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-class Tests and Midterm 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, obtain a Verification of Illness. The Verification of Illness form is completed by a licensed healthcare practitioner and is often required when requesting additional time.
- 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 Exams
In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to defer your exam and write it at a later date. To defer your 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 exam period.
- If you feel ill during the exam and are too ill to complete the exam, make sure to let your Exam Facilitator know before leaving the exam room. They will ask you to sign a form and will 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 exam, see a medical professional as close to the exam date as possible. Ask them to fill out the Verification of Student Illness or Injury Form. Contact your College Registrar’s office and work with them to fill out a petition to defer your exam.
