I am not sure that I mentioned this to you but the issue of our Final Exam policy has come up at the department chairs meeting. I would like to chat with you about this at our next meeting.
Currently, our policy requires that exams be given at the pre-established time and date. Any exceptions must be approved by the provost.
It has come to my attention that while many faculty follow this policy, there may be “some” that don’t. If we have a policy, we need to enforce it. If we don’t want the policy, we need to change it. I am already getting requests for “exceptions” from students for May.
Also, on behalf of the chairs, would like to seek a governance clarification on advising, particularly as it relates to academic staff serving as advisors. Some chairs have expressed the very strong belief that all advising should be done by faculty (we can make that happen -- on average that would mean 25-30 advisees, including non-declared or general studies students). Others would include teaching academic staff. There is some strong disagreement as to what our current policy actually is. As you know, advising is a key component to retention. I will build the infrastructure to implement the desired path, but there seems to be a disconnect that needs to be addressed.
Look forward to talking with you.
Chris Markwood, Provost
Bruce,
I took a stab at the proposed rewording with an eye toward maximum clarity. Let me know what you think.
Joel
An official final examination schedule is issued for each term. All instructors who teach courses that are regularly scheduled and that conclude at the end of a semester must give either an in-class final examination during the scheduled examination period or an alternative final exercise (e.g., take-home examination, final paper, etc.) that is due at the time of the scheduled examination period.Exception to this policy must be approved by the Vice Chancellor for each exemption sought. No student may reschedule examinations.
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Joel M. Sipress
Professor of History
Department of Social Inquiry
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Superior, WI54880
715-394-8337
From: Kibler,Bruce A
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 1:47 PM
To: Sipress,Joel M
Subject: RE: Wording
Hi Joel,
Attached please find the original text and my thoughts on a revised text. Please let me know what you think.
Bruce
From: Sipress,Joel M
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 12:50 PM
To: Kibler,Bruce A
Subject: RE: Wording
Bruce,
As per our discussion, if you can forward a copy of the original policy along with your proposed modification, I can make sure it gets taken up by the Undergraduate Academic Affairs Council.
Joel
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Joel M. Sipress
Professor of History
Department of Social Inquiry
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Superior, WI54880
715-394-8337
From: Kibler,Bruce A
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 11:13 AM
To: Sipress,Joel M
Subject: Wording
Good morning Joel,
We recently addressed the wording on final exams in the University bylaws/guideline, or whatever they are officially called, at our staff meeting. The wording seemed extremely restrictive. Is it possible for you to pull out the wording and send it to me. Of course my purpose would be to reword and send you a suggestion. If the text we were read is correct, then it means that finals must be held and they may only be held at the time and in the place designated by the University. Since I am aware of a number of Professors that use take home exams, including myself, this is a potential conflict. What procedure is required to change something like this?
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Happy end of the semester
Bruce