The following information is intended to offer clarification of certain university academic policies related to the End of the Quarter and Final Examinations. Detailed information about these policies can be found at Stanford Bulletin: Academic Policies and Statements.
End of the Quarter
The End-of-the-Quarter period is a time of reduced social and extracurricular activity preceding final examinations. Its purpose is to permit students to concentrate on academic work and prepare for final examinations. During the End-Quarter period, classes are regularly scheduled and assignments made. This regular class time is used by instructors in whatever way seems best suited for completing the course material.
- Instructors should not make up extraordinary assignments or announce additional course meetings in order to “catch up” in course preparations. They can, however, offer optional review sessions and suggest other activities that might seem appropriate for students preparing for final examinations.
- No graded homework assignments, mandatory quizzes or examinations should be given during the End-Quarter period. For exceptions to this policy, see the Stanford Bulletin.
- Major papers or projects that the student has had reasonable notice about may be called due during the End-Quarter period.
- Take-home final examinations may be distributed in the End-Quarter period.
- End-Quarter examinations may not be held during this period.
- If students encounter problems with the stated policy in one of their courses, they should consult with a UAR advisor.
Stanford Bulletin: End-Quarter Policy Statement
Final Examinations
The final exam schedule for each quarter is published on the Office of the University Registrar’s website. Students should review their final exam schedules when they establish their study lists for the quarter and are responsible for ensuring their ability to take the exam as scheduled. Multiple final exams on the same day are not grounds for an exam to be rescheduled. In most other cases as well, faculty are not obliged to re-arrange a final exam for an individual student. In the case of illness, injury, or other trauma, students should be encouraged to consult with their faculty before final exams begin to seek alternative arrangements. Once taken, final exams may not be re-taken.
Also see Attendance.
Examinations are part of the process of education at the same time that they are a means to measure the student’s performance in course work.
- When the final examination is not held in class, the schedule or format of it must be made known by the fourteenth day of the quarter. The instructor may ask students to return take-home examinations early in the final examination period. However, exams may not be called due until the end of the regularly scheduled examination time for that course.
- If unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from sitting for the regularly scheduled examination, instructors should make alternative arrangements on an individual basis. Unforeseen circumstances include illness, personal emergency or the student’s required participation in special events (e.g., athletic championships, which are approved as exceptions by the Committee on Undergraduate Standards and Policy).
Stanford Bulletin: End-Quarter Examinations
