Semester’s End
Each term, the University of Ontological Science (UOS) designates an 10-day reading period preceding the final assessment period. This time is intended for students to review and consolidate their coursework, engage in independent exploration, or prepare for final assessments. Individual faculty members may offer optional sessions during the reading period to provide additional support or instruction. All assigned work for the term—such as papers, lab reports, projects, and homework—must be submitted by the date specified by the instructor, but no later than the official “Dead End Date,” as established by the ICC. Any outstanding term assignments must be completed and turned in by this deadline.
Final Assessments
Each course at UOS must include a final assessment, which may take the form of an exam, project, presentation, or paper. The specific deadline for these assessments is set by the Registrar and varies depending on the assessment type.
Scheduled Final Exams
Scheduled exams must be taken on the date and time assigned by the Registrar. Students are advised to remain available throughout the final assessment period and avoid confirming travel plans until the official schedule is published. In certain circumstances—such as religious observances, personal emergencies, or other compelling reasons—the Registrar may authorize rescheduling within designated time slots. Faculty members are expected to prepare a new exam if the rescheduled exam occurs more than 24 hours after the original time.
If illness or other unavoidable circumstances prevent a student from taking an exam during the final assessment period, the student may request a long-term postponement through their academic advisor or assistant dean. This request must include the instructor’s endorsement and be made prior to the scheduled exam. Postponed exams for the fall term are held before the start of spring classes, while postponed spring term exams take place before the start of the fall term.
Students with approved postponements will receive an Incomplete (INC) grade until the exam is completed and a final grade submitted. Failure to take an exam at either the scheduled or rescheduled time without authorization will result in a failing grade for that portion of the course.
Students who become ill or incapacitated during a scheduled exam must notify the Registrar and their academic advisor as soon as possible. Students who elect to take the exam despite their condition will not have their grade adjusted afterward due to poor health or similar factors.
If a student arrives late but within 30 minutes of the exam’s start time, they may still take the exam and complete as much as possible within the remaining time. Students arriving more than 30 minutes late must notify the Registrar immediately. If an exam is missed entirely, students must report the absence within 24 hours. Based on the circumstances, a makeup exam may be permitted once during a student’s undergraduate career. Failure to report the absence will result in a failing grade for the missed exam.
All Other Final Assessments (Papers, Projects, Presentations, Online Exams)
Non-exam final assessments—such as papers, projects, and presentations—are due on the final assessment date assigned by the Registrar. Faculty who assign take-home exams must ensure the duration is reasonable, keeping in mind that students may have up to two assessments per day during the final assessment period.
If illness or similarly compelling circumstances prevent a student from meeting the deadline for written work, they may request an extension. Faculty may grant extensions of up to 72 hours, provided the request is made before the original deadline. Extensions beyond 72 hours require approval from both the instructor and the student’s academic advisor or dean. Faculty are not authorized to grant longer extensions independently.
When an extension is approved, the student and instructor are notified of the new deadline. In most cases, extensions do not go beyond the end of the final assessment period. In exceptional circumstances, a longer extension may be granted, provided it does not extend into the next term. Students who receive a longer extension may receive an Incomplete (INC) grade, which is updated upon submission of the work. Failure to submit work by the extended deadline results in a failing grade for that component of the course.
Deadlines for Independent Work
The ICC sets deadlines each term for the submission of junior and senior independent work. While individual departments may establish earlier deadlines, these cannot be later than the university’s official deadlines.
Students unable to meet these deadlines due to illness or other compelling reasons may apply for an extension through their academic advisor or assistant dean. The request must be submitted before the due date and include the endorsement of their advisor. Failure to submit independent work by the university deadline—or an approved extended deadline—will result in a failing grade. In such cases, a second grade is added to the transcript once the late work is submitted, and both grades remain on record.
No student will be allowed to enroll as a senior unless all junior independent work is successfully completed. Additionally, seniors must submit an acceptable thesis to fulfill graduation requirements. Failure to meet this requirement will delay graduation until the thesis is completed.