Test / Exam Frequently Asked Questions
*Please note that "exam" refers to all timed assessments including quizzes, tests, midterms, final exams
What should I do if:
Any request submitted less than 10 full business days prior to your exam will be cancelled.
A business day begins at 8:30am and ends at 4:30pm. Weekends do not count as business days. Example: my test is at 8:30am on Tuesday, July 26. I have submitted a booking request at midnight (12:00 a.m.) on Monday, July 11th. My exam booking request will be cancelled because I have not provided 10 full business days for the request to be processed.
Exam Spacing
Complete the Exam Spacing Request Form for any needed exam changes that are the result of disability-related barriers (e.g. spacing of exams as indicated on your psych-ed assessment). Necessary changes/conflicts must be reported by the booking deadlines to ensure the appropriate amount of time is available to address the issue(s). Although the exam coordinators have no authority to approve changes (approval comes from the respective faculty), exam coordinators will be able to facilitate this process with you.Extra Time Conflicting With Class
If you have two exams that directly run into each other because of your extra time, ALC online may not allow you to book the exam. Please adjust your start time of your first exam to compensate for the overlap.
Exam Taking Place at the Beginning of Class
If you have an exam taking place at the beginning of class with a lecture to follow, follow up with your professor to let them know that you may be late for class or miss class due to your extra time.
*Religious/Funeral/Wedding/Athletic Commitment
If you have a non-disability related scheduling conflict on the day of an exam:
- Book your exam, through ALC Online according to the original date and time.
- Contact your instructor to determine if a rescheduled exam is permitted for this reason and if documentation is required to reschedule this exam.
- If a rescheduled exam is permitted, follow up with your instructor to determine a reschedule date.
- Important: When determining an alternate date and time with your instructor, be aware that ALC exam staff need ten full business days to schedule an exam.
- Once you have received email approval of the new exam, date from your instructor, forward the email to accessible_learning@wlu.ca (Waterloo) or lbalexams@wlu.ca (Brantford). Change the subject line to “Exam Reschedule Request.”
- Indicate which of your approved exam accommodations you require for this exam.
Once our office has received this request, we will follow up with your course instructor to verify and then schedule the exam with the ALC accordingly.
Booking 7 p.m. Exams
Exams will not run past 10:45 p.m. If your extra time accommodation causes you to write past 10:45 p.m., the system may not allow you to book at the correct start time.
If this happens, book your exam at an earlier start time (e.g. 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.).
Professor Has Not Set Date for Exam
Contact your professor for the date of the exam. Be sure to submit your request at least 10 full business days from the exam date.
Illness/Disability Related Absence (For Test/Midterms Only)
Notify your course instructor by email of your absence and determine if a rescheduled exam is permitted. Check the course syllabus as it may provide additional information related to exam absences.
*If you have missed an exam, do the following:
- If a rescheduled exam is permitted, follow up with your instructor to determine a reschedule date.
- Important: When determining an alternate date and time with your instructor, be aware that ALC exam staff require three full business days to reschedule an exam.
- Once you receive email approval of the new exam date from your instructor, forward the email to accessible_learning@wlu.ca (Waterloo) or lbalexams@wlu.ca (Brantford). Change the subject line to “Exam Reschedule Request.”
- Indicate which of your approved exam accommodations you require for this exam.
*Cumulative Exams
It is your responsibility to follow up with your professor to ensure that they are aware that they need to provide the ALC with the exam prior to your exam date.
Communicate this information to alexams@wlu.ca (Waterloo) or lbalexams@wlu.ca (Brantford) and your accommodation consultant so that we can ensure you have the proper exam.
Deferred Exams
Please follow the new deferred exams process found on the test/exam booking procedures page.
More Information
The following is additional information about writing exams at the ALC.
The ALC takes exam security seriously and works actively to ensure academic integrity is maintained.
If you have questions for your instructor during an in-person exam, advise the proctor and every effort will be made to contact your instructor. Proctors are not permitted to answer or interpret exam questions.
Students are expected to write their examinations in an honest and straightforward manner. Any irregularities will be documented and reported. Where there are reasonable grounds for believing a violation of exam protocol has occurred (e.g., notes found in a washroom), the candidate will be subject to disciplinary procedures and sanctions described in the university academic calendar.
Your Expectations
You are expected to be respectful to the proctors and to the other students writing in the exam room. Disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated. Students are subject to disciplinary procedures and sanctions described in the university academic calendar.
- Photo identification, preferably your OneCard.
- Pens, pencils, erasers, calculator (if permitted), tissue and any item you may require while writing the exam. These materials are not provided by the ALC.
What Not to Bring
No electronic or communication devices will be allowed in the exam room, including cellphones, BlackBerrys, iPods and USBs.
Breaks
Students who need to use the washroom must be accompanied by a proctor or staff member who will wait in the hallway at the entrance to the washroom.
Computer Accommodation
For in-person exams:
- Only ALC approved computers will be used (desktops or laptops, depending on location and availability), unless your exam is online.
- If you are scheduled to write an online exam in person, you are required to bring your own laptop.
- You are encouraged to save your work frequently to avoid loss of vital information.
Memory Aid/Formula Sheet
Memory aids or cue sheets are permitted only if recommended in a neuro-psychological or a psycho-educational assessment. Memory aids brought to exams must be accompanied by your professor’s approval (printed email or signed memory aid) and packaged with the complete exam. If you are writing an online exam, follow your professor’s instruction.
