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Regulations for examinations at the University of Tromsø
Adopted by the University Board on 15.12.05 (case S 74/05) in accordance with Norwegian Universities’ Act (01.04.05), sub sections 3-9 and 3-10.
Chapter I: Scope and terminology
Section 1 Scope of regulations
These regulations cover students’ rights and obligations relating to examinations at the University of Tromsø. These regulations also apply to the teaching component of Doctoral degree programmes. Students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Norwegian Universities’ Act, the regulations for examinations at the University of Tromsø and other rules and regulations relating to examinations. These regulations also apply, where relevant, to external candidates unless otherwise specified in the programme of study/course description.
Section 2 Supplementary regulations
The faculties/Norwegian College of Fishery Science (NFH) can adopt supplementary rules in addition to these regulations for conditions relating to specific examinations. Such supplementary rules shall not lead to limitations on the student’s rights and obligations as described in these regulations. The University Director shall be notified as soon as practicably possible of the adoption of such supplementary rules or amendments to supplementary rules which are already in effect.
Section 3 Terminology
Department
| The faculties and the Norwegian College of Fishery Science (NFH) |
Student
| The term student refers to people admitted to a discipline or academic studies at the University of Tromsø in accordance with the Norwegian Universities’ Act, sub-sections 3-6 and 3-7. |
External candidate
| The term external candidate refers to a person who does not have the right to study the programme/course at the University of Tromsø, but has permission to sit the examination in accordance with the stipulations in the Norwegian Universities’ Act, section 3-10, number 1. |
Course
| The smallest component of a subject/discipline or programme of study. All courses shall have a dimension expressed in credits (ECTS). |
Course description
| A description of the teaching objectives, academic components, structure and implementation of the course. All courses at the University of Tromsø are described in a course description. |
Course group
| A collection of courses from one or more subjects/disciplines, which is defined in an individual education plan as constituting a combined academic unit. |
Examination
| A test of the student’s knowledge and skills, which results in a grade stated on the diploma or which forms part of the basis of calculation for a grade stated on the diploma. |
Module assignment
| A module assignment is a test resulting in a separate grade, or where the grade can form part of the calculations of the final grade. |
| Written examination | A supervised written examination. |
Work requirements
| The term work requirements refers to all forms of work and testing as outlined in the conditions for sitting the examination, but where the result does not form part of the basis for calculation of the character stated on the diploma. The assessment term for work requirements shall be approved/not approved. |
Continual assessment
| An assessment comprising several different tests or other forms of assessment that collectively produce a result. The result can be stated on the diploma or form part of the basis of calculation for a grade stated on the diploma. |
Postponed examination
| An examination arranged for students who have been sick or had another reason for being absent from the last ordinary examination (with reference to section 21). |
Re-sit examination
| An examination which can be arranged for students who sat the last ordinary examination and received the result ”fail” (with reference to section 22). |
Extraordinary examination
| An examination which a faculty/NFH can hold in special circumstances for students cannot wait until the next ordinary examination, and who do not meet the requirements to participate in a postponed or re-sit examination (with reference to section 23). |
Independent work
| A piece of written work within specified guidelines which comprises part of the Master’s degree examination and which should show independent understanding, reflection and maturity. |
Credits (ECTS)
| A measurement of the quantity of work completed. Sixty (60) credits constitute one year’s full-time study. |
Degree
| An education of a determined dimension and competition, which leads in the awarding of a diploma from the University of Tromsø. |
Diploma Supplement
| A diploma supplement in English and/or Norwegian providing information about the higher education system in Norway, and the specific student’s education. |
Chapter II: Courses, registration and examination registration
Section 4 Stipulations about examinations and examination results in course descriptions
The following stipulations about examinations and examination results shall be included in all course descriptions in programmes of study at the University of Tromsø:- details about any previous knowledge requirements to sit the examination
- details about any work requirements, the dimensions of these and which are compulsory, for example method course, exercises, supervised professional training, field work, excursions, laboratory work, group assignments, semester assignments and other written assignments
- details about the examination form and method of assessment
- details about access to eventual re-sit examinations
- teaching semesters and examination semesters
- specification of the examination language in the event that it is not Norwegian
Course descriptions for courses with continuous assessment shall have the following elements:
- details on the extent to which there are separate grades for assignments components during the course or whether there is one combined grade for all components
- the weighting of the components which form part of an eventual combined grade/average grade
- details about the examination form and method of assessment for each component/the complete course
- details about access to eventual re-sit examinations and which components must be re sat if the candidate has failed the course
Section 5 Reading list
Reading lists shall be provided for each course. Updated reading lists for each course will be available at the start of each teaching semester. In the event that the organised part of the teaching, for example lectures, laboratory work and seminars, shall form part of the compulsory reading list and examination papers must be based on this, this will be apparent on the reading list.
