** NOTE: THIS POLICY DOES NOT COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 **

1.0 Reason for Policy

To establish the University of Manitoba’s policy relating to final examinations and grades and to oversee the procedures related to final examinations, deferred and supplemental examinations, and final grades.

1.1 Use of Terms

a) Final Examination: A final examination is a test scheduled within an examination period which serves as the final evaluation of student performance in a course.¹

b) Deferred Examination: A deferred examination is a privilege that may be granted to a student:

I) who is unexpectedly unable to write a final examination as scheduled;

or

II) who knows in advance that he or she is unable to write an examination at the scheduled time. Students may request a deferred examination(s) on the grounds that they are unable to write said examination(s) due to:

i. a medical condition; or

ii. participation in an inter-university, provincial, inter-provincial, national or international scholastic or athletic event; or

iii. religious obligations.

Making a false or misleading claim regarding a deferred examination may be considered an offence under the Student Discipline Bylaw. Penalties may range from a failed grade in the course to suspension or expulsion.

c) Supplemental Examination: A supplemental examination is the rewriting of a final examination and is a privilege offered by some faculties, schools, and academic units to students who have not achieved the minimum result in required courses. Within the conditions established by the student’s faculty, a student who is granted a supplemental examination is given the opportunity to rewrite a final examination. The impact of a supplemental examination on the final grade is to be determined by regulations within the faculty.

2.0 Policy Statement

2.1 The Senate has determined that each faculty or school or academic unit shall be responsible for establishing regulations governing evaluation procedures for students enrolled in its courses.

2.2 Those relevant items listed under procedures for final examinations, deferred and supplemental examinations, and final grades shall be incorporated into the regulations established by faculties, schools or academic units.

2.3 Faculties, schools, and academic units shall submit regulations and amendments to evaluation procedures to Senate for its approval via the Senate Committee on Instruction and Evaluation.

2.4 The Senate has determined that each faculty or school or academic unit shall adopt a formal policy for the appeal of grades given for term work, in that faculty or school or academic unit, that has been returned or made available to students before the last day of classes. Policies adopted by a faculty or school or academic unit, after review by the Senate Committee on Instruction and Evaluation, shall be forwarded to Senate for information.

3.0 Accountability

3.1 The University Secretary is responsible for advising the President that a formal review of the Policy is required.

3.2 The Vice-President (Academic) and Provost is responsible for the communication, administration and interpretation of this Policy.

4.0 Secondary Documents

4.1 The Approving Body may approve Procedures which are secondary to and comply with this Policy.

4.2 Administration may approve Procedures which are secondary to and comply with this Policy.

5.0 Review

5.1 Formal Policy reviews will be conducted every ten (10) years. The next scheduled review date for this Policy is September 1, 2023.

5.2 In the interim, this Policy may be revised or rescinded if:

(a) the Approving Body deems necessary; or

(b) the relevant Bylaw, Regulations or Policy is revised or rescinded.

5.3 If this Policy is revised or rescinded, all secondary documents will be reviewed as soon as reasonably possible in order to ensure that they:

(a) comply with the revised Policy; or

(b) are in turn rescinded.

6.0 Effect on Previous Statements

6.1 This Policy supersedes Examination Regulations (January 1, 2008).

7.0 Cross References

Responsibilities of Academic Staff with Regard to Students Policy
Deferred and Supplemental Examinations Procedures
Final Examinations Procedures
Final Grades Procedures

¹ University of Western Ontario, Academic Handbook, Issued 2009 03