Exam Instructions
Tax LL.M. students should check with their program for exam instructions.
Exam schedule
The exam schedule is posted on the exams webpage by the first day of each quarter.
The MyUW page on exams does not list the correct exam times for law school courses.
Exam numbers
Law School exams are taken by exam numbers instead of by names. Law students will need to get their exam numbers through their online adjusted schedule. Each student is responsible for knowing his or her examination number prior to the start of each exam time and writing it on any item submitted as part of the exam (bluebooks, computer media, and the exam).
Exams to be taken inside designated rooms
The law faculty adopted the policy in April 2007 that “all Law School exams (other than take-home exams) be taken in designated rooms under procedures established by the deans and Academic Services.” A chart, with a list of assigned rooms for exams, will be posted each exam day by room 133.
Distribution
Exams will be distributed in the assigned exam room for a class beginning 10 minutes before the starting time of the exam. Typically students may enter the room and set up for their exam about 15 to 20 minutes prior to the start time for the exam.
Rescheduled exam
If you have rescheduled an exam, you will be sent an email with instructions on how to pick up the exam. Please speak directly to Academic Services if you need to reschedule an exam. Do not attempt to contact the instructor about rescheduling an exam.
Exam Seating
Seat yourself so that an empty seat or aisle is between you and the next person. Students are not permitted to share notes, textbooks, or have any conversations with other students once the exam has begun.
Writing the exam
Do not read anything other than the instructions on the cover sheet prior to the time the exam is scheduled to begin. At that time, check to be sure that you have all the pages and that they are legible. Write the course name and number on your bluebook, CD, diskette, or USB drive. Write your exam number on each bluebook in the space provided for name, not your name.
Bluebooks
Students are required to provide their own 8 ½ x 11 bluebooks. Do not use the smaller sized bluebooks. Bluebooks are available at the University Bookstore.
Exam Materials
Students need to be sure to have all needed materials with them prior to the start of the exam. Students are not permitted to take the exam form out of the room. Students are also not permitted to leave the room to get books, notes, or other items. For classrooms with closed book exams, approved scratch paper will be provided, and it will need to be turned it with the exam.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices including cellphones, CD players, MP3 players, Palm Pilots®, pagers, and similar devices need to be turned off and stored out of sight during an exam period. Ringers or buzzers on watches and clocks should be silenced. Headphones and earbuds are not permitted to be worn in the examination room.
Earplugs
Students may wish to use earplugs to avoid distractions during the examination period.
Computers & computer devices
Students are not required to use a computer to take their exams. The use of computers and computer devices is prohibited for the exam unless clearly specified in the instruction sheet of the exam. Additional details are provided in the “Use of Computers on Exams” information sheet (available online and at room 361).
Non-English speakers
Students who do not speak English as their native language may be permitted extra time if certified. Those students who believe they may qualify need to complete a request form and submitted it to Academic Services at least 10 days before exams. Students will be notified by email regarding approval of the request and of the specific arrangements for this accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
May I take a break to use the restroom or go the first floor vending machines during the exam period?
Yes, but you are not permitted to take any materials with you, or have a conversation with anyone (other than an exam administrator).
May I go outside to go have a smoke break?
No, students may not leave the building during an exam period except in the case of an emergency. (FYI: the allowed smoking area in this part of the campus is not near the building, it is in the N-1 parking area.)
May I bring food and drink into the examination room?
Yes, a limited amount of food and/or drinks may be brought into the examination room so long as the access to and the consumption of those items are not disturbing to other taking the exam. You may not share items with others in the examination room.
When do I start the exam?
Exams start and stop by the clock in the classroom. An exam administrator will announce the start and the end times in the room. He or she will be the one distributing the exams and collecting them in the room at the end of the period.
What if I am sick on the day of the exam?
Students who are sick are not expected to take an exam in that condition. If you are sick enough not to be able to take an exam, you should seek treatment. It would be expected that you get a treatment note from the doctor or clinic that you see. That note needs to be submitted at or before the time of the rescheduled exam.