* **The meeting days:** Note whether your class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays (MW), Tuesdays and Thursdays (TTH), Wednesdays only, or another combination. * **The exact start time:** Note the official start time of the class (e.g., 9:30 AM or 2:00 PM), not the time you usually arrive or when the lecture actually begins. * **The course type:** Identify if the class is a standard lecture, a lab, or a large multi-section course that might qualify for a block exam. ## Step-by-Step Guide to Reading the SDSU Final Exam Grid Once you have your class details, locate the official final exam schedule for the current semester on the SDSU Office of the Registrar website. The grid is typically presented as a table. Follow these steps to find your exam time: ### Locate Your Class Meeting Pattern Look at the columns or rows labeled with class meeting patterns. SDSU typically groups classes by their meeting days, such as "MWF" (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays), "MW" (Mondays and Wednesdays), or "TTH" (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Find the section of the grid that matches your class days.

### Find Your Class Start Time Within the correct day grouping, look for your class start time. The grid lists start times in chronological order. If your class start time does not match the exact time listed on the grid, look for the time range that contains your start time. For example, a class starting at 9:30 AM will align with the block designated for 9:30 AM classes. ### Identify the Exam Date and Time Follow the row and column to their intersection. This cell contains the specific date and time block for your final exam. SDSU final exams are typically scheduled in two-hour blocks (for example, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, or 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM). Note both the date and the exact hours. ## Understanding Block Exams and Departmental Finals Not all classes follow the standard final exam grid. SDSU schedules "block exams" (also known as common finals) for certain high-enrollment courses or multi-section classes.

If your course uses a block exam, all sections of that course will take the exam at the same time, regardless of when the individual classes meet during the semester. Common examples include introductory math, chemistry, and foreign language courses. To check for block exams: * Look for a separate table or section on the SDSU final exam page labeled "Block Exams" or "Departmental Exams." * Scan this list for your course prefix and number (e.g., CHEM 100 or MATH 150). * If your course is listed here, use the date and time specified in the block exam table instead of the standard grid. ## How to Resolve Final Exam Conflicts

Occasionally, reading the grid may reveal an exam conflict. A conflict occurs if you have two exams scheduled at the same time, or if you have more than three exams scheduled on the same day. If you identify a conflict: 1. **Review the schedule again:** Double-check the grid to ensure you did not misread the days or times. 2. **Contact your instructors:** Reach out to your professors as early in the semester as possible. SDSU policy generally outlines procedures for resolving exam conflicts, often requiring the instructor of the larger class or the class that causes the conflict to offer an alternative makeup time. 3. **Do not wait until finals week:** Instructors need ample time to arrange alternative testing rooms and proctors. ## How to Verify Your Exam Schedule

Because schedules can occasionally change or contain unique exceptions, you should always verify your final exam details using multiple sources: * **The Course Syllabus:** Your instructor will list the final exam date and format in the syllabus distributed at the start of the semester. * **Canvas or Blackboard:** Check your course portal for announcements from your instructor regarding the final exam location and time. * **Direct Confirmation:** If the syllabus and the official SDSU grid do not match, ask your instructor for clarification during office hours or via email. The instructor's instructions always take precedence over the general registrar grid.