It’s not uncommon that illness or a personal issue, like a death in the family, can interfere with a test or exam and there are supports in place to help you. Your options will depend on whether you are writing a test, a midterm exam or a final exam.
IN-PERSON OR ONLINE TESTS AND EXAMS
- Consult your course syllabus: Before contacting your Professor or TA, be sure to read through the syllabus as it will likely tell you what to do. Some Profs will permit a make-up test or an alternative to a missed test.
- If you’ve been ill, report your absence. You can self-declare your illness on ACORN using the Absence Declaration tool.
- Contact your Professor or TA: If your syllabus advises you to, or doesn’t state otherwise, contacting your Prof or TA is a good idea. Let them know you’re unable to write the test or midterm and ask about your options.
- Contact your Registrar’s office: You may need support from your College Registrar’s office to write a make-up test.
Final Tests and Exams
In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to defer your test or exam and write it at a later date. To defer your test/exam, you will have to file a petition. This requires you to submit a letter explaining your circumstances (eg: a medical emergency) and supporting documentation. The deadline to submit a petition is five business days after the end of the final assessment period.
- If you feel ill during the test/exam and are too ill to complete the test, make sure to let your instructor or Exam Facilitator know before leaving the exam room or signing off the online test website. They may ask you to sign a form and can explain the next steps to you. You may file a petition to defer your exam.
- If you are experiencing a medical emergency and cannot make it to the test/exam, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Self-declare your illness on ACORN and contact your instructor and your College Registrar’s office to work with them to fill out a petition to defer your test/exam.