Section 6 Registration and examination registration
Examination candidates must register within as a student and submit an examination registration the stipulated deadline for each course, field course or excursion that carries credits. The deadlines for registration as a student and for examination registrations are published on the university’s website and notices at the faculty/NFH by the Director of Research and Academic Affairs.
Section 7 External candidates
A person who does not have the right to study the programme/course at the University of Tromsø has permission to sit the examination in accordance with the stipulations in the Norwegian Universities’ Act, section 3-10, number 1. The faculty/NFH determines whether the conditions for registration for the examination have been met, and can provide more detailed rules and regulations pertaining to sitting an examination without being admitted as a student. The faculties/NFH also determine to what extent knowledge and skills shall be tested in a different way to students who are admitted to the course, in accordance with the Norwegian Universities’ Act, section 3-11, number 3.
The University Director shall stipulate special registration deadlines for such examinations, and can also stipulate that people not admitted as students for the course must pay an examination fee to cover the university’s expenses.
Section 8 Dispensation from deadlines for registration and examination registration
The Director of Research and Academic Affairs can, following an application from a student, grant dispensation from the stipulated deadlines for registration and examination registrations in the following circumstances:- sickness on the final day for registrations (documented by a medical certificate)
- a bereavement in the immediate family (documented by a civil servant)
- the first semester an international student is registered at the university
- when the student is participating in group work that forms a direct part of the examination in question, and the examination can not be implemented for the other students in the group without this student being involved
- the examination(s) in question will lead to the completion of a degree at the University of Tromsø
- dispensation can also be granted in other circumstances
Any application received more than four weeks after the relevant deadline will not be considered. A student may appeal an unsuccessful application. Such appeals will be ruled on by the university’s Central Appeals Committee.
Section 9 Notification of candidates registered for an examination
All students who have registered for an examination will receive written notification after the registration period has ended. There are separate notices for the notification of final Master’s degree examinations.
Individual students are responsible for correcting or reporting any errors or deficiencies when registering for an examination, including notification of charge of physical or e-mail address.
Chapter III: Examinations
Section 10 Conditions for sitting examinations
In order to sit an examination, the student must complete and gain approval for the course(s), work requirements, exercises and other tasks, as stipulated in the course description. The faculty/NFH may grant dispensation from these requirements in circumstances, for example where the student has the equivalent documented from another learning institution.
Section 11 Examination arrangements
The student’s knowledge and skills shall be tested in each course and/or course group. This shall occur by continuous assessment of the learning process, a final examination late in the semester, a combination of these or by another method.
An examination can comprise one or more module assignments and can comprise one or more examination forms, including oral examinations, practical tests, presentations, portfolios, project work, reports, reflection notes, take-home assignments, group assignments, written examinations, Bachelor degree assignments and Master’s degree assignments. The examination arrangements shall be stipulated in the course description and/or curriculum.
The oral parts of examinations and tests shall be public unless regard for the examination or test arrangements indicates otherwise. The board may make exceptions to the rule concerning public examinations in particular cases at the request of the examination candidate concerned when particularly weighty reasons so indicate.
For examination forms of several days’ duration, statutory holidays and other public holidays are not counted as part of the examination period.
Section 12 Language for written examinations
The faculty/NFH is responsible for ensuring that examination papers provided in Norwegian are available in both Bokmål and Nynorsk. In the event that all students have selected the same preferred language form, the assignments can be written in that form only. Students select their preferred language form when registering for the examination.
In the event that the teaching is conducted in a non-Scandinavian language, examination papers can, if requested, be written in the teaching language.
In the event that a significant proportion of the course’s reading list is in a language other than the teaching language, the faculty/NFH can determine that the examination papers can also be written in that language.
The faculty/NFH shall rule on any applications for the examination papers to be made available, and answered, in a language other than Norwegian or the teaching language.
Assignments for all courses conducted in English, or courses which form part of programmes conducted in English, shall be written in English. All candidates who sit examinations in courses conducted in English or in courses that form part of a programme conducted in English must answer the examination in English.
The course description can stipulate that an examination must be answered in a language other than Norwegian.
Section 13 Times and venues
The relevant faculty/NFH is responsible for stipulating the date, time and venue of all oral examinations, presentations, practical tests and submission of written assignments. The faculty is responsible for ensuring that all candidates receive satisfaction notification of such arrangements.
