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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between requesting an official exam versus an in-class test?

  • An official exam is an exam (or a mid-term for full year courses) that is scheduled within the session’s official exam period. For the Summer 2013 Term here are two examination periods:
    1. For S1 term courses: Wednesday, June 19 - Friday, June 21, 2013
    2. For S2 and SU term courses: Tuesday, August 6 - Friday, August 16, 2013
  • For the Summer 2013 Term, in-class tests are exams/tests that take place during a regularly scheduled class prior to the official exam period. (top)

When can I expect to get confirmation of when and where I am writing my exam/test?

  • You are responsible for checking your Alternate Exam/Test booking information online; please ensure that you check the Booking Confirmation Web site regularly for updates.
  • Based on the Alternate Exam/Test requests you submit, booking information will appear online one (1) week prior to the date of the exam/test.
  • If you have submitted a request and the booking does not appear less than five business days prior to the date of the exam/test, please contact altexams@yorku.ca or call 416-872-YORK (9675).
  • To view the list of alternate exam/test requests you have submitted, click here. (top)

What do I do if I my booking information does not appear online one week prior to my test/exam date?

If a booking does not appear on the Booking Confirmation Web site and the date is less than five (5) business days prior to the date of the exam/test:

  1. View your requests online to ensure you have submitted a request for the specific date and course.
  2. If you have submitted a request, contact the Alternate Exams/Tests office immediately at altexams@yorku.ca or 416-872-YORK (9675).
  3. If you did not submit a request, contact your counsellor to discuss available options. (top)

What is the cancellation or no-show policy?

  1. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the course instructor of a missed exam/test and request permission to reschedule the missed exam/test.
  2. If your request to reschedule an exam/test is granted, you must submit a signed Alternate Exam and Test Rescheduling Request Form to Student Client Services a minimum of five business days in advance of the rescheduled exam/test date. Please note that permission to reschedule is at the discretion of the course instructor and is not guaranteed.

Note: The Registrar’s Office will only accept one rescheduling request for any missed exam/test.  If you cancel or “do not show” to write the same exam/test for the same course twice, the Registrar’s Office will not accept additional rescheduling requests for this exam/test.  In this situation, please consult with your counsellor. (top)

How do I reschedule a missed exam/test?

  1. If there is a medical or disability-related reason that you are unable to write an exam/test on the same day or time as the class, you must contact your course instructor to request permission to reschedule the exam/test.

  2. If your request to reschedule an exam/test is granted, you must submit a signed Alternate Exam and Test Rescheduling Request Form to the Registrar's Office a minimum of five business days in advance of the exam/test date. Please note that permission to reschedule is at the discretion of the course instructor and is not guaranteed.

    Note:     If you are requesting to reschedule an exam/test as a Religious Accommodation, ensure you check the box located on the top of the form. Information regarding Religious Observance Policy and Accommodation can be found in the exam section of the Current Students Web site.

  3. Submit the completed form with required signatures (it must be signed by yourself and the course instructor) to Student Client Services, Main Floor, Bennett Centre for Student Services or fax it to 416-650-8129. Please ensure that you retain a copy for your records.

    If you have been corresponding with you course intructor by e-mail, you may attach a copy of the e-mail to the completed form as an electronic signature of the course instructor.

If you are requesting to write an exam or test on a date that falls after the Faculty deadlines for submission of deferred final grades, you must petition for Deferred Standing through your home Faculty. In this circumstance, do not use the Alternate Exam and Test Rescheduling Request Form.

Example: If you are a Faculty of Fine Arts student, for fall term courses the deadline is April 1, 2013 and for full year courses (fall/winter) the deadline is August 1, 2013. If you are requesting to write an exam/test after these dates, you must submit a Petition for Deferred Standing to the Registrar's Office. Visit the Undergraduate Academic Petitions section of the Registrar's Office Web site for more information. (top)

How many days in advance do I need to reschedule?

Since requests to reschedule exams/tests are based on a date determined between the course instructor and the student, you may not always be able to provide the required three (3) weeks notice. 

Note: Rescheduling requests must be received by the Registrar’s Office a minimum of five business days in advance of the rescheduled exam/test date. Scheduling is dependant on space availability. (top)

What do I do if one of my accommodations includes use of a memory aid?  Does the course instructor need to give permission to the Alternate Exam Centre?

It is your responsibility to get the course instructor’s approval to use any aids during an exam/test. 

To avoid any issues when it comes time to write your exam/test, request that the course instructor sign the document or, if you have been corresponding through e-mail, attach a copy of the approval e-mail to the document as confirmation of approval for the Alternate Exam Invigilator.

Note: A copy of all documents used by a student during an exam/test is sent to the course instructor along with the completed exam materials. (top)

How can I contact alternate exam staff if I have a question or concern?

You can contact alternate exams staff via:

  1. E-mail at altexams@yorku.ca
  2. Telephone at 416-872-YORK (9675)
  3. Fax at 416-650-8129
  4. TTY at 416-736-5660 (top)

What happens if I arrive late to my exam or test?

  • If a student is late for an exam/test, they will not be given extra time.
  • If a student arrives more than 30 minutes late, they may not be allowed to take the exam/test at the scheduled time and therefore, must request permission from the course instructor to reschedule. Unavoidable delays are to be discussed with an invigilator.

Note: It is important to arrive on time for your exam/test and bring your YU-card for identification. (top)

What assistive software is available in the Alternate Exam Centres?

The Alternate Exam Centres located in Ross N109, Ross N148 and Ross S176 have the following assistive software:

Assistive Software Available Software Version

Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred

Note: For each alternate test/exam, students are required to provide a compatible voice file and headphones.

 11.5
Inspiration 9.0
JAWS 13.0
Kurzweil 3000 Professional 13.0
Text Help Systems: Read And Write 10.0 Gold
ZoomText 10.0

Where can I find information regarding Counselling & Disability Services?

Contact information can be found online at the Counselling & Disability Services Web site. (top)

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