General Examination Policies

Anonymous Grading System

All examinations and some written assignments are graded on an anonymous basis. Each student is assigned a different number each term to use on all examination books and papers.

NOTE: To preserve anonymity, students are cautioned never to talk directly with a professor about the possibility of seeking permission to defer an examination. All communications about possible absences from examinations must be made only with the Dean’s office. Discussing this kind of problem with the professor may severely limit any accommodations that might otherwise be possible and may be treated as a violation of the Honor Code.

Communication During Exams

Students are not permitted to communicate with anyone other than examination administration staff members while an examination is in progress. Students may not contact the course instructor(s) directly with questions or concerns about anonymous in-class or take-home examinations before grades have been released, as doing so may compromise the anonymity of the examination and may result in possible sanctions under the Honor Code.

Exam Accommodations

Students with disabilities within the meaning of the American with Disabilities Act, and who seek accommodations when taking exams, must be approved by the Office of Student Accessibility Services.

Extended time accommodations are not provided for take-home examinations greater than or equal to 24 hours.

See the Office of Student Accessibility Services website for more information and procedures for making requests for services:

Office of Student Accessibility Services | Wilmington University (wilmu.edu)

Deferral of Examinations

A student enrolled in a course that requires an examination must take the examination(s) at the scheduled time, except as set out in the examination deferral policy below. In the absence of a documented emergency, students who fail to take or submit an examination at the scheduled time will result in a failing grade (F).

Regular Deferral

Deferral of an in-class examination is permitted only for the following situations.

• Two or more in-class examinations scheduled to occur on the same calendar date.

  Take-home and online exams scheduled to be available for multiple days generally are not considered to cause conflict under this definition.

• Religious reasons. Deferrals for religious reasons must be supported by a letter from a minister, priest or rabbi (written on appropriate letterhead) and submitted within the deferral request period.

Emergency Deferral

If an emergency arises during the examination period, the Associate Dean for Academics must be contacted, and proper documentation presented to arrange a deferral. If the Associate Dean for Academics is unavailable, the students should contact a staff member of the Dean’s Suite. Emergency deferrals will be granted provisionally by phone but must be supported by a written request and supporting documentation within 48 hours unless extended by the Associate Dean or their designee.

In-Class Examinations

Students should arrive prepared for the examination, which includes having taken a practice exam in the exam software during the current term, having the correct anonymous blind grading number available, and all exam-related materials in your possession. Exam proctor instructions will begin up to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of final exams.

Take-Home and Online Examinations

Students should be prepared for the examination, which includes having taken a practice exam in the exam software during the current term, having the correct anonymous blind grading number available, and all exam-related materials in your possession. Due to the flexible schedule these exams may allow, students should be aware of the exam administration office hours for assistance.