Re: Use of exams.

[Steve Luzader <sluzader@fre.fsu.umd.edu>]

Frank M. Lanzafame wrote:

> I have also had the same policy [about no makeup exams] for a number 
> of years.  I hand out two copies of the course policy sheet and have 
> students sign and return one copy indicating that they have read and 
> understood the policy.  After a dispute with a student and dean over 
> the student's understanding, I added the signature requirement.

   I've often thought about adopting Frank's procedure of having 
students sign something indicating that they have read the syllabus
and are willing to abide by the stated course policies.  I haven't
done that yet, but I did steal an idea from someone (I no longer
remember from whom) and I include the syllabus as a topic to be covered
on the first exam of the semester.  I tell students I don't expect them
to memorize details like the dates of the exams, but I do expect them
to show an understanding of the basic policies.  I always include a
question about makeup exams, and I always find that a significant 
fraction of the students still believe that makeups will be given if
they request them.  Oh, well...

Steve Luzader
Frostburg State University