Handling a Missed Final Exam: Procedures and Implications
It can be concerning when your professor is absent on the day of a final exam. However, being well-prepared and knowing the proper steps to take can minimize disruption and ensure a fair outcome for all students. This article outlines the procedures to follow if a professor is absent and discusses the implications in different contexts.
Procedure if a Professor Is Absent During a Final Exam
The first step is to wait for a reasonable period after the scheduled start time. Professors may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as traffic or personal issues. If your professor has not arrived within 15-30 minutes, it is advisable to:
Check for Communication: Look for any emails or announcements from the professor regarding the exam. They may have communicated a delay or cancellation.
Contact Classmates: Reach out to classmates to see if they have any updates or if they have been able to contact the professor.
Notify the Administration: If the professor has not arrived after waiting for the designated period, contact the department office or the administration. They may have procedures in place for handling such situations.
Follow Institutional Policies: Review the college’s policies regarding missed exams or situations where a professor is absent. The administration will likely follow these guidelines to determine how to proceed.
Document the Situation: Keep a record of what happened, including the time you waited and any communications you had. This documentation may be useful in case of disputes about the exam.
Remain calm and professional throughout the process. It is important to follow the established procedures to ensure fairness and transparency.
What Happens if a Professor Has a Good Reason for Not Showing Up
While professors are expected to be present on the day of a final exam, there are scenarios where they may not be able to attend. For instance, a sudden illness or hospitalization can prevent a professor from fulfilling their duties. In such cases, the department chair may arrange for another faculty member to proctor the exam.
In some educational systems, such as the National public exams in the UK for school students, it is forbidden for any teacher who taught the course to supervise the exam or even enter the room. The exam is invigilated by external invigilators who are trained and recruited for that purpose. They and the examinations officer would have to fill in paperwork for the examination board.
Roles and Procedures of Administrators and Invigilators
At my university, we do not run our own exams; they are managed by administrators along with an army of invigilators. Academics are available on the phone for any queries that may come up but do not need to be present in person. There is cover for us in case of unavailability due to personal reasons or other commitments.
I usually turn up for the first 20 minutes to check everything is under control, and then I leave to tend to other commitments. Each exam room has at least two invigilators to ensure that no anomalies can occur during the exam. The invigilators are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam and contact the administrators if they cannot make it. This ensures that someone can cover for them.
Our exams are scheduled in January, and sometimes travel disruption due to snow causes them to be postponed to the following week. The university provides a text message service to inform students of such changes. In the meantime, students are advised to stay in contact with the university and follow the updated guidelines.
Conclusion
The procedures for handling a missed final exam due to a professor’s absence are designed to maintain academic integrity and ensure fairness. By following these steps and being prepared, students can navigate such situations with confidence and minimize disruptions to their academic progress.