The Director of Research and Academic Affairs, in collaboration with the faculty/NFH, stipulates the venue, date and time for all written examinations at the university. Such arrangements are published on the university’s website and on notices. Examination dates are not final until the publication of official notices.
It is a rare occurrence for there to be alterations to stipulated examination dates. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they do not register for more than one examination at the same time.
The Director of Research and Academic Affairs is responsible for all practical arrangements for written examinations. The examinations are held in the venues the university utilises for this purpose. The faculty/NFH arranges other examinations at venues stipulated by the faculty/NFH.
In the event of organised decentralised teaching, the University Director, upon application, can authorise the holding of decentralised examinations. In order for a written examination to be held outside the University of Tromsø, a minimum of 10 candidates must be registered after the deadline for withdrawing has passed.
Section 14 Printing/copying of semester assignments, Master’s theses and candidate assignments
Faculties/NFH utilising semester assignments or similar as a part of the assessment must implement the necessary practical steps to ensure that completing such assignment does not generate material expenses for the candidate. Candidates shall utilise equipment for writing, copying etc and all necessary paper will be available.
The faculty/NFH will print up to 20 examples of Master theses and similar assignments free of charge for each student. Seven copies must be submitted for assessment, of which two are forwarded to the University Library.
Section 15 Obligation of students to observe secrecy
The observation of secrecy can not be required for Master’s theses or candidate assignments. Where exceptional circumstances exist and the thesis is best not made publicly available, agreement can be reached between the student and the faculty/NFH that the thesis/assignment remains secret for a period of up to five years. Such secrecy does not extend to ordinary assessment.
Section 16 Annulment of examination registrations or alteration of examination semester
Students who are registered for an examination may annul the examination registration or alter the examination semester. The following deadlines apply:
Continuous assessment: The deadline to annul registration for a module assignment or alter the examination semester is 14 days before the deadline for submitting the module assignment in question.
Written Examination: The deadline for annulling a registration for a written examination or altering the examination semester is 14 days before the actual examination date. The University Director stipulates the final deadline for annulment of registrations for examinations.
Students may not annul registrations for postponed, re-sit and early examinations in non-teaching semesters.
Section 17 Withdrawal from examinations
In the event that a student does not present himself/herself for an examination, submit module assignments within the stipulated deadline or withdraws from the examination after the deadline for withdrawing has passed, he/she is counted as having presented himself/herself for the examination. A candidate who presents himself/herself for an examination, but who withdraws during the examination, is also counted as having presented himself/herself for the examination.
In the event that a student presents himself/herself for a written examination but chooses not to submit his/her paper(s), he/she must complete and submit a withdrawal form before they leave the examination venue. For other types of examinations with deadlines for submitting answer papers, withdrawal forms must also be submitted before the deadline. Once the deadline has passed, the student is regarded as having withdrawn from the examination.
In the event that a candidate submits a blank answer paper or a paper which clearly does not constitute an academic attempt, he/she is regarded as having withdrawn from the examination.
Once a candidate has submitted his/her answer paper, he/she may not avoid having their paper assessed.
Section 18 Acute sickness and other special reasons for absence from examinations
A student who is suffering from an acute sickness has the right to sit a postponed examination (with reference to section 21). The term acute sickness refers to sickness which has arisen after the deadline for the cancellation of examination registrations has passed (with reference to section 16). Bereavements in the immediate and other special circumstances can also provide basis for sitting a postponed examination, in the event that such circumstances can be documented.
Continuous assessment: In the event that as a result of acute sickness or other special circumstances cannot present himself/herself for/complete module assignments, the faculty/NFH shall to the extent possible ensure that students with valid grounds for absence can complete the examination during the semester. Students who have valid grounds for not presenting himself/herself to an examination must submit documentation to the relevant faculty/NFH no later than 48 hours after the first examination for which the declaration relates. In the event that it is not possible to attain a medical certificate within 48 hours of the first examination for which the declaration relates, the student must notify the relevant faculty/NFH before the deadline passes.
In the event that it is not practically possible for the candidate to complete the examination in question within the semester and/or before a final examination, the faculty/NFH must contact the Director of Research and Academic Affairs to determine and organise a postponed examination in the following semester in accordance with section 21.
Written examination: In the event that as a result of acute sickness or other special circumstances, the candidate cannot present himself/herself for the written examination, he/she has the right to a postponed examination (with reference to section 21) in the event that a medical certificate is sent or submitted to the Director of Research and Academic Affairs no later than 48 hours after the first examination for which the certificate applies.
A candidate who becomes sick during a written examination must inform the Head Invigilator, complete a withdrawal form, seek medical attention as soon as practicably possible and submit a medical certificate. In the event that it is not possible to attain a medical certificate within 48 hours of the first examination for which the declaration relates, the student must notify the Director of Research and Academic Affairs within the stipulated deadline.
The medical certificate shall contain details of which examination(s) it applies for, together with the duration of the period of sickness. A medical certificate designed for an employer will not be accepted as satisfactory medical documentation.
Section 19 The use of sources and permitted examination supports during examinations
The copying or transcribing of scientific and technical literature in take-home assignments and other written works without references will be assessed as cheating.
Permitted examination support in written examinations is specified on the examination’s cover paper. The relevant faculty/NFH is responsible for the approval and control of such examination supports.
Mobile telephones and other communication devices are prohibited from examination venues.
Section 20 Cheating during examinations
The use of examination supports other than those specified on the cover paper will be regarded as cheating. In the event that a student has prohibited examination supports available once the examination has begun, this will be treated as an attempt to cheat.
In the event that suspicions about cheating or attempting to cheat arise during an examination, the candidate will be made aware as soon as possible that the situation will be reported. The candidate must then choose whether he/she will complete the examination or leave the examination venue. In the event that the candidate chooses to complete the examination, the paper shall be submitted as assessed in the normal manner.
Candidates who are caught cheating or attempting to cheat during an examination can be excluded from the university and lose the right to sit the examination at any other institution for a period of up to one year.
Chapter IV: Postponed, re-sit and extraordinary examinations
Section 21 Postponed examinations resulting from acute sickness or other special reasons for absence
Candidates who do not complete an examination in full or part and who meet the criteria detailed in section 18 may sit a postponed examination.
Candidates who as a result of pregnancy, giving birth or caring for a child can not sit an ordinary examination may also apply to sit a postponed examination. Such circumstances must be documented by a medical certificate, birth certificate or similar.
During a postponed examination, students cannot re-sit parts of the examination they sat while attending the ordinary examination. Examination arrangements for postponed examinations shall be the same as those for ordinary examinations.
Postponed examinations shall be arranged as soon as practicably possible after the reasons for absence have ceased, and normally no later than one month after a new semester has begun. It is the student’s own responsibility to register for postponed examinations. Deadlines for registering for postponed examinations are stipulated by the University Director. Registrations for postponed examinations are binding.
Students must arrange examinations which form part of a continuous assessment or other types of examinations for which a faculty/NFH has responsibility directly with the faculty concerned.
In the event that a student does not attend a postponed examination or withdraws during the examination, the student may not re-sit the examination.
The Faculty of Law may depart from these stipulations in supplementary regulations for the Master of Jurisprudence.
Section 22 Access to re-sit examinations for students who do not pass ordinary examinations
A student who does not pass the previous ordinary examination, and who has the right to study the programme of study or course in question, can gain access to a re-sit examination in the event that the faculty/NFH has determined that re-sit examinations will be available for the course in question. Candidates considered to have withdrawn from the examination in accordance with section 17 do not have the right to a re-sit examination.
Stipulations about access to re-sit examinations, including grade-generating activities which must be re sat if a student has failed a course, shall be covered in the course description for each course.
The relevant faculty/NFH must determine dates and times for re-sit examinations which form part of continuous assessment and other types of examinations for which the faculty/NFH has responsibility. Re-sit examinations for written examinations are held at the start of the semester following the ordinary examination in question.
It is the student’s responsibility to register for re-sit examinations. Deadlines for registering for re-sit examinations are stipulated by the University Director. Registrations for re-sit examinations are binding.
Postponed examinations are not held for absence from re-sit examinations resulting from sickness or other reasons.
Students do not have the option of sitting a re-sit examination to improve their grade in an examination they have already passed.
In the event that independent work for postgraduate degrees and other written works of similar dimension are assessed as ”failed”, such works can be resubmitted for assessment in a reworked or supplemented form.
Section 23 Extraordinary examinations
An extraordinary examination is an examination a faculty/NFH can hold in special circumstances for students cannot wait until the next ordinary examination, and who do not meet the requirements to participate in a postponed or re-sit examination.
Students who attended the ordinary examination in the same course on the last occasion it was held, and examination candidates who are not admitted for the programme of study or course in question, cannot sit extraordinary examinations.
Applications to sit extraordinary examinations must be sent to the faculty/NFH with academic responsibility for the examination in question.
Postponed or re-sit examinations are not held in connection with extraordinary examinations.
Section 24 Access to sit examinations in accordance with previous arrangements in the event of termination or alterations to a course
In the event that a course undergoes significant alterations with respect to dimension, curriculum or similar, students will have the option to sit the examination on one occasion in accordance with