Examination instructions

Infringement of the Examination Regulations is regarded very seriously. Please read the following instructions carefully and make sure you understand them.

You are encouraged not to bring your bags into the examination room.  If there is a significant aftershock and the room is evacuated, you will not be permitted to take your bag with you. However, the following items may be taken to your desk during the 2013 examinations:

  • Cell phone
  • wallet
  • keys (which must be contained in a named, clear plastic ziplock bag).

This is to be placed under your chair and must remain there for the duration of the exam session.

Cell phones and electronic devices

You are not permitted to have a cell phone or any other electronic communication device on your person or adjoining areas (e.g. toilets) during the period of the examination. Cell phones must be switched off with the alarm disabled. If your device emits an audible sound during an examination/test you shall be liable for a fine of up to $120. If you are required to be contactable during the exam, in case of an emergency, your cell phone may be left with the Examination Control Room Staff who will pass on any message received.

Other electronic communication devices (including but not limited to: laptops, iPads, iPods, mp3 players, etc) brought into the room must be left with your personal belongings at the front of the room or with the Room Supervisor.

Use of calculators in examinations

Calculators are not permitted unless the examiner has authorised their use and must be self-powered, without data storage facilities, noiseless and handheld. It is your responsibility to provide a suitable calculator and to have it checked prior to reporting for the exam/test should the examiner require it. Spare approved calculators are not always available in examinations, so it is important that you have your calculator pre-checked if required.

The examiner will advise you if you need to have your calculator checked. A list of examinations that require calculator checks will be published here in late-May.

Calculator checks for courses requiring it will take place each Wednesday 12.45 - 1.15 in Rutherford 213a.

No other supplementary material or equipment relating to the use or operation of the calculator, other than spare batteries is permitted.

Students with disabilites

Please view the information for Students with disabilities

Identification

Students must display current, clearly identifiable photo identification in every examination they attend.

While your Canterbury Card is preferable; other acceptable forms include:

  • passport;
  • New Zealand drivers licence;
  • verified printout from Student Services showing photo, name and Student ID number.

If you need to leave the exam room (e.g. to go to the toilet) please bring your ID to give to the Room Supervisor.

What you may take in with you

Only the items below may be taken into the examination room:
  • Canterbury card or suitable alternative.
  • Pens, pencils, rubbers and, where authorised, drawing instruments. These should either be held in your hand or in a small, clear plastic bag.
  • A bottle of juice or water.
  • Additional course materials (e.g. course books, notes, calculators...) may be taken into the exam room only if the Examiner has notified the Room Supervisors in advance of the exam.

Entering and leaving the examination room

Exam rooms will be published on the last day of lectures for each semester.

UC examinations start at 9.30am and 2.30pm. You should report to your assigned room 5-10 minutes before the official start time.

You may not enter an examination room later than 45 minutes after the start of the examination.

On entry to the exam room you may be given a card with a seat number printed on it (not Kirkwood Village rooms). You must sit in this seat. If, for medical reasons, you need to sit on an aisle seat, please e-mail the Examination Arrangements Senior Co-ordinator at least five working days before the exam is scheduled.

Immediately after taking your seat, fill in the attendance slip and answer book cover with your name, student number, course code and course title in the spaces provided. (Law students do not write their name on the answer book)

Do not start reading the examination questions or writing answers until the Room Supervisor announces that you may begin.

You will not be permitted to leave the room:

  • during the first hour of the examination.
  • during the final fifteen minutes of the examination.

During the examination

The Room Supervisor will announce:

  • when you may begin working on the examination;
  • when only fifteen minutes remains;
  • when you must cease work. Do not continue to write after time is called.

Cheating

This is considered an extremely serious offence which may lead to expulsion from the University.

If you have accidentally taken revision notes or other unauthorised material into the examination room, hand them immediately to the supervisor.

Do not:

  • look at other candidates’ answers.
  • talk or communicate in any way with other candidates.

Answering exam questions

Answer in English and write in ink unless the question paper gives other instructions. (You may answer in Maori provided you have made prior arrangements. See Use of Maori for more information.)

  • Write clearly; illegible answers will not be marked.
  • Start a new page for each question and take care to identify each answer clearly with:
    • the number of the question.
    • where appropriate, the part you are answering.
  • Do not copy out the question.
  • Do not tear any pages out of the answer book.
  • Rough working may be done in the answer book or you may request extra sheets from the supervisor. Clearly cross out rough working before handing in your book.
  • Tie all extra sheets including rough working into the answer book at the end of the examination.

At the end of the examination

  • Once the supervisor announces the end of the examination do not add anything more to your answers.
  • You must hand in your answer book together with any other paper to the supervisor before you leave the room.
  • Do not attempt to discuss any aspect of the examination with any of the examiners for the course before the results are published.
  • Lost property: Check the Examination Control Room or Security.

If you have any queries or comments, or require further information please contact the Examinations Office.