Frequently Asked Questions

Exam Scheduling

Primary examinations are scheduled over a two-week period with two sessions per day. For maximum efficiency and equity, examination scheduling software is used to set the timetable. Exams are scheduled when all (or as many candidates as possible) are available, thus reducing the number of students with clashing exams and student overload. Presently, as students can select from a wide range of courses, it is not possible to schedule exams to ensure that all students do not have exams on consecutive days.

Q. Can I make notes during reading time?

During the official 10 minute reading time you may make notes on the scribble paper provided, but you MUST NOT write on the examination paper or inside the answer book.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone to check the time?

No. Mobile phones must be switched off and stored in your bag. If you are found to have a phone on your person, your supervisor will confiscate it until the end of the exam. Clocks will be placed around the venue to assist you with monitoring your time.

Q. Can I use my dictionary or notes?

Not unless these items are authorised by your lecturer. Being in possession of unauthorised material during an examination constitutes a breach of the University's Policies and will be dealt with according to the relevant principles outlined therein.

Q. What if I forget my student ID?

All students are required to place their student ID on the top right corner of their desk. If you have forgotten your student ID, you must present another form of photo ID, such as a driver’s licence. If you are unable to present any form of photo ID, a photograph will be taken of you and compared with your photo in the University student system.

Q. What if I have to use the toilet?

If you need to use the toilet, remain seated and raise your hand. A supervisor will grant you permission to leave your seat to use the toilet. Only a limited number of students may use the facilities at any one time and toilet monitors will be in place to supervise student activity whilst outside of the exam venue.

Q. English is not my first language. Can I have extra time?

Extra time will not be granted to complete an examination on the basis of language competence, eg. where English is a second language (ESL). A student with a language disability (for example, dyslexia) may apply for alternative examination arrangements.

Q. How do I make a comment or suggestion about the examinations?

The University appreciates constructive feedback. During the examination period the Examinations Office invites all students to participate in a survey on this website. Alternatively, you can email your comments directly to examinations@adelaide.edu.au.

Q. What happens at the Wayville exam venue?

• See Wayville setup. There are approximately 3,000 students sitting exams in each session. Please be patient when entering the venue. Each candidate has been allocated a specific seat.
• Students are discouraged from bringing bags. However any bags that you need to bring must be stored under your seat.
• Mobile phones are not permitted on desks or in pockets. Ensure that any phone is switched off and placed in a bag or it will be confiscated until the end of the exam.
• An announcement will be addressed to candidates waiting outside of the venue 10 minutes before the start of the exams. Listen carefully to the instructions. Any unauthorised materials can be surrendered at the entrance.
• Exam conditions apply as soon as candidates enter the venue. Quickly and quietly move to your allocated seat within the block for your exam.
• Exam materials must be placed on the desk and any bags must be placed on the floor under your seat. Place your clear water bottle on the corner of your desk, not on the floor.
• Check the front page (rubric) of the exam paper to confirm that it is the correct paper. Do not read the exam paper.
• If you wish to speak to a supervisor, remain seated and raise your hand.
• Complete the attendance slip on only one answer book, tear along perforations and place it with your student ID on the top right-hand corner of your desk.
• Complete the rest of the details on the cover of the answer books. Do not complete more than one attendance slip.
• If you have forgotten your student ID, you must present another form of photo ID, such as a driver’s licence. If you are unable to present any form of photo ID, a photograph will be taken of you which will be compared to your photo in the University student system.
• During the course of the exam, the supervisor will examine photo IDs and other materials brought into the exam. Candidates are required to comply with all requests from the supervisor.
• Listen to all announcements from the Chief Supervisor and other supervisors for any corrections or clarifications to your exam.
• Official reading time is 10 minutes. When the announcement to start reading is made, you may read your exam paper and make notes on the scribble paper provided. You must not write on your exam paper or in your answer book.
• Carefully read the front of the exam paper. Note important instructions such as additional reading time, answering parts in separate books, etc.
• Check that you have all the pages, attachments, formulae sheets and case studies for the exam, as indicated on the paper.
• Your examiner may be present during reading time. Raise your hand if you have any questions about the instructions or requirements for the exam.
• Raise your hand and wait for your supervisor if you wish to use the toilet. Only a limited number of students may use the toilets at a time - you must remain under exam conditions at all times (no talking and no smoking).
• If you have a query about a question in your paper, and your supervisor is unable to get an answer for you, state your assumption in your answer book and answer accordingly.
• If you finish your exam early, raise your hand. The supervisor will collect your exam materials and may permit you to leave.
• No students will be permitted to leave after the '10-minutes before end of exam warning' has been announced. You must remain seated for the duration.
• Please leave the venue quietly, as other students may still be completing their exam and will be distracted by your noise. No talking until you are outside of the venue.
• If you become unwell during your exam, raise your hand and a supervisor will assist you.
• In the event of an emergency at the venue (fire, electrical faults, etc.) remain quietly seated. Listen to instructions from the supervisor. If the venue is to be evacuated, leave quickly and quietly, taking all personal belongings with you. Do not remove any examination materials.