We have 2 large prelicensure nursing programs, and for several years, many requests were made by students for makeup examinations. To meet these requests, nursing faculty adopted an informal program policy of consideration for student requests. Given the makeup examination was often offered at more than 1 time to meet the students' requests, concerns arose about increased risk to academic integrity, time for faculty to create the makeup exam, and complaints from students that those taking a makeup test had additional study time. It was clear a formal makeup examination policy had to be developed.

Impetus for Change

While teaching a course, 1 of the authors fielded numerous student requests for makeup examinations. The reasons were varied: some were known in advance; others were related to a student illness. Nearly all students who requested a makeup examination also asked to take the examination prior to the scheduled test for the class. This gave the appearance to some students that those requesting the makeup were "rewarded" with a longer break between terms, whereas the students who were respectful of the program's established examination schedule were "losing out." As faculty, we have a responsibility to maintain fair and reasonable testing opportunities for all. After consideration and discussion by faculty, a new policy was adopted.

Makeup Policy

The policy now states that if a makeup examination is offered, it will be given after the scheduled examination. This captures both planned and unplanned examination absences by students. In addition, by offering only 1 makeup examination, the faculty member is not burdened with developing multiple makeup examinations to maintain test integrity. Furthermore, our test banks can more easily support the construction of 2 examinations. Finally, the policy discourages students from requesting a makeup examination prior to the scheduled final examination merely to get an "early start" on the term break. No questions used in the scheduled examination are used in the makeup examination. The policy also states that because of the small number of students taking the makeup examinations, no statistical inferences can be drawn about the reliability of a test item, and therefore, no numerical grade adjustment is applied. Makeup examination requests are not honored after a student has taken the scheduled examination while ill or otherwise compromised, for example, because of personal issues.

In addition, if the student begins the examination and subsequently reports an inability to complete it, a makeup examination is given at the discretion of the faculty member. Once the student has started the test, the student cannot rescind it, even in part. Lastly, students who have a pattern of requesting multiple makeup examinations are required to meet with the department chair to discuss the nature of their repeated requests.

Outcomes

The number of makeup examination requests decreased dramatically after implementation of the policy. Students view the policy as benefiting all, as it fosters fairness and test integrity while maintaining sensitivity to the individual needs of students. Faculty members no longer have to weigh and decide on the multiplicity of requests for consideration from students.