Exam Schedule Change FAQ
In 2025, the University of Alberta began implementing new scheduling software to modernize how we schedule exams, reducing direct conflicts and 3-in-4 scenarios. With proven results using 2024’s data in a test environment, we are now able to create an exam schedule using actual student registration information, rather than working from an arbitrary schedule.
When will I know the dates of my final exams?
We will post the exam schedule online to the Exam Schedules web page in October.
Why can’t the exam schedule be released earlier?
The exam schedule is built using actual student registration information therefore needs to be created after the university’s add/delete date. In 2025, there were over 20,000 registration changes between Aug.1 and Sept. 16. Releasing the schedule early would result in many student conflicts once it is updated with the final registration data.
When we tested our methods using data taken after the Fall 2025 add/drop deadline, we were able to 1) reduce the number of 3-in-4 rescheduled exam conflicts and 2) direct exam conflicts to zero and 3) provide a more evenly distributed final exam schedule for students, enabling them to perform with confidence.
What exam information do I put in my syllabus/course outline?
We recommend you put the exam period date ranges in your syllabi, rather than the specific date of the exam. For Fall 2026, the exam period will be Dec. 9 - 22, 2026. For Winter 2027, the exam period will be April 12 - 24, 2027. Dates can be found in the Academic Schedule.
You may wish to include a line stating, “Students are expected to be available for the entirety of the exam period until the exam schedule is released.”
Why is this change happening?
This change will drastically reduce the number of 3-in-4 rescheduled exam conflicts and direct conflicts, with the target of reducing them to zero.
I have an evening exam. Is my exam affected?
No, evening courses that are planning to have a final exam will still have them scheduled on the last regular class period, as outlined in the Calendar, and are unaffected by this change.
How can I request that my exam be scheduled during the exam period?
A request will come from your college scheduler for exam information soon, so please make sure you provide the requested information as soon as able.
I have accommodations, how will I be affected by this change?
Your accommodations processes will be the same, however, this change gives us the opportunity to produce a schedule with more spaces between an individual student’s exams. This may help with your accommodation needs such as time extensions.