If you miss an Exam

by Larry Gorden, December 19, 2010

What happens if you miss an exam (midterm or final)?

You may take a makeup exam only if you meet all these conditions.

1.  You have a VERY good reason for missing the on-campus exam.

2.  It is approved by me before the on-campus exam -- or if unforeseen circumstances arise (for example, unexpectedly abducted by the space aliens on the way to school), you contact me as soon as possible.

3.  You have completed all homework and quizzes leading up to the on-campus exam prior to the exam -- that is, you are keeping up with the work.

4.  Your average quiz score is 80% or better -- that is, you are doing reasonably well in the course.

You may not make up an exam after it has been graded and returned to the class.

Why?

I'm OK with helping if you are serious about the course and something gets in your way for taking the exam.  If you don't meet the above conditions, I don't think you are serious about the course.  In the past, every exam is missed by one or two students asking for a makeup exam.  These students have usually been "flakey" and not what I call a serious students.  I've arranged to give makeup exams and then  the student didn't show up.

I had one student that didn't make an exam and I got an email supposedly from her mother saying she was in the hospital.  I felt bad about that and tried to arrange for her to catch up and take the exam.  When I saw her photo in the local paper dancing the day before she was to get out of the hospital, I knew I was being "put on".  So, now I'm suspicious when someone misses an on-campus exam and says they were sick or the car broke down.  It is usually a lie to cover up that they weren't ready or had something else to do on exam day.  I generally trust the serious students that attend classes on time, keep up and do well.  I don't generally trust the student that is always behind and does poorly on the homework and quizzes.