Department of Criminal Justice

Policy Regarding Missed Examinations

The most important part of the CJ Department policy for the student to understand is that makeup tests for missed examinations are not given in CJ classes. If a test is not taken with the class, there is no makeup option available. Tests are not given either before or after they are scheduled. Tests are given only when scheduled for the entire class; they will not be scheduled individually for individual students. However, students will not be penalized for missing one examination if such absence is excused in the manner described below.

A student who misses an examination may submit a written request for an excused absence from the examination. This request must set forth in some detail the reason for missing the examination and any supporting documentation justifying the excuse must be attached. This request and any documentation must be submitted within four school days after the date of the missed examination, except in the case of a final examination when such material must be submitted no later than the day following the missed examination. The request must be delivered to the Department secretary in the Criminal Justice department office during regular department office hours. The Department faculty will consider timely requests and allow or disallow them based on their merits.

An excused absence will result in the student’s grade being computed on the basis of the other test(s) in the course. There is no penalty whatsoever for missing one examination if it has been excused. However, an unexcused absence will result in the student’s final grade being lowered one full letter grade. Only one examination, per course, may be missed and excused. A student missing two examinations, regardless of the fact that one or both have been excused, will receive an automatic F for the course.

Generally speaking, excuses will be granted only for the following reasons: (a) Emergency medical or dental reasons verified in writing on letterhead stationary or prescription pad by a physician or dentist; (b) required court attendance as a party, witness, or juror verified on letterhead stationary by the judge of the court concerned; (c) attendance at the funeral of a member of the immediate family; (d) participation in an officially recognized university activity, such as athletic events, debates, etc., verified in writing on university letterhead stationary by a full-time faculty member; or (e) to comply with Board of Regents policy.

Examples of situations in which excuses normally are not granted are: flat tires, cars which don’t start, or other vehicular mechanical malfunctions; oversleeping, long weekends; having to work; extensions of regular university vacations by the student; weather conditions; mistake as to date of test or failure to ascertain date of test; flu and/or cold’s, unless verified as set out above; sick children, relatives, roommates, friends, unless the student’s presence is required by a doctor and verified in writing by a physician on letterhead stationary; and non emergency medical or dental treatment even if verified by a physician or dentist.

The final examination will be given on the date and at the time it is scheduled. Students should check the class schedules to determine this date and time. Students should not plan on beginning the vacation period early by missing a CJ final unless they are wiling to be penalized for missing the final exam.