In an effort to enhance the flexibility and effectiveness of final exams, the university is introducing new options for exam durations starting in fall 2025. This initiative aims to better align exam lengths with course requirements and improve the overall student experience. Below are the key details regarding these changes and their anticipated benefits.

Instructors will be asked to choose from one of three exam duration options: 60, 80, or 120 minutes. Previously, all final exams were scheduled for 120 minutes by default. 

Instructors should work with academic administrators to determine their final exam needs for fall 2025 and communicate their plans before June 2025, when exam scheduling begins in MAUI.

This update provides greater flexibility for instructors to align exam durations with course content, learning objectives, and assessment strategies.  

Scheduling Final Exams

While instructors are not required to administer a final exam for their courses, those who choose to do so must specify the exam duration when scheduling. Changes to the exam duration may be requested, but instructors must adhere to the selected duration while administering the test. Although exams may now be scheduled for shorter durations, classroom spaces will continue to be reserved in two-hour blocks. This ensures consistent scheduling across campus and prevents logistical challenges related to room usage. 

For a complete list of final exam scheduling policies and additional details, please view the Final Examination Scheduling Policies.  

Why the Change?

This update provides greater flexibility for instructors while improving the student experience. The changes aim to create a more effective final exam process by:  

• Allowing instructors to select an exam duration that best aligns with their course needs and assessment strategies.  
• Helping students better manage their study time and exam expectations.  
• Reducing scheduling conflicts for students.  
• Supporting student accommodation needs by adding more time slots at Campus Test Centers if more 60- or 80-minute exams replace 120-minute exams.   
• Supporting extended time accommodations by allowing more students to complete their exams in the classroom rather than a Campus Test Center.   
• Encouraging instructors to explore best practices in assessment and be intentional in how they choose to assess student learning.  

Next Steps

Instructors are not required to change their exam duration but rather should choose the duration that best fits the exam they plan to offer. We encourage all instructors to reflect on the time their exams typically require and base their decisions on prior experience.   

Instructors must communicate their exam duration preference to academic administrators before scheduling for fall 2025 begins in June 2025.  

Support and Resources

FAQ at this link: https://registrar.uiowa.edu/new-fall-2025-final-exam-duration-options

For questions or further assistance, instructors or academic administrators can contact Exam Scheduling in the Office of the Registrar. Additional exam information can be found on the Office of the Regstrar's website.

Note: A version of this memo was published on March 12, 2025.