SDSU publishes the official final exam schedule online each semester. It is your responsibility as a student to review this schedule as soon as it becomes available—usually at the start of the semester or during registration—to check for any overlapping exam times. ## Step-by-Step Guide to Resolving an Exam Conflict If you discover a conflict in your exam schedule, follow these steps to resolve the issue: ### 1. Verify the Conflict Before reaching out to anyone, double-check your course syllabi and the official SDSU final exam schedule. Confirm the exact dates, start times, and end times for each conflicting course. Make sure you are looking at the schedule for the correct semester and term.
### 2. Review the Course Syllabi Read through the syllabus for each conflicting class. Instructors often include specific policies regarding final exams, makeup exams, and scheduling conflicts. Understanding these policies beforehand will help you approach your instructors with the correct information. ### 3. Contact Your Instructors Immediately Reach out to the instructors of the conflicting courses as early in the semester as possible. Do not wait until finals week, as instructors need time to arrange alternative testing spaces and create makeup exams. When you contact your instructors: * Send a polite, professional email or speak to them during office hours. * Explain the conflict clearly, providing the course names, numbers, and scheduled exam times for both classes. * Ask if it is possible to take the exam during an alternate block, during their office hours, or at another mutually agreed-upon time. Typically, one of your instructors will be willing to accommodate a makeup exam, especially if the conflict is a direct overlap.
### 4. Provide Documentation Be prepared to provide proof of the conflict. This may include a screenshot of your class schedule from the my.SDSU portal or a copy of the official exam schedule showing the overlap. ## What to Do If a Resolution Cannot Be Reached If you contact both instructors and neither is able to accommodate a reschedule, you should take the following steps: * **Contact the Department Chairs:** Reach out to the department chair of the courses involved. Explain the situation and the steps you have already taken to resolve the conflict with your instructors. * **Consult Academic Advising:** Your academic advisor can help guide you through university policy and assist in finding a solution. * **Contact the Office of the Registrar:** The SDSU Office of the Registrar oversees the final exam schedule. If you cannot reach a resolution through your instructors or departments, the Registrar's office can clarify official university policies regarding exam scheduling conflicts.
## Common Exam Conflict Scenarios at SDSU ### Three Exams on the Same Day While having two exams on the same day is common, having three or more can be overwhelming. Some university policies allow students with three or more final exams scheduled on a single day to request that one be rescheduled. Check the current SDSU Senate policy or consult with the Office of the Registrar to see if you qualify for this accommodation. ### Online vs. In-Person Exams If you have an online exam and an in-person exam scheduled close together, you may experience a logistical conflict. Ensure you have enough time to travel to campus or find a quiet study space on campus with reliable internet access, such as the SDSU Library, to take your online exam. ## Important Tips for SDSU Students
* **Act Early:** The most critical factor in resolving an exam conflict is time. Instructors are much more accommodating when notified at the beginning of the semester rather than a few days before finals. * **Keep Records:** Keep copies of all written communication between you, your instructors, and university administrators regarding the conflict. * **Verify Changes:** Once an alternative exam time is agreed upon, confirm the date, time, and location in writing with your instructor. * **Check Official Sources:** Because university policies and schedules can change, always verify the latest guidelines on the official SDSU website or by contacting the Office of the Registrar directly.
