FINALS GUIDE
13
WHAT TO DO
When unexpected circumstances happen during the week of finals
BY VICTORIA PITCHER editor@kansan.com
Students may have prepared for finals to the best of their ability, but there are some situations that are just out of their control.
"Things happen to students," said Mary Ann Rasnak, director of the Academic Achievement and Access Center.
Though students may not be able to control everything, they should be aware of what their options are when the unexpected happens. Rasnak offered her advice for handling situations that may happen during finals:
MISSING FINALS
For students who miss a final because of an unplanned incident oversleeping or a broken-down car their fate is for their instructor to decide, Rasnak said. She said if something happened within the student's control, professors were not required to schedule a make-up exam. She advised students to notify their instructor as quickly as possible after an unplanned incident occurs. Instructors may consider in their decision the student's academic standing and the nature of the exam.
Carl Peterson, a freshman from Lawrence, experienced such a situation last semester. He confused the day of his final and missed it. After emailing his teacher about what happened, he scheduled an appointment.
"We talked real quick one-on-one and I took it at a 10 percent penalty," Peterson said.
RECHEDULING FINALS
Students can find specific guidelines for rescheduling a test on the Registrar Office's website at www.registrar.ku.edu/exams. If a student has three or more finals on the same day, he or she is not obligated to take more than two on that day. Students must contact the professor from the highest numbered course two weeks before Stop Day to schedule a make-up exam.
CIRCUMSTANCES
If a student has two finals at conflicting times, the final that is a "common" final, such as Humanities and Western Civilization, must be moved. The Registrar Office schedules finals in such a way to minimize the likelihood of that from happenening.
"If a student has some extraordinary circumstance, the best advice is for them to contact my office," Rasnak said.
Students might be able to schedule a make-up exam or take an incomplete. An incomplete is not considered a failing grade if the student completes course work in a timely manner. This also applies to students who are involved in an accident in which they are severely hurt or hospitalized.
"There is no one-size-fits-all situation," Rasnak said. "It is up to each individual student and each individual faculty member to decide what is going to be the most appropriate course of action."
The AAC is located on the first floor of Strong Hall. More information about its services is available at www.achievement.ku.edu.
Edited by Michael Holtz
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011