Am I required to change my exam duration?
No. This update allows you to select a duration that best fits your exam. If 120 minutes remains appropriate, you may continue to use that duration.
In an effort to enhance the flexibility and effectiveness of final exams, the university is introducing new options for exam durations starting in fall 2025. This initiative aims to better align exam lengths with course requirements and improve the overall student experience. Below are the key details regarding these changes and their anticipated benefits.
Instructors will be asked to choose from one of three exam duration options: 60, 80, or 120 minutes. Previously, all final exams were scheduled for 120 minutes by default.
Instructors should work with academic administrators to determine their final exam needs for fall 2025 and communicate their plans before June 2025, when exam scheduling begins in MAUI.
This update provides greater flexibility for instructors to align exam durations with course content, learning objectives, and assessment strategies.
Scheduling Final Exams
While instructors are not required to administer a final exam, those who choose to do so must specify the exam duration when scheduling. Changes to the exam duration may be requested, but instructors must adhere to the selected duration while administering the test. Although exams may now be scheduled for shorter durations, classroom spaces will continue to be reserved in two-hour blocks. This ensures consistent scheduling across campus and prevents logistical challenges related to room usage.
For a complete list of final exam scheduling policies and additional details, please view the Final Examination Scheduling Policies.
Why the Change?
This update provides greater flexibility for instructors while improving the student experience. The changes aim to create a more effective final exam process by:
- Allowing instructors to select an exam duration that best aligns with their course needs and assessment strategies.
- Helping students better manage their study time and exam expectations.
- Reducing scheduling conflicts for students.
- Supporting student accommodation needs by adding more time slots at Campus Test Centers if more 60- or 80-minute exams replace 120-minute exams.
- Supporting extended time accommodations by allowing more students to complete their exams in the classroom rather than a Campus Test Center.
- Encouraging instructors to explore best practices in assessment and be intentional in how they choose to assess student learning.
Next Steps
Instructors are not required to change their exam duration but rather should choose the duration that best fits the exam they plan to offer. We encourage all instructors to reflect on the time their exams typically require and base their decisions on prior experience.
Instructors must communicate their exam duration preference to academic administrators before scheduling for fall 2025 begins in June 2025.
Support and Resources
For questions or further assistance, instructors or academic administrators can contact Exam Scheduling in the Office of the Registrar. Additional exam information can be found on the Office of the Regstrar's website.
FAQs
How long should I schedule my exam for?
Instructors should determine whether 60, 80, or 120 minutes best fits their exam based on prior experience and course assessment strategies.
The Center for Teaching offers resources and consultations to assist instructors who are interested in designing a 60- or 80-minute exam.
Am I required to offer a final exam?
No. There is no formal requirement for instructors to offer a final exam. The Center for Teaching provides support for instructors exploring alternative assessment methods.
What happens if exam needs are not submitted for a course?
If no information is submitted for an undergraduate-level course, a final exam date and time with single seating at 120-minutes will be automatically assigned. Please indicate that no exam assignment is needed if the course will not be holding a final exam.
What if my students are not finished by the end of the scheduled exam time?
Instructors must end the exam at the scheduled time, whether it is for a 60, 80, or 120-minute exam (see below for if a student has an extended time accommodation).
Will rooms still be scheduled for two-hour blocks?
Yes. Although instructors can now select shorter exam durations, rooms will still be reserved in two-hour blocks to maintain consistency and minimize scheduling conflicts.
Does this impact extended exam time accommodations for students?
Most students with an extended time accommodation will still need to schedule their exam separately from the regular exam time. However, it may be possible for instructors to administer extended time exams that would not exceed the two-hour classroom reservation block.