Under university guidelines, schedule conflicts generally fall into two categories: * **Direct Conflicts:** Two or more final exams scheduled at the exact same date and time. * **Overload Conflicts:** Having three or more final exams scheduled on the same calendar day. Review your schedule during the first few weeks of the semester to determine if you have a conflict. Waiting until the end of the term may limit your options for rescheduling. ## Steps to Resolve the Conflict If you identify a scheduling conflict, follow these steps to request an accommodation:
### 1. Contact Your Instructors Reach out to the instructors of the conflicting courses as soon as possible. Send a polite email or visit them during office hours. Clearly explain the conflict, providing the course names, numbers, and the scheduled exam times. When two exams overlap, ask if one instructor can offer a makeup exam or allow you to take the test during another section's scheduled exam time. Instructors are often willing to accommodate students who reach out well in advance. ### 2. Provide Documentation Be prepared to verify your conflict. Instructors may request proof, such as a screenshot of your official class schedule from your student portal or a copy of the official SDSU final exam schedule highlighting the overlapping times. ### 3. Contact the Department Chair If an instructor is unable to accommodate your request, or if you cannot reach an agreement, contact the chair of the academic department offering the course. The department chair can review the situation and help facilitate an alternative testing arrangement.
### 4. Consult Your Academic Advisor If you still cannot resolve the conflict through the instructor or the department chair, consult your academic advisor or the Assistant Dean of your college. They can guide you through university petitions or administrative solutions to ensure you can complete your exams. ## Important Policies and Limitations When resolving final exam conflicts, keep the following guidelines in mind: * **No Last-Minute Requests:** Instructors need time to write alternative exams and secure testing locations. Requests made during the final weeks of the semester may be denied. * **Syllabus Policies:** Always check your course syllabi at the start of the semester. Some instructors outline specific procedures and deadlines for rescheduling exams directly in the syllabus. * **Official Verification:** Always verify current final exam policies, dates, and deadlines directly through the official SDSU Office of the Registrar website, as university policies are subject to change.
