How to Prepare for Your December Exams
You made it! Today marks the last day of classes for the Fall 2023 term which means, it’s time to start preparing for exams.
We're here to help you stay organized and ensure you feel ready to tackle your upcoming exams. Check out our Exam Checklist and FAQs below to make sure you’re as prepared as you can be this exam season!
✔ Check your exam schedule
You can check your exam schedule online at myexams.uwo.ca. Please review your schedule carefully! Make sure to double and triple-check the schedule and add your exam dates, times, and locations to your calendar.
✔ Make sure you know what room you're writing in
Double-check that you know where the room is located. Some helpful resources to help you find your classroom are campus maps or the building abbreviation directory.
✔ Arrive on time
You will have exams scheduled at different times of the day, including evenings and weekends. Make sure to account for your commute time when planning for your exam. If taking the bus, it's best to allow for extra time just in case!
You will not be able to change the time/date of your exam unless you have a conflict or a religious obligation.
✔ Bring your ID
Remember to bring either your Western ONECard or your driver's license with you to your exam.
✔ Study!
The Office of the Registrar has arranged for the following study rooms to be open December 9 to 22, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m each day:
- AHB 1B08
- B&GS 1056
- KB K103
- MC 17
- NCB 296
- P&AB 34
- P&AB 36
- SEB 1056
- SH 3355
- UC 1225
- UC 3225
- WIRB 1110
All Western Libraries will also be open during exam season. Weldon and Taylor extended hours:
- Weldon 8:00 am- 3:00 am (Dec 6-Dec 20)
- Taylor 9am-12am (Dec 6-Dec 20)
Law, Music and Business are running on normal hours Law, Business, & Music will run on normal hours.
All of the different library hours can be found on the Western Libraries’ site.
✔ Bring a water bottle
Exams can be long, so it's important to stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle with you to your exams.
✔ Remember to breathe ... you got this!
Exams are stressful and it's okay to be anxious, but remember to take deep breaths. You can do it!
FAQs
What can I do on the day of an exam if I have an emergency?
Where possible, students should inform their instructor prior to the date of the exam. Contact your Home Faculty Academic Counselling unit immediately, and be prepared to provide supporting documentation. If your emergency occurs on a weekend, contact your Home Faculty Academic Counselling unit on the subsequent Monday morning.
If you have a medical concern, and are visiting an off-campus physician, please ensure you bring a copy of the Student Medical Certificate to your Home Faculty Academic Counselling unit. This documentation will be required to determine if a make-up exam is warranted.
Re-writing exams, or having the value re-weighted on a retroactive basis, is not a standard policy – and is typically determined through academic counselling. Should you decide to write your original exam, please be prepared to accept the mark you receive.
Find more information see examinations.
What if I need to miss an exam due to illness?
Where possible, students should inform their instructor prior to the date of the exam.
You will need to present a Student Medical Certificate (SMC), signed by a licensed medical or mental health practitioner, detailing the duration and severity of illness, or appropriate documentation supporting extenuating circumstances to your home faculty Academic Counselling Office no later than two business days after the date specified for resuming responsibilities.
What do I need to think about before requesting Academic Consideration for an exam?
Carefully consider the implications of postponing exams or delaying handing in work. For example, a delay in completing your work may impact you if you are expecting to graduate in June or, if you are continuing your studies next year, may impact the timing of your course registration appointment. Check with your academic counselling office to confirm potential impacts.
You are encouraged to make appropriate decisions based on your specific circumstances, recognizing that minor ailments (upset stomach) are not normally an appropriate basis for academic consideration.
You must communicate with your instructors no later than 24 hours after the end of the period covered by the Student Medical Certificate, or immediately upon your return following a documented absence.
What do I do if I have time conflicts?
If you have two exams scheduled in the same time slot and neither is a Business course (i.e. two exams scheduled at 2:00pm on the same day), you will have received an email to your Western account. Details will be provided on how to proceed and the appropriate people to contact.
If you have multiple exams within a short timeframe, please see the information available relating to a “Multiple Exam Situation” on the following page.
What is the difference between a final exam and a mid-year test?
The Registrar’s Office schedules mid-year tests (during the December period) and final exams only.
Mid-Year Test: For the purpose of this schedule, a mid-year test is a test that takes place in December for a full-year course. A Final Exam: For this schedule, a final exam is the evaluation that takes place at the end of a course (December final exams are scheduled for half-year courses).
