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Dead Week

The last week of a regular semester and the last three days of a summer session is called “dead week.” Below is a summary of the dead week policy. For the complete Senate Rule pertaining to Dead Week, see S.R. 5.2.4.6 (pdf). Note that Dead Week Rules apply only to undergraduate students.

There are some course restrictions related to Dead Week. Below is a brief list of what is and is not allowed during Dead Week:

Allowed during dead week:

• Projects, lab practicals, paper presentations, and oral/listening exams if they are scheduled in the syllabus and the course does not have a final exam.
• Make up exams and quizzes.
• Class participation and attendance grades.
• Regularly scheduled graded homework that was announced in the class syllabus.

Not allowed during dead week:

• Written examinations, quizzes, or final examinations.
• "Take Home" final examinations cannot be due before the regular scheduled final exam period.

Steps to Resolve Issues Regarding Dead Week

• Your first step in resolving any concerns you may have regarding dead week is to talk to your course instructor.
• If your initial attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor is unsuccessful, you should meet with the department chair to express your concerns. Be sure and provide any information that helps to explain the issue regarding dead week.
• If you are unable to resolve your concerns regarding dead week with the course instructor or the department chair, and/or you would like a confidential consultation, you may contact the Academic Ombud Services Office to schedule an appointment with the Ombud.
• If your concerns regarding dead week have merit, and should you wish to preserve you anonymity with the course instructor and department chair, the Academic Ombud may contact the course instructor on your behalf to resolve the matter. In this instance, the Ombud will inform you of the instructor’s decision regarding dead week.