Final examinations

Arrival and entry guidelines

• Arrival time: plan to arrive 20 minutes before the start of your final examination time. Any students arriving more than one hour after the start of the final examination will not be admitted to the room.
• Identification is required: A valid photo ID, such as your WatCard, is mandatory for entry and will be checked by proctors. Ensure it is up-to-date and readily available.
• Permitted items: Bring only essential items for the final examination, such as writing materials, approved calculators (if permitted) and your ID. Leave bags, backpacks and personal items at home. All electronics, including cell phones, smartwatches, and other communication devices, must be turned off and stored away before the final examination begins.
• Food and drink: Food is prohibited, except for water in a clear, label-free bottle. Students can make arrangements for a short nutrition break supervised by a proctor outside the final examination location during the final examination. If a single short break is not enough, students must register their needs with AccessAbility Services at least three weeks in advance of the final examination date.

For final examinations in the Physical Activities Complex (PAC)

• PAC layout: Familiarize yourself with the PAC layout to determine where you’ll be sitting before the final examination. In-person assigned seating can be viewed through Odyssey.
• Entering the building: Use only the South and West entrances on Ring Road. The SLC/PAC Main entrance and North entrance will be locked.
• Entry time: Exterior doors will unlock 15 minutes before each scheduled final examination time. Dress warmly if waiting outdoors in colder weather.
• Restroom access: Limited to restrooms near the South and West entrances for ease of access and minimal disruption.

During the final examination

• Authorized final examination materials only: Only items authorized for use during the final examination and your identification should be on your desk. All other materials, including bags, purses, and hats etc. should be placed under your desk or in a location directed by the instructor or proctor.
• Electronic devices: All electronics, including but not limited to cell phones, smartwatches, smart glasses and Bluetooth enabled devices (e.g., earbuds), must be turned off and stored away. These electronic devices are not allowed on your person and proctors will ask to see the inside of your pockets before you leave the room for supervised breaks (washroom, nutrition, etc.).
• Food and drink: Food is prohibited, except for water in a clear, label-free bottle. Students can make arrangements for a short nutrition break supervised by a proctor outside the final examination location during the final examination. If a single short break is not enough, students must register their needs with AccessAbility Services at least three weeks in advance of the examination date.

Breaks

• Restroom breaks: Short restroom breaks are permitted but require accompaniment by a proctor. Cell phones are not permitted on your person during restroom breaks.
• Extended breaks for medical or creed/religious observances: If you require longer or frequent breaks due to medical reasons, you must pre-register with AccessAbility Services and submit supporting documentation at least three weeks prior to the start of final examinations. For creed/religious accommodations, you must submit a Religious or Creed-Related Absence self-declaration in Quest within two weeks of the scheduled final examination date. For more information, visit the Assessments: Academic Considerations and Accommodations in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.

Completing your final examination

• Minimum time requirement: Students must remain in the final examination room for at least one hour after the final examination begins, regardless of completion.
• Exiting the final examination: Once you have completed your final examination, turn your paper over and raise your hand so the proctor may collect your final examination. Once your final examination is collected, leave the room as quietly as possible and exit the building.

Academic integrity

Cheating and other forms of academic misconduct are serious violations of university policy. Violations include:

• Use of unauthorized aids during a final examination.
• Copying or sharing answers with another student.
• Submitting work that is not your own.
• Fabricating data.

Procedures for suspected violations

• Immediate action: If cheating is suspected, proctors will collect relevant evidence immediately, notify the student, and report to the course instructor.
• Formal investigation: A report will be submitted to the Associate Dean under Policy 71, which governs student conduct.

Proctors and instructors may enforce seating changes, check belongings, and collect materials as evidence if a student is suspected of violating final examination policies.

Final examination conflicts

Conflicts are defined by the following criteria:

• Direct conflict: Two final examinations are scheduled at the same time.
• Multiple exam conflict: Three or more final examinations are scheduled on the same calendar date.

If you experience a final examination conflict, you must complete the Final Examination Timetable Conflict Form as soon as possible. Conflict resolutions will be managed by instructors and/or departments on a case-by-case basis.

Consecutive final examination relief

If your schedule includes:

• Two final examinations in consecutive time slots on the same day, or
• An evening final examination followed by a morning final examination the next day,

you may qualify for alternative scheduling. Complete the Request Relief from Consecutive Final Examinations form to initiate a rescheduling request.

You can elect to accept final examination combinations that violate the above conditions; however, understand that petitions or appeals based on a violation of the above conditions will not be granted.

Accommodations for creed/religion, health or accessibility

• Creed/religious accommodations: Submit a Religious or Creed-Related Absence self-declaration in Quest as early as possible to ensure they can be arranged before the Final Examination Period.
• Academic considerations due to illness: For accommodations related to illness, submit a Verification of Condition Form (VOC) available on the current student website. Notify your instructor immediately if illness impacts your final examination attendance.
• Accommodations due to disability for online course final examinations: Students registered with AccessAbility Services must coordinate their final examination schedules directly through the office to ensure their needs are met. This includes scheduling additional time or other accommodations as documented.

Visit the Final examination arrangements for online courses web page if you are a student taking online courses only, and have an in-person examination.

Campus closures

In case of unexpected university closures (e.g., severe weather), final examinations scheduled to be written on-campus will automatically be rescheduled for the next available day, including Sunday if necessary. Instructors may offer an earlier reschedule if agreed upon by all students, but students must be given the option to write on the official alternate date. Online course final examinations scheduled at examination centres or with individual proctors will be scheduled on the next available day depending on examination centre and proctor availability. If there is potential for a campus closure (e.g., severe weather), before coming to campus, check the University campus status website, follow us on social media (Facebook and X) and check your email for updates on cancelled/rescheduled final examinations. For real-time alerts, download the new UWaterloo safety app today. Search "Regroup Mobile" in the app store.

Fire alarms

If a fire alarm occurs during your final examination:

1. Follow the proctor's instructions and exit the room quietly and safely.
2. Re-entry to the final examination will be coordinated by proctors once it is deemed safe.
3. Additional time will be added to account for any interruptions.

For further information, access the following resources or reach out to designated departments:

• AccessAbility Services - for accommodation resources
• Assessments: Academic Considerations and Accommodations - Academic regulations from the Undergraduate Academic Calendar
• Assessments: Tests and Final Examinations - Academic regulations from the Undergraduate Academic Calendar
• Final Examination Schedule
• Policy 71 - Student Discipline - Secretariat
• Quick tips and tools - your one-stop toolbox for help with university learning - Student Success Office

Final examination forms

• Final Examination Timetable Conflict Form - The Centre
• Verification of Condition Form - current student website
• Request for Relief from Consecutive Final Examinations - The Centre