Prep Week and Finals Week
Prep Week Resolution
For each fall and spring semester, the last full week of classes before final examinations is designated as Prep Week. The intent of this policy is to establish a one-week period of substantial and predictable study time for undergraduate students. During the Prep Week period, regular lectures are expected to continue, including the introduction of new content, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. The restrictions established by this Prep Week policy are:
- Due dates for mandatory graded submissions of any kind that fall within Prep Week must be listed on the syllabus provided at the start of the course.
- Mandatory final examinations may not be given during the Prep Week period except for laboratory courses or courses that meet weekly and for which there is no contact during the normal final examination week.
- No in-class quizzes or exams may be given on the Thursday and Friday of Prep Week. Quizzes/exams that are administered outside of class such as take-home exams, online exams, or exams given in the testing centers must: 1) open no later than Wednesday at noon of Prep Week, and 2) only cover material presented on or before the Tuesday of Prep Week.
Exceptions to this policy include the following:
- Classes that only meet on Thursdays or Fridays
- Lab components of courses
- Half-semester courses
- Make-up exams due to excused absences
- Regularly used formative assessments intended to enhance student engagement and guide course delivery
All other exceptions require approval by the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost.
- Registered ISU Student Organizations may not hold any meetings, functions, or sponsored events during the Prep Week period. Any exception to these restrictions must be authorized in advance by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs.
Policy approved by Faculty Senate, Senior Vice President and Provost, and President, 2013; Amended and approved by Faculty Senate, Senior Vice President and Provost, and President, 2017.
Instructors are reminded that most students are enrolled in several courses each semester, and widespread violation of this policy can cause student workloads to be excessive as students begin their preparation for final examinations.
Students are reminded that their academic curriculum is their principal reason for being in college and they have a responsibility to study in a timely fashion throughout the entire semester.
The Provost will publicize and monitor this policy each semester.
Finals Week
