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Policy Statement

PSU recognizes that final examinations are used in many courses as a key assessment of student learning. The Final Examination Policy provides guidelines for final course assessments, adequate notice of scheduled examinations, and sufficient preparation time for students.

Background and Justification

The Final Examination Policy has been established in compliance with the Rules and Regulations of Undergraduate Study and Examinations. It was modified per Resolution No. 13/27/1423 of the Higher Education Council, passed in its twenty-seventh session held on 2/11/1423 H.

Scope and Purpose

Scope: This policy applies to all programs offered at PSU during three academic terms (fall, spring, and summer) and to students and faculty members taking and administering final examinations at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Purpose: The Final Exam Policy of PSU outlines the guidelines and procedures governing the administration, conduct, and assessment of final examinations in order to ensure fairness, academic integrity, and the accurate evaluation of student learning. This policy serves as a framework for instructors, students, and administrators to uphold the institution's commitment to educational excellence.

Principles of the Policy

• Fairness: Final exam policies aim to ensure that all students are treated equitably when it comes to assessment.
• Assessment Integrity: Final exams are designed to maintain the integrity of the assessment process.
• Standardization: Final exams help standardize the assessment process across different sections of a course or among different instructors.
• Accountability: Final exams hold both students and instructors accountable.
• Feedback: Final exams can provide valuable feedback to both students and instructors.
• Academic Progress: Final exams are often used to assess a student's overall academic progress and readiness to advance to the next level of their education.
• Transparency: A final exam policy should be transparent and clearly communicated to all stakeholders, including students, instructors, and administrators.
• Continuous Improvement: Final exam policies should be periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect evolving educational practices and technologies.

Definitions

Final Exam: A comprehensive and often summative assessment that students take at the end of an academic course or semester.

Cheating: Dishonestly gaining an unfair advantage in an academic, professional, or competitive setting.

Invigilator: A person responsible for supervising and maintaining order during examinations or other formal assessments.

Instructor: A faculty member who teaches or imparts knowledge in an academic setting.

Academic Calendar: A schedule that outlines the important dates and events within an academic year or semester.

Smart Gadgets: Electronic devices with connectivity and intelligent features, such as ear pods, apple watches, mobile phones, etc.

Responsibilities and Implementation Strategies

Responsibilities:

1. The academic departments, faculty (instructors/invigilators), and students are responsible for abiding by the final exam policy on both campuses.
2. The academic department chairperson is responsible for reviewing and submitting final exam grades within the stipulated time.
3. The Deanship of Admission and Registration Office is responsible for releasing grades to students within the stipulated time.
4. The College Council approves re-grading of examination papers within a period not to exceed the beginning of the next semester’s examinations.

Implementation Strategies:

Before the Final Exam

1. The College Council may form a final exam committee...
2. The instructor must prepare the exam paper(s) in an accurate and confidential manner.
3. The exam paper(s) is submitted for review...
4. The course instructor writes the examination questions...
5. Upon receiving approval from the reviewer...
6. In the case of a general examination...
7. ITC and ELC prepare guidelines for all computer-based exams.
8. The College Council may appoint another instructor...
9. The exam duration is based on credit hours...
10. The final exam locations and invigilation schedules...
11. No student must be given more than two examinations in one day...
12. A course instructor may give students alternative tests...
13. Accommodations are provided to students with disabilities...

During the Final Exam

14. Students must bring valid ID...
15. Students should sign in before starting the exam...
16. Cell phones or smart devices are strictly prohibited...
17. If the instructor is not invigilating...
18. Students are not allowed to enter if their name is not on the list, have DN/W/dropped status, or arrive 30+ minutes late.
19. Students are not allowed to leave before 1 hour.
20. No sharing of writing materials or devices is allowed.
21. Cheating or attempting to cheat is punishable under disciplinary by-laws.
22. Handle students’ queries quietly...
23. Collect students' exam papers upon completion.

After the Exam

24. Invigilators collect and submit exam papers to the instructor...
25. In the case of a general examination, grading may be assigned...
26. The course instructor corrects the final exams...
27. After marking, the instructor submits grades via Edugate...
28. Final grades must be submitted within 48 hours for college courses, 72 hours for PYP.
29. Final exam grades must be submitted to DAR by the academic calendar deadline.
30. The College Council may approve re-grading within the allowed period.

Procedures for Handling Policy Violation

Cheating in examinations, attempting to cheat, or violating instructions and examination regulations shall render the student punished in accordance with the Student disciplinary by-laws as issued by the university council. Refer to the undergraduate and graduate program study and examination by-laws.

References

(No external references listed)