This update is provided for archival purposes only.

Public Health guidance and University of Waterloo operations may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our COVID-19 frequently asked questions.

Exam planning guidance for academics

Friday, March 6, 2020

This message was originally sent to instructors by David DeVidi, associate vice-president, academic.

The risk to Canada from COVID-19 remains low. Even so, it is possible that the situation could affect the academic schedule and exam period this term. Exams are currently scheduled for April 8 to April 25.

As a precaution, we are asking course instructors - particularly those with final exams - to plan other ways for students to fulfil their academic requirements. If we do need to make changes, we want to make sure students can achieve their learning outcomes. (We are making this recommendation after consultation with the Faculties and AFIW, through the Associate Deans, Undergraduate and Graduate.)

For courses with final exams, some options you may want to consider include:

  • creating alternative assignments to replace final exams,
  • turning an in-person exam into an online or take-home exam, and,
  • re-weighting assignments - with the consensus of your class.

Changes as a result of COVID-19 could also affect other course elements like labs and group projects. If your course has such elements, please consider alternatives or propose re-weighting of assignments. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the University is developing contingency plans to the best of its ability. For example, we are developing options should we need to switch to more online instruction. We will give you more information about these options soon and continue to provide you with updates. We understand that these options could be an important part of contingency planning, so have made getting the information to you a high priority, but are also working to ensure that the information is accurate and easy to use when we make it available.

Please follow up with your Associate Chair, Undergraduate or Associate Chair, Graduate (as appropriate for your course) if you have any questions. Please refer to the University's COVID-19 website for broader information on how we are handling the ongoing situation.