Evaluation at UBC
The three main methods of evaluation at UBC are in-class participation, assignments, and exams. On the first day of class, your instructor will hand out a course outline (or syllabus). It provides very important details on class readings, exams, and assignments that might not be mentioned anywhere else. You are responsible for following the instructions in the course outline.
Class participation
In many classes, you will be expected to actively participate by discussing opinions, ideas, and perspectives related to coursework, readings, and assignments. In some cases, you may be graded based on your participation in class.
Assignments
The essay is a very common way of assessing learning at Canadian universities. Instructors often assign term papers, which are 10- to 30-page essays. A term paper is a major undertaking, so make sure you begin working on yours several weeks in advance.
Other kinds of assignments include group projects and oral presentations.
Exams
When you prepare for exams, keep the following helpful hints in mind:
- Check out the Chapman Learning Commons for relevant resources and workshops
- Get your readings done well in advance.
At UBC, courses usually have two major exams: mid-term exams and final exams. Your courses may have either one mid-term halfway through the term or several exams throughout the term. Finals occur during final exam periods in December and April.
You may also check your personal exam schedule online at the Student Service Centre. Note that some exams are scheduled in the evenings and on Saturdays.
Students are expected to be available for exams during the entire exam period. Exam schedules are posted in mid-October (Term 1) and mid-February (Term 2), and they are subject to change. Don't make arrangements for end-of-term travel until you see the exam schedule.
Exam clashes and hardships
When the exam schedule comes out, check to make sure you don't have two exams occurring on the same day at the same time. If you do have two exams occurring at the same time, contact your professor to determine whether an alternative time is available. If no other writing time is available, you should complete the Exam Clash form available at Student Information Services in Brock Hall. Forms will be accepted up to one month prior to the exam date.
If you have three or more exams within 24 hours, you have the right to change the date of your second exam. "Within 24 hours" is interpreted literally. For example, if you have one exam starting at 8:30 am, a second at 3:30 pm and a third at 7:00 pm, you have an "exam hardship," and the instructor of the middle exam must work with you to set an alternative time. However, if you have one exam starting at 8:30 am, a second at 7:00 pm, and a third the next day at 8:30 am, you have a tight schedule, but you cannot change any of your exams.
Missing an exam
There are a few legitimate reasons for missing a final exam. Events such as a wedding, an annual medical check-up, the death of your pet, missing a bus, or taking a vacation are not legitimate reasons for missing a final exam. The following are legitimate reasons:
- A sudden illness or injury that prevents you from getting to campus or writing. You'll need a statement of illness from your physician.
- An appointment for surgery that cannot be scheduled for another time. You'll need documentation from your surgeon.
- The death, sudden onset of a life-threatening disease, or serious injury of your spouse/partner, parent, sibling, child, or grandparent.
- The birth of your own child.
- A car accident on the way to your exam. You'll need an accident report from the police or the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).
- Religious restrictions concerning observance of designated days. The request must be submitted to your dean's office at least two weeks before the final exam.
If you have a legitimate reason, you will need to show proof. Contact both your dean's office and your instructor before the exam or as soon after the exam as possible. For more information on UBC's exam policies, visit the Student Services exam scheduling policies web page.
Exam results
Beginning partway through the exam period, final grades are posted on the Student Service Centre. To see the result of a specific exam or final project, speak to your instructor.
