The University of Saskatchewan has decided to close for the Christmas break beginning on Monday, December 21. This means that the final exam period is shorter than usual. To fit all the exams into a shorter timeframe, many students have two or more finals scheduled for the same day.
AES cannot arbitarily change final exam dates or times–all changes need to be negotiated directly between a student and their class instructors.
Do YOU have have an accommodation of extra time PLUS two or more finals scheduled for the same day?
Even if you are thinking that you CAN write two finals on the same day, it is extremely important to start a conversation with your instructors. Having two finals on the same day, particularly in this online environment, can be complicated for students who have the accommodation of additional time.
When you talk to your instructor ask about things like:
- Will the exam begin at the same time indicated on the University’s final exam schedule or will the start time be adjusted at all?
- Will there be a timer set for the final exam? If so, will additional time for AES students be added at the BEGINNING or at the END of the exam?
- Will there be a bigger “window” (timeframe) to complete the exam within? e.g., Will extra time be added to download/upload exam documents? Or will the class receive a large amout of time to complete a 3-hour exam, such as 12 hours or 24 hours?
This hypothetical situation shows why a conversation with your instructors is essential
Let’s say that the student Blue Smith has the accommodation of time and a half. Blue has two finals on December 15, one at 2pm and one at 7pm.
In scenario #1, Blue thinks that they will be okay to write both finals at the scheduled times. What Blue doesn’t know is that the instructor for the 7pm exam wants AES students to use their additional time early, so that the instructor doesn’t have stay in their WebEx room until 11:30pm. This means that the instructors are thinking that Blue will write their finals from 2:00-6:30 and 5:00-9:30–which is impossible.
In scenario #2, Blue is stressed about writing two finals back-to-back and is desperate to change one time. What Blue doesn’t know is that one instructor is planning to give out the questions on the last day of classes and require the answers to be submitted by December 15.
There are a lot of variables to consider, especially in an online learning environment. Please talk to your instructors if you have two or more finals currently scheduled for the same day.
Negotiating date/time changes for your final(s) with your instructor(s)
If it is necessary to change a final exam date or time in order for you to receive the accommodations you are entitled to, you must negotiate with your instructor(s). If a final is to be rescheduled, instructors need to have a say in the new date and time. If one instructor refuses to change their exam time, approach the other instructor.
Notifying AES of the new date/time of your final
If you might need to negotiate a new date/time for a final exam, please do that BEFORE you submit your online request for accommodations to AES. When you do submit your request, make a note in the notebox, letting us know which date/time you and the instructor agreed on.
As always, all information must be submitted through the AES online form by our deadline. For December finals, that deadline is 11:59pm on November 19.
We know this is complicated! If you have questions, ask us! Since you need to negotiate your new date/time by November 19, ask us soon. And, since we’re working remotely, it’s easiest to reach us by emailing this address: aesexams@usask.ca