Before and During Exam FAQ
Having to sit exams, write essays and complete assignments can be stressful but it comes with the territory when you’re a student! We in DITSU wish you all the very best of luck as you prepare for the Semester 1 exams and assignments deadlines. Try to eat well, get regular exercise and sleep so that you keep the brain sharp for study. Make sure you know what the deadline requirements are for assignments, when/where your exams are taking place so that you give it your best shot!
These FAQs consider what to take into account before and during an exam. If we've left a question that you would like to see added, please contact Eve by email.
- What if... personal stuff makes it difficult for me to complete the Exams/Assessments to the best of my ability?
- What if… I’m late for an exam?
- What if… I’m sick in the middle of my exam?
- What if… I’m sick and miss my exam?
- What if… I want to defer my exams/assessments?
- What if... I have a broken arm/leg/ finger before/during the exams?
- What do I need to know about sitting my exam?
Q. What if... personal stuff makes it difficult for me to complete the Exams/Assessments to the best of my ability?
Often personal issues of one sort or another can affect a student's academic progress. It can happen that due to family, health, financial, personal issues or worries that a student can feel everything else too much to cope with. If such circumstances exist and are affecting you it is important you let the relevant people in the DIT know so this can be taken into account when your marks are being considered.
You can:
Complete and submit a Personal Circumstances (P/C1) Form. Please note that you must supply independent supporting documentation (e.g. Doctor’s cert, letter from a Counsellor etc.) to verify what you’ve described. This must be handed in to your Exams Office within two days of sitting your final exam or at the same time as an assignment is due.
NOTE: PC1 forms are to be handed in to the Exams Office as they are the people who administer the Exams process but let your tutor or a lecturer know. Around exam time of year it is best to email them. It doesn’t have go into detail about your circumstances but is merely a ‘heads-up’ for them. Most lecturers have heard similar before and you would be surprised how helpful and supportive they can be.
Remember that it is not possible to submit this form after your results are published, for obvious reasons, and you cannot use this as grounds to appeal later.
The form is available from all the Exams Offices or you can get a copy from your Students’ Union Office.
Q. What if… I’m late for an exam?
This really depends on how late you are and why. The Regulations state that you cannot come in and sit the exam if you are later than a half an hour after the start time. In some rare and unusual circumstances the Exams Officer may allow you in but you don't have a chance if another candidate has left the Hall already.
If you are very late and don't have enough time to do a good job, you should tell the lecturer and your Head of School what has happened and why. If there are personal reasons you can fill out a Personal Circumstances Form (PC1). This form will be presented at the Exam Board and considered.
Q. What if… I’m sick in the middle of my exam?
If you are unwell during the exam, notify the Supervisor - the person who has recorded your exam number and given you the exam paper and answer book. You are allowed leave the Hall temporarily accompanied by the Supervisor. You may be given extra time at the end.
You should then fill in a Personal Circumstances Form (PC 1) explaining what has happened to you. Submit the form to the Exams Office within 2 days of your last exam.
Q. What if… I’m sick and miss my exam?
It's not the end of the world if you are sick the day of the exam. But you should contact your Examinations Office and to explain you won’t be there and why.
Also, you MUST hand in the PC 1 form with a DOCTOR'S CERT confirming your illness etc! You must provide a certificate from a registered GP or the DIT Health Centre. You may then be given the chance to take the exam as a first attempt at the next sitting.
Q. What if… I want to defer my exams/assessments?
Yes, you can if have good reasons and do so in time and with the permission of your Head of School. It will more than likely mean that you will not be able to progress to the next year of the programme as you haven't successfully completed all modules for the current year.
You should contact your Head of School at least 4 weeks before the date of the exams and explain in detail what your reasons are. If these are accepted you will be allowed to sit these exams at the next available sitting.
If you have to defer closer to the start of the exams (due to an emergency situation etc.) you should contact your tutor and the Head of School to discuss the circumstances.
Q. What if... I have a broken arm/leg/ finger before/during the exams?
The DIT is committed to ensuring that students with temporary or permanent disabilities are in no way disadvantaged in Exams. Specific examination and other assessment arrangements may be made that are intended to enable candidates to perform to the best of their ability; they are not intended to give any unfair advantage to the candidate.
If you have an accident in the run up to or during the exam period and are incapacitated in some way you may be able to get a scribe, extra time and/or the use of special equipment. While every effort will be made to provide the necessary facilities, it may not be possible to meet all requirements in every case. The Disability Liaison Officer will advise on any evidence / needs assessment which may be required, (e.g. medical and / or psychological evidence) and will liaise with the Head(s) of Department and the Exams Office regarding appropriate examination arrangements.
A range of specific assessment and examination arrangements are available including extra time, the use of a scribe or reader. Further details of specific arrangements for students with disabilities can be obtained from the Disability Services Office by email to disability.services@dit.ie
Q. What do I need to know about sitting my exam?
- Check your timetable. Make sure you know when and where you’re exams are on and plan to be there on time – if you’re more than 30 minutes late you won’t be admitted or if another student doing the same exam as you has left before you arrive you cannot be admitted.
- BRING YOUR DIT STUDENT ID Card as well as the timetable or exam notification document – check your student email to confirm what exactly you need to gain admission to the Exam Hall. If you don’t have the right proofs with you will probably be denied entry. This is your responsibility.
- Double check ‘hand up’ / submission dates for projects, essay and assignments – you will be deducted marks if you are late – the exact penalties should be on the brief or in your Student Handbook. If you’re sick or have other difficulties fill out the PC1 form (link).
- Don’t bring notes or any other prohibited material to the exam – it’s unfair and a serious breach of the Regulations and if you’re caught you could get thrown out of college. THIS INCLUDES MOBILE PHONES. If you’re found with a phone on your person in the exam hall (accidentally or on purpose) it will be confiscated and you will have to go before a Panel of Enquiry and you may well be penalised.
- Make sure your assignments are all your own work – plagiarism and sloppy citing / referencing are breaches of the Regulations and serious penalties apply.
- If you break your arm, sprain your wrist or have some sort of accident that compromises your performance in an exam or in finishing an assignment contact the DIT Health Centres and they will liaise with your Exams Office so that you get the appropriate support (extra time, a scribe etc). Email your Tutor and lecturers also to keep all the people in the loop. If you have to defer your next attempt should be considered a ‘first attempt’. Use the PC1 form again here.
Further Information
Glenn Fitzpatrick
Mary Scally
- SU Director of Academic Affairs
- Click the ‘Get In Touch’ button at the top of the page for more contacts