If you are feeling stressed, know that you are not alone – the University of Manitoba offers numerous services to help you alleviate that stress and succeed this exam period, from both an academic and wellness perspective.

When it comes to preparing for your finals, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to start your preparation now (if you haven’t already). Cramming may be a fun word, but it is a much less fun activity! Spreading out your study time and reviewing regularly help to make sure you have truly learnt and understood the information and gives you time to tackle more difficult concepts (especially when time is needed to find some help!).

Creating a study schedule (and sticking to it!) can be a helpful way to keep on track and minimize stress. When doing this, gather up all the material you need to know for all of your courses and think – what final assignments do you have, when are your exams, and what courses are you feeling more or less prepared for? In your study schedule, prioritize the courses, or information, that you are finding the most difficult – it is still important to review the information you are more comfortable with to make sure that you really know it, but, when time is limited, focusing on the less familiar pieces will generally set you up for the most success across your courses.

Staying accountable to a schedule can be difficult, particularly when we feel overwhelmed. Studying with others can help you stay on schedule, feel supported and can help provide a way to clarify or work through things you might be struggling with.

With or without study buddies, finding a study strategy that works for you is key not just for this exam period, but for the future as well. Just re-reading your notes over and over is not very effective for most people – you may want to try something like flash cards, mind maps, study guides or visual representations. Another great option is doing practice questions. To be most effective, practice questions should follow the same format as the exam – so if you are making up your own, keep that in mind. Not only does working through practice questions help you identify what you do and don’t know, studying in ways similar to how you are tested often makes the exam less stressful (which improves our ability to recall the information we need) – you might even consider setting a timer when doing practice questions and tests to mimic the exam situation more closely.

Not sure where to start or just need some advice for how to most effectively study? The Academic Learning Centre (ALC) and UM libraries offer a variety of workshops, one-to-one appointments and other resources to help you have a strong finish to the semester. You can book an appointment with a content or study skills tutor, attend a Supplemental Instruction session or participate in a workshop. You can also, of course, contact your instructor or teaching assistant with questions – this is best done well before the exam to make sure they have time to respond and that you have time to use the response.

Though staying on top of your studies is important at this time of year, do not underestimate the importance of getting enough sleep as part of your exam prep strategy. It is also critical to take care of yourself – mentally and physically. If you are in need of some support, consider reaching out to the Student Wellness Centre, an academic advisor, or the Student Counselling Centre. If you are looking for other ways to help de-stress, consider attending a group fitness class, finding a fun outdoor activity, or taking some time for a hobby. 

Best of luck!

Exams run Monday to Sunday with three-time slots: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 

Final exam locations will be posted on the Final exam schedule page by  Nov. 24, 2023. If you have an online exam, it will be listed as “online” under the location column. If you have an in-person exam, the location column will have a specific room location.

Due to technical difficulties, the exam schedule is currently not available in Aurora.

Prepare Now: Important Tasks To Do Before The Final Exam Period

• Review your schedule for any conflicts and contact your Academic Advisor if you have one.
• Reach out to Student Accessibility Services, if needed, to ensure you have the necessary support in place.   
• If you have an online exam, make sure you have the technology needed to complete your exam. 
• Make sure you have your UM Student Photo ID. When you arrive for your in-person exam, there will be a series of announcements, the first being to place your student photo ID (or government-issued photo ID) at the top corner of your desk. If you don’t have one, visit the ID Centre in the Registrar’s Office on the 4th floor, UMSU University Centre, OR be sure to bring a form of government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license). Find out more information about photo IDs on our website. 

BEFORE EXAMS START

Knowing what to expect, especially if it’s your first time taking exams at the university level, is important in helping you prepare yourself physically, mentally and logistically.

• Know your schedule. You can find your exam schedule in Aurora under ‘My Exams.’ If you have any exam conflicts, make sure to contact the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible to make arrangements.
  • If there is a scheduling conflict between a class and an exam, all academic staff and academic unit heads are responsible to ensure that students are not disadvantaged with respect to any missed or delayed classes, exams, or assignments. Students can direct concerns about conflicts to their instructor or academic advisor.
• Ensure your access. Make sure you can access your UM email and UM Learn accounts. Before your online exams, log in on UM Learn, select a course for which you have an upcoming exam and make sure you can find the ‘Quizzes’ tab. It’s also a good idea to ensure the device you’re using is compatible with UM Learn.
• Confirm your location. Prior to your in-person exam, it’s important to know exactly where you will be writing your exam and to know how to get there on exam day. 
  • If you are writing an exams on campus, make sure you’re up to date with the current COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
• Check your times. Times are set in the Central Time Zone. Confirm your exam start time, especially if you’re taking your online exam from a location outside Manitoba.
• Prepare as usual. Whether your exam is online or in person, the basics of studying remain the same. Prepare like you would for an in-class exam, and don’t forget to practice self-care while you study and on exam days.
• Consider your (virtual) location. Let your instructor know in advance if you will be taking your online exam at the same location as another student in the class. That way, there aren’t any red flags when you write at the same IP address as another student.
• Practice using e-proctoring software. Is your instructor using e-proctoring software for online exams, such as Respondus? If so, don’t worry. You can practice taking a test using Respondus in UM Learn. This allows you to complete a practice exam (as many times as you wish) to become familiar with exam-writing when Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor are enabled. We recommend you also read the FAQ section in the course to access additional information. Many instructors also create a practice exam not for credit in the course, but to allow you to practice and familiarize yourself with the digital platform.
  • Self-register for a Respondus Monitor practice course by following these steps:

1. 1. 1. Log in to UM Learn.
      2. Select ‘Self-Registration’ from the top menu.
      3. Select ‘Respondus Monitor Practice Exam’ (near the top of the list).
      4. Complete the registration steps and click on ‘Go to course offering.’

ON EXAM DAY

Get help fast if you experience technical difficulties during your exam. If you require immediate support, please call 204-474-8600 or toll free (North America) 1-844-626-1756.

Exam days can be stressful, but being ready and present makes a big difference. Here are some ideas to help you address aspects that are in your control:

• Show up for the exam. It seems obvious, but exams may be easier to miss than you think. Double check your start time, set an alarm, and have your device ready in advance so when the exam starts, you’re ready to go.
• Pack your ID. During in-person exams, students must present photo identification. Bring your student ID card or another piece of photo identification with you and place it on top of your table before starting your exam.
• Get help fast if you experience technical difficulties during your exam. If you require immediate support, please call 204-474-8600 or toll free (North America) 1-844-626-1756. UM Learn experts will be available to provide immediate service and a quick resolution to your inquiry. Listen for the “online exam support option” and follow the prompts to report your issue. DO NOT send e-mails or chat messages to get assistance – the response time will be slow while staff are answering calls.
• Show your integrity. Remember that academic integrity expectations apply to all exams and assessments. For online exams:
  • Find out from your instructors in advance what materials you can access during the exam. Anything that is not explicitly permitted is unauthorized material and can lead to an allegation of cheating.
  • Don’t work with others. Exams are individual assessments and working with others is not only unethical but risky. Your instructor knows even more about your activity during an online exam than in an in-person exam, so you will get caught if you attempt to cheat.
  • Learn more about Academic Integrity to understand your responsibilities.
• Read the instructions. Be sure to carefully read the questions. The format may vary depending on the exam. Communicate with your instructor to know what to expect. For online exams, keep in mind that some may not allow you to return to previously answered questions.
• Be aware of time limits. Consider the total amount of time you have to complete your exam. How many questions are there in total? Based on the question types, don’t get stuck on a single question. Make sure you can see the time during your exam to help with time management.
• Don’t forget to submit. Most online exams aren’t done until you click ‘Submit’ at the end. Wait until your exam submission is confirmed before leaving the page. For in-person exams, make sure you give your exam to the supervisors. 

Get more tech support for students to help you prepare for online exams. We’ll also be sharing more exam-related tips and tricks on @umstudent on Instagram.

Here are some recommendations as you focus on studying and writing your exams.

STUDY SMART

When you don’t know where to start, don’t panic and stay calm. You still have time to get organized. Try using these pointers to help you get back on track and be as productive with your study time as possible.

• Organize essential test materials such as readings, lecture notes, practice questions, assignment questions, and homework.
• Create a study schedule and pay close attention to courses and areas that you need to improve on, but keep in mind it’s also important to review material you know.
• Be prepared. Knowing the type of exam you are writing (e.g., multiple choice vs. long answer, closed vs. open-book) will help you know what to expect. Open-book exams tend to be application-based and will likely require you to go beyond answers in the book. Prepare for this kind of exam as you would a regular exam.
• Don’t cram. Cramming overtaxes your memory and you will end up remembering less, or even get confused about the material.
• Test yourself daily. Use chapter quizzes, flash cards, or make test questions for yourself instead of only reading notes. Re-organize and divide information for best results.
• Don’t just memorize. Understanding the material will ensure that you retain it.
• Study with others. Reviewing material with a classmate and having a second perspective can benefit both of you. Studying in a group setting can also help students stay focused and motivated. Consider attending a Virtual Study Hall session through the Academic Learning Centre to study with others. No registration is required.
  • Study hall hours are from 2:30 pm to 10 pm and will run every day (including on the weekend) from Tuesday, April 19 to Monday, April 25. The study halls will be facilitated by student staff with training in study skills and can, if asked, help with goal setting, and direct you to additional final exam study sources.
  • You can stay for as long as you need. Students are encouraged to keep their cameras on, but it’s not required. Breakout rooms can be created for groups who are interested in preparing together for a specific exam, or who would like to chat with friends while studying.
• Be proactive. If you have questions, your first step should be to contact your professor, instructor or teaching assistant to get the answers you need. You can also get online help and find recorded Academic Success Workshops that can help you continue to succeed. UM Libraries can also help with term papers and exam preparation.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Being at your best during exams means you should focus on your wellness as much as you focus on studying. Many resources can help you thrive and take care of yourself. Here are some suggestions:

• Find a balance. Eat healthy meals, get the rest that you need and move your body. Take advantage of UM Recreation Services’ wide range of virtual workout sessions and the facilities and programs open on campus at this time.
• Get support. If you get anxious about exams, you are not alone. The Student Counselling Centre offers counselling services to students, including groups and workshops offered throughout the year.
• Develop good habits. Consult with the UM Health and Wellness Educator for tips on stress management and other ideas for healthier living. Healthy U also has multiple resources you can access at any time.
• Take short breaks regularly. Getting up and moving when you’re studying can help prevent neck pain and headaches. Doing this also gives your mind a rest so you can return to your work feeling refreshed.
• Make time for things that bring you joy and help you relax. Enjoy a hobby, spend time in nature, tidy up your space or connect with friends and family.
• Remember to breathe. It’s easy to forget this when you’re feeling stressed. Simply close your eyes and count your breaths, focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply.
• Remember that your self-worth and value as a person is not determined by one test score or one exam. No matter the results of your exams or course grades, you are worthy of living a good life. Acknowledge how hard you’re working, show yourself kindness and remember that you are doing the best you can.

Look out for more exam-related tips on UM Today and @umstudent on Instagram!

Remember: The exam period is taking place from April 26 – May 3, 2022.

You can review the final exam schedule on our website, for details on your exam.

Personal health and studying

To start, you should take into account all the aspects of your life that go into creating the best study results before, during, and after any given study session.

• Staying focused and disciplined requires rest and reflection. When equations and sentences begin to blur and blend in unpredictable ways, remember to give your brain time to relax and process all the information you are reviewing. Take some time to stretch or sit back and meditate on the subject so that you can digest whatever you were working on. In whatever way you decide to rest from studying, ensure that you do indeed take small breaks. If you feel overwhelmed, take advantage of the Student Supports available – ranging academic and study supports to mental health support.
• Your physical needs are half the battle. It is incredibly important that you take the time that you need to restore not only your mind, but also your body. Eating nutritious meals, being active, and getting the rest that you need replenishes you and plays a major part in the effectiveness of your studies. Remember to enjoy some time outside in the spring sun or take advantage of UM’s recreation facilities.
• Take the edge off studying with hobbies and activities. Be sure to take the time to pursue your interests. If that means indulging in some movies, hiking in the wilderness, or catching up with those closest to you, be sure to include time for you, and your other aspirations and commitments alongside your final exam preparations.

Academic Integrity and Exams

In addition to keeping your mind and body in the best condition possible while preparing for your exams, you should also consider the importance of keeping your academic record in its best condition too.

The University of Manitoba takes academic integrity seriously and there are policies in place to ensure that this integrity is upheld. Cheating is often the most direct way of breaching academic integrity policies, such as accessing unauthorized materials during your exam or plagiarizing the work of other students, but there are other ways of breaching these policies too, such as helping another student during their exam or ignoring your instructor’s time limits and rules. Remember that disregarding academic integrity policies may result in severe academic disciplinary actions.

To avoid committing academically dishonest actions, especially unintentional actions, ensure that you consult with the Academic Integrity web page, view the Final Examinations and Final Grades Policy web page, and inquire with your instructor about what actions are and aren’t permitted during your final assessments in their course.

With that said, we wish you the best of luck at the end of your term and during your final tasks. Take care out there and study smart everyone!

“Academic integrity is everybody’s responsibility,” says Loie Gervais, UM’s academic integrity coordinator. “Having an understanding of what it looks like across different contexts and applying principles like honesty, trust, fairness and respect involves everybody on campus, whether you are a student, instructor, or researcher.”

Gervais co-coordinates academic integrity support programs and resources with a variety of units including the Academic Learning Centre, the First Year Centre, the Libraries, Student Advocacy, and more. In addition, students can access many self-directed resources that can inform them about different types of academic misconduct. These include plagiarism, inappropriate collaboration and cheating on exams, amongst other examples.

Many cases of academic misconduct are often unintentional, particularly when students aren’t familiar with the expectations of academic integrity and when expectations vary for each class.

Gervais explains: “No one comes to university and immediately knows how to complete all of their academic work perfectly. It’s a learning process, which takes skill and time to develop.”

The University of Manitoba takes an educational approach to academic integrity. It’s critical that students have opportunities to receive help in understanding how they can work with integrity. With help from a number of on-campus support units, students can be assisted in developing skills that will help them in University and beyond, and prevent them from engaging in different types of misconduct.

Gervais also works with students who have faced challenges with academic misconduct, helping them identify the issues that led to the situation and helping them equip themselves for success moving forward.

Gervais notes that the concept of working with integrity is not always simple to understand. “It requires thinking critically about each situation and knowing when to seek help or clarification, especially in a remote learning environment, when we aren’t as well-connected to the university and each other,” she says.

Academic integrity isn’t only about complying with university policy. It directly applies to understanding the best practices that allow students to thrive in the academic environment and beyond.

Be informed: Here are some resources to check out:

• Find out what is and isn’t academic misconduct
• Sign up for an Academic Learning Centre workshop 
• Read some tips to help you navigate online exams
• Learn more about studying and taking online exams

For more information on academic integrity at the University of Manitoba and different resources available to you, visit the Academic Integrity website.

Here are some things you can do while you’re taking your exams:

• Show up for the exam. It seems obvious but online exams are easier to miss than you may think. Convenience can give way to complacency, which is a close relative of forgetfulness. 
• Know what materials you can access. Your instructor will let you know if you are permitted to access course notes, a textbook, or other materials during the exam. Anything that is not explicitly permitted by the instructor is an unauthorized material and can lead to an allegation of exam cheating.
• Read the instructions. Be sure to read and carefully consider the question, the format may vary depending on the exam. Communicate with your instructor to know what to expect for the exam. Keep in mind some online exams may not allow you to return to previously answered questions. 
• Be aware of time limits. Consider the total amount of time you have to complete your exam. How many questions in total is your exam? Based on the question types, don’t get stuck on a single question. 
• Be prepared. Knowing what type of exam you are writing (e.g. multiple choice vs. long answer, closed vs. open book) will help you know what to expect. If you are writing an open-book exam, the questions tend to be application based and you could waste valuable time trying to find answers that are not in the book. Prepare for this exam as you would a regular exam.
• Don’t forget to submit. Most online exams aren’t done until you click “Submit” at the end. Wait until your exam submission is confirmed – then you’re done! 
• Don’t work with others. An exam is an individual assessment, and working with others is not only unethical but risky. Your instructor knows even more about your activity during an online exam than in an in-person exam, so if you try to cheat, you will get caught. Visit the Academic Integrity website to learn more. 
• If you have concerns about your internet connection, talk to your instructor before the exam. Do you plan to write your exam at a friend’s apartment because of your poor internet connection? Or do you happen to live with someone in the same class? Let your instructor know first, so that there aren’t any red flags when you write at the same IP address as another student.

If you experience any technical difficulties during your exam and require IMMEDIATE SUPPORT, please call 204-474-8600 or toll free (North America) 1-844-626-1756. UM Learn experts will be available to provide immediate service and a quick resolution to your inquiry. Listen for the “online exam support option” and follow the prompts to report your issue. DO NOT send e-mails to get assistance – the response time will be slow, while staff are resourcing the telephone lines. For more resources and tips on preparing for the technical side of online exams, please visit the final exam supports page.

You can find your Fall Term exam schedule in Aurora under ‘My Exams’.

UM Libraries can help with last minute term papers and exams — right to the end of term.

Be sure to follow @umstudent on Instagram for more study tips and tricks.

Taking an online exam is really similar to taking a regular exam, so stay positive.  We’ve put together some tips to help you prepare.

PRACTICE USING E-PROCTORING SOFTWARE

Is your instructor using e-proctoring software, such as Respondus? If so, don’t worry. You can practice taking a test using Respondus in UM Learn. This allows you to complete a practice exam (as many times as you wish) to become familiar with exam-writing when Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor are enabled.  This resource will also help you review the fundamentals of academic integrity and download, install and run Respondus LockDown Browser.

(Note: Respondus Monitor cannot be run without Respondus LockDown Browser.) Student connectivity requirements can be found at minimum system requirements. 

 You can self-register for this Respondus Monitor practice course by following these steps: 

 1: Login to UM Learn. 

 2: Select ‘Self-Registration’ from the top menu. 

 3: Select ‘Respondus Monitor Practice Exam’ (near the top of the list). 

 4: Complete the registration steps and then click on ‘Go to course offering’. 

Practicing well in advance of your course quizzes, tests, and exams will save you time, focus your efforts, and ensure you have more time to ask questions that you may have about this tool. Please read the FAQ section in the course to access additional information, such as privacy, instructor settings, and more. Remember that an online exam is still an official university exam, and that the same academic integrity expectations apply.

HIT THE BOOKS 

Sometimes you just don’t know where to start. Don’t panic, stay calm, and use these pointers to help organize your study time so you can be as productive as possible. 

• Organize essential test materials such as readings, notes taken in class, assignment questions, practice questions and homework. 
• Create a study schedule and pay close attention to areas that you don’t know or don’t understand, but keep in mind it’s important to also review material you know. 
• Take regular, short, breaks are best. 
• Don’t cram. Cramming overtaxes your memory and you will end up remembering less, or even get confused about the material. 
• Test yourself daily. Use the chapter quizzes, flash cards or create test questions for yourself. Just reading over your notes does not help you learn. Re-copying is a waste of time. Re-organize and chunk information for best results. 
• Don’t just memorize. Understanding will ensure that you retain that material. 
• Be proactive. If you have questions your first step should be to email your professor or teaching assistant to get the information you need. You can also get online help and other learning supports through the Academic Learning Centre.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF 

UM has many resources to support your success and help you to take care of yourself. Here are some steps to take: 

• Find a balance. Eat healthy meals, get the rest you need, and take advantage of UM Recreations Servicesvirtual health and fitness page.  
• Get support. Do you get nervous, anxious and worry before exams? You’re not alone. The Student Counselling Centre offers a full range of remote counselling services to students, including workshops. 
• Develop good habits. Consult with our Health and Wellness Educator for tips on stress management and other healthy living ideas. 

Be sure to follow @umstudent on Instagram for more study tips and tricks. We’ve also put together some tips for taking your actual exams. You can find those here.

Exam cheating at the U of M is defined as “…the purposeful circumventing of fair testing procedures. Such acts may be premeditated/planned or may be unintentional or opportunistic” (Student Discipline Bylaw).

Examples of cheating include:

• Letting another student look at your exam;
• Helping a friend on an exam;
• Using a cell phone during an exam; or
• Continuing to write an exam once the time has elapsed.

 It’s important to check what materials can be brought into an exam. For example, if you are found with a cell phone on you during an exam, you may appear to be cheating, even if you didn’t intend to. This could result in disciplinary action. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules, so you don’t accidentally break one.  

 Visit the Academic Integrity website to learn more about the University of Manitoba’s exam policies. Review the Final Examinations & Final Grades Policy for more information.