Examinations

Examinations

Examination instructions

Infringement of the Examination Regulations is regarded very seriously. Please read the following instructions carefully.

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 2012 examinations:
Cell phone, wallet and/or 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.

You are not permitted to have a cell phone or any other electronic communication device on your person in an examination room.  Cell phones must be switched off with the alarm disabled. If your cell phone emits any 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.

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
  • photo drivers licence
  • verified printout from Student Services showing photo, name and Student ID number

Entering and leaving the examination room

You may not enter an examination room later than forty-five minutes after the start of the examination.

You will not be permitted to leave the room:

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

Announcements during examinations

The supervisor will announce:
  • when you may begin working on the examination.
  • when only fifteen minutes remains.
  • when you must cease work.

What you may take in with you

Only the below items may be taken into the examination room:
  • Canterbury card or suitable alternative.
  • pens
  • pencils
  • rubbers
  • other items authorised by the examiner, e.g. calculator, drawing instruments...
  • a bottle of juice or water

These should either be held in your hand or in a small, clear plastic bag.

Additional course material may be taken only if the Examiner has notified the Room Supervisors in advance of the exam.

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. The examiner will advise you if you need to have your calculator checked.

Calculator checks for tests/exams requiring this will take place in Rutherford, Room 212 each Wednesday from 12.45 - 1.15.

A list of exams that require pre-checking will be available closer to the examination period.

Before the examination begins

  1. On entry to the exam room you will be given a card with a random seat number printed on it. You must sit in this seat. If, for medical reasons, you must sit on an aisle seat please e-mail the Examination Arrangements Senior Co-ordinator at least 5 working days before the exam is scheduled.
  2. Immediately after taking your seat, fill in the attendance slip.
  3. You must also enter the following details in the spaces in the front of your answer book:
    • your name
    • student ID number
    • the course code
    • the course title
  1. Do not start reading the examination questions or writing answers until the supervisor announces that you may begin.

During the examination

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 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.

If you have any queries or complaints, write to:

The Examination Arrangements Senior Co-ordinator.
Records, Examinations, Graduation and Scholarships
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140

Further information

Please contact the Examination Arrangements Senior Co-ordinator.