I do not give make-up exams, either. If someone misses
an exam during the semester, they are required to take
a "special" final exam, instead of the regular final exam.
All of my final exams are cumulative. The special final
is longer than the regular final (but not so long as to make
its completion a problem), and it covers some topics in
more depth than the regular final (particularly the topics
covered in the exam that the student missed).
I lay this out in detail on the first day of the semester,
so that everyone understands. I usually get only one
or two students per course (out of 50 or so) who need to
take the special final. I've never had *any* complaints
about this procedure.
I like this procedure because it puts responsibility and
decision-making control on the students (i.e., "Am I so
hung over for this exam that I'd rather take a harder final
exam?), and it takes away my role as judge and jury
over excuses. I tell students that I will not think any less
of them if they need to take the special final, nor do I
require (or desire) any excuse whatsoever for missing an
exam. They simply must weigh the consequences of their
decisions, situations, "emergencies," etc.
-Mike
*****************************************************
Michael J. Kane
Psychology Department
Georgia State University
University Plaza
Atlanta, GA 30303-3083
phone: 404-651-0704
fax: 404-651-0753
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
"It is morally as bad not to care whether a thing
is true or not, so long as it makes you feel good,
as it is not to care how you got your money as
long as you have it."
-- E.W. Teale
