Dear Students,
Our [exam title] is scheduled for [date and time]. The exam is a [timed/flexibly-timed/same-day/multi-day]. This means that [explain how the exam works]. The exam will take [duration or estimated duration] to complete. You can find the exam in Brightspace on the [Quiz or Assignments page].
Our exam is [closed book or open book]:
Sample closed book instructions...
- Use of the following materials during the exam is not permitted: course readings/textbook, lecture notes, Brightspace material, online searching of subject material/related exam questions, other materials
- Communicating with classmates regarding any aspect of the exam or course once you begin the exam is not permitted.
- Posting or sharing the exam content, including exam questions, or your answers both during and after submission is not permitted.
Sample open book instructions...
During the exam, you can use these materials: [List resources students can use. For example, calculator, textbook, a specific website.]
During the exam, you cannot use these materials: [List resources students can use. For example, textbook, internet, or other resources.]
During the exam:
- If you are not able to access the exam, please inform me immediately by [contact method]. For technical assistance throughout the exam, contact helpdesk@uvic.ca 250-721-7687.
- If you are late submitting the exam, please inform me immediately by [contact method]. Keep in mind, [list any procedures/penalties for late submission].
- If you have questions during the exam, I am available by [communication method, e.g., email, Zoom room, Brightspace discussion forum]. Note: Include any additional instructions about communication, see samples below.
Sample communication instructions - Timed Exams
If you find an exam question to be ambiguous or unclear, I will be available in Zoom [Link] to answer your questions. Please join the session and post your question in private chat. I will respond as soon as possible, but a response cannot be guaranteed. It is important, therefore, that you express any concerns over ambiguities on your exam and continue to answer questions to the best of your ability.
Sample communication instructions - Open Book or Flexible Timing
If you find an exam question to be ambiguous or unclear, email your concerns to me at [email]. I will also be available at [date / times / location] to answer questions about the exam. I will try to respond to all questions during the exam period, but a response cannot be guaranteed. It is important, therefore, that you express any concerns over ambiguities on your exam and continue to answer questions to the best of your ability.
Sample communication instructions - Respondus LockDown Browser
If you find an exam question to be ambiguous or unclear, continue to answer questions to the best of your ability. After the exam, express any concerns over ambiguities on your exam by emailing me at [email].
Before the exam:
- Take our practice exam [location of course practice exam OR recommend the practice exams in the Your UVic Technologies Guide].
- Tell me by [date] if you require accommodations or alternatives for this exam.
- Find a quiet, comfortable, distraction-free space to take the exam.
- Make sure you have a device that will work for our exam. UVic recommends a laptop or desktop computer rather than a mobile device.
- Make sure you have a Browser that will work for our exam. Brightspace recommends using Chrome.
- Test your internet connection. UVic recommends a high-speed wired connection. If you are using wireless, be sure to test your connection.
- Review the UVic Academic Integrity Policies.
- Bring a timer to our exam. It can help keep track of time during an exam, find a timer and practice using it before our exam. Note: for any timed exam.
Sincerely,
Your Instructor
