Examination Categories

At the beginning of each term, course heads will be asked to submit Final Assessment Information in my.harvard for each course they teach. Final assessment options include the following examination categories:

  • Final Examination for All Students 
    All students enrolled in this course are expected to write a seated three-hour examination scheduled by the FAS Registrar's Office during the Final Examination Period and proctored by instructional staff of the course. 
     
  • Final Examination for Undergraduate Students 
    All undergraduates will write a seated three-hour examination and all graduate students will be given alternative assessment (paper, project, take-home examination, etc.). All alternative assessment deadlines must comply with the course’s assigned Exam/Final Deadline Group. 
     
  • Final Examination for Certain Students 
    A seated three-hour examination will be given to a certain academic grouping of students in the course, while another grouping of students will be given an alternative means of assessment (paper, project, take-home examination, etc.). All alternative assessment deadlines must comply with the course’s assigned Exam/Final Deadline Group
     
  • Final Examination Combinations
    A seated three-hour exam may be combined with another final assessment option, such as: students may complete either a seated three-hour examination or a take home exam; students may complete either a seated three-hour examination or a final paper. All alternative assessment deadlines must comply with the course’s assigned Exam/Final Deadline Group.

Completion of Work in Courses without Three-Hour Examination

Course heads should not assign any work to be done during the Final Examination Period. Faculty policy stipulates that this time should be reserved for standard three-hour exams or other final assessments. Assignments other than final examinations or other final assessments must be completed by the last day of classes. (See Legislation on Reading and Examination Periods.)

Take-Home Final Examinations

Take-home examinations must be due on or by the course’s assigned Exam/Final Deadline Group. Course heads should be careful to explain to students in writing the extent of collaboration and any source materials that may be permitted in the preparation of the examination.