Exam Instructions
Exam Schedule
The exam schedule is posted on the
Exams page by the first day of each quarter. Please note that MyUW does not list the correct exam days and times for law school courses.
Reading Period
Students will have a two day reading period on the Thursday and Friday following the last day of classes for each full-length quarter. No exams will be
administered during this period, nor can make-up classes be scheduled during this period. Review sessions may be held during this period.
Use of Computers on Exams
The Academic Services and Law IT teams work to support the use of computers on exams.
Use of computers during exams is limited to typing functions unless a faculty member specifically authorizes other uses in their exam instructions.
Each student is bound by the Law School Honor Code in all aspects of the examination process.
All Law School exams are administered using exam-taking software.
Information on downloading and using the software is available on the ExamSoft information page.
Exam Numbers
Law School exams are taken by exam numbers instead of by names. Students are assigned a unique exam number each quarter, available
on the MyLaw Exams page. Exam numbers are programmed into the exam-taking
application for each exam period.
Students are responsible for knowing their exam number prior to the start of each exam and recording it on any materials submitted as part of the exam.
Exam Accommodations
Students who believe that they may qualify for disability accommodations on exams may reach out to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Disability Resources
for Students (DRS) in order to establish accommodations. Students may consult with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or the Law School Registrar with any
accommodation-related questions or concerns.
Language Accommodation for Non-English Speakers
Students who do not speak English as their native language may be permitted extra time on exams. Students who believe they may qualify must complete a
Language Accommodation Request for Examinations by the reschedule
deadline for the quarter in question.
Rescheduling of Exams
Students may petition to have an exam rescheduled in a limited number of circumstances, by submitting an
Exam Reschedule Request form by the deadline specified
for each quarter. In no instance should a student discuss rescheduling an exam with their professor.
Exam reschedule requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, and may require Associate Dean approval. Rescheduling of exams is typically granted only in the event of
physical or mental illness, death or serious illness in the family, or very unusual or demanding circumstances that make it unreasonably difficult or burdensome to take
exam(s) at the scheduled time. Rescheduling requests are not typically granted for activities such as travel, field research, interviews (personal or school-related) and
other personal events such as weddings, reunions, and the like.
Whenever possible, exams will be rescheduled with the minimum alteration to the existing schedule necessary to eliminate the situation that prompted the need for reschedule.
Repeating Exams
No faculty member is authorized to offer the option of reexamination or a paper to raise a student’s grade on a final examination.
General Exam Instructions
If a course is scheduled to have a fixed exam, students must sit for that exam during the designated time period.
Failure to take an examination during the assigned date and time without making rescheduling arrangements may result in a failing grade.
Exam Materials
Students must have all needed and approved materials with them prior to the start of the exam. For in-person exams, students are not permitted to take
the exam questions out of the room. Students are also not permitted to leave the room to get books, notes, or other items.
Exam Seating
For in-person exams, students must seat themselves so that an empty seat or aisle is between them and the next person. Students are not permitted to share notes,
textbooks, or have any conversations with other students once the exam has begun.
Distribution
For in-person exams, any materials will be distributed in the assigned exam room 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.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices including cell phones, tablets, and the like need to be turned off and stored out of sight during
an exam. Ringers or buzzers on watches and clocks must be silenced for in-person exams. Headphones and earbuds are not permitted to be worn in the
exam room for in-person exams.
Earplugs
Students may wish to use earplugs to avoid distractions during in-person exams.
Writing Exam Answers
Students may not read anything other than the exam instructions prior to the time the exam is scheduled to begin.
- In the exam software, access the specific exam template and follow all of the appropriate steps up to the "begin exam" point.
- When instructed to begin, select "Start" and begin reading and answering exam questions.
- When you are ready to finish and submit your answer, select "Save & End" from the options, and follow the on-screen instructions to submit your answer.
- Exam answers will be automatically saved and submitted when exam time expires.
- You will receive visual confirmation upon successful submission, as well as a confirmation email.