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AIBU?

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Original poster

Damn. Uni exam falls right in the middle of my holiday!

277 replies

QuestionableMouse · 05/04/2019 05:59

Posting for traffic.

Uni exam date was released yesterday and it falls right in the middle of my holiday. Though technically it isn't a holiday as I'm away with the local youth group who I've been volunteering with!

I could just about drive back (distance/time wise) but it would mess the ratios up and I'm not sure if I can afford the extra petrol money. Also not sure if I'll have my own car with me. (Was meant to be driving down with all the food but it might be going in the minibus now)

I'm really not sure what to do. It's an important exam so I can't miss it but equally I can't just drop out of the trip because at this point there's no one to replace me. Going into uni today to speak to my lecturer but I'm panicking!

Any ideas?

OP posts:
Lweji · 05/04/2019 12:00

In that case, don't commit to anything.

As I said before, even without exams, anything could happen to any of the people going with the youth group. It is NOT a good idea not to have anyone who can cover people at the last minute.

Even if you sort out this exam thing, make sure they find stand by people for the trip.

RottnestFerry · 05/04/2019 12:02

It's a brand new course and stuff does keep getting changed. Not entirely sure of the reasons but something to do with the boards asking for the change

I'm running a brand new module this year and assessment methods were reviewed and approved six months before it started and set in stone. I can only change them for next year's running.

Moving goal posts mid module is not what I would consider good practice, whatever the reason.

Springisallaround · 05/04/2019 12:04

This is a bit of a silly post because you asked for ideas about how to approach if your exam fell in your holiday, and now you are saying that in fact there's three exam sittings...

Why not say this at the outset? This is usually not the case for most uni exams, so if there are multiple sittings, it may be worth approaching the uni admin/course leader to ask if you could sit at one of the other sittings.

Quartz2208 · 05/04/2019 12:06

Having a different exam date is not the same as an extension - I am not sure you grasp exactly what would be involved in moving the exam for you or for anyone - keeping the exam questions quiet, invigilators etc. The only reason they will is for for medical reasons - and often then they will add in a grade based on coursework etc.

The only option you have is to drop out of the youth group and see if they can find someone to step in. You have to say sorry and do so. You cannot ruin your chances for that.

Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 05/04/2019 12:06

I just didn't think of it to be honest. I woke up in a bit of a panic and posted. It wasn't done deliberately.

OP posts:
Quartz2208 · 05/04/2019 12:06

Sorry missed there were three dates - well of course ask for one of those

IncrediblySadToo · 05/04/2019 12:06

I’m baffled by your original intention of volunteering at a youth camp the week before your exam. I’d be cramming and panicking! You must be very confident of finding the exam very easy!

PeachesPops · 05/04/2019 12:08

Yeah, at my University things cannot change mid-year. There have been changes but they always only apply the next year.

Three different exam dates is strange too. One of our exams is repeated multiple times in a day due for logistical reasons but we are sequestered for the duration with no access to phone or internet.

RottnestFerry · 05/04/2019 12:22

Three different exam dates is strange too. One of our exams is repeated multiple times in a day due for logistical reasons but we are sequestered for the duration with no access to phone or internet

We would have to prepare three different exams. Nightmare!!

Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 05/04/2019 12:29

It's a seen exam so one paper for everyone but multiple different ways to answer it.

I'm not too worried about the actual exam. It covers topics I know very well and I'm comfortable writing about... I hope that doesn't sound arrogant! I'm revising for the advised time each week leading up to it still!

OP posts:
PeachesPops · 05/04/2019 12:32

Exactly @RottnestFerry the only way you could have three different exam dates is to have three different exams! I find it bizarre a university would do that.

Why do the people with extra time/additional needs have their exam at a different time. Surely it's at the same time, different room?

PeachesPops · 05/04/2019 12:33

Oh so not really an exam at all then? More like a timed assignment.

SaskiaRembrandt · 05/04/2019 12:43

Why do the people with extra time/additional needs have their exam at a different time. Surely it's at the same time, different room?

That's what happens in my department.

Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 05/04/2019 12:53

Honestly I don't know. This is the first exam (of any kind) I've had to do since I did my GCSEs many moons ago.

OP posts:
GCAcademic · 05/04/2019 12:54

Exactly @RottnestFerry the only way you could have three different exam dates is to have three different exams! I find it bizarre a university would do that.

Yes, I have to say that this is the first time I've heard of such a thing. We often have exams in three or four different locations to accommodate various people's needs, but they are always at the same time.

Springisallaround · 05/04/2019 13:19

If this is a timed assessment with an already seen question which is happening three different times (which is not the same as an exam on one time/secret questions til the time) then I'd write a polite email to the administrator and course leader, saying that you were inquiring if it might be possible for you to take your assessment at one of the two times reserved for part-time/other students as you had committed (perhaps stupidly) to voluntary work at this time. I'd also add you'd entirely understand if this wasn't possible, just thought it was worth asking.

Do not use the word 'holiday' or 'exam falls in my holiday'. NOthing more irritating- although the ones about needing two weeks off from terms to go skiing are classic.

I think it's worth one polite email, given it's not a traditional exam (and if you'd explained that, then you would have have saved yourself a bit of a roasting!)

Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 05/04/2019 13:50

Thank you for the advice.

OP posts:
agnurse · 05/04/2019 16:58

SaskiaRembrandt

At the college where I teach they aim for the same time, but it depends on the timing of the exam and what the student's needs are. For example, sometimes our exams are scheduled from 3-5 p.m. If a student needs time and a half they need to be scheduled from 2-5 p.m. as the testing center closes at 5. It may also depend on how many students are writing at the same time as they may have limited space available.

OffToBedhampton · 05/04/2019 18:25

I agree with PPs, that this was all relevant information left out of the OP. So springis has given great advice for that situation.

JessieMcJessie · 05/04/2019 19:48

What’s a seen exam?

HeronLanyon · 05/04/2019 19:52

Where the question/problem/scenario is released prior to for students to research/prepare etc. Sometimes then simply a submission or attend for more based on scenario. Ie not a show up on the day see for first time type exam. (Well that was complex explanation sorry all).

CatGoals · 05/04/2019 19:53

University exam session dates are known to all at the start of the year. You shouldn’t have said you were going on the trip.

JessieMcJessie · 05/04/2019 20:05

What’s the point of that Heron? Sorry, my degree was a million years ago and all I seen 3 hour exam papers.

JessieMcJessie · 05/04/2019 20:06

All unseen.

NicoAndTheNiners · 05/04/2019 20:13

The point of pbl type seen exams is it encourages more critical thinking skills and deeper learning rather than just surface rote learning which is what you tend to get when you cram for an exam.

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