Standards Committee has asked that I remind all faculty that Incomplete grades (I) may be given only for verifiable circumstances beyond the control of the student. Incomplete grades should be given only in cases where students have completed most of the term and have a reasonable expectation of successfully completing the remaining work.
General information regarding the postponement of a final examination due to inclement weather can be found on the previously cited website http://inside.towson.edu, the academic calendar category. Should inclement weather occur forcing postponement of any exams, special bulletins will be issued outlining specific alternative plans.
Questions regarding the final examination schedule should be referred to the staff in Enrollment Services – Registration and Scheduling on extension 4-2096, or to Bill Reuling of my staff at 4-4632, or by email at wreuling@towson.edu.
Finally, please note that a final examination schedule provides a sense of order to what is often a very busy and hectic time for both students and faculty. Your cooperation in adhering to university policies regarding final examinations is appreciated.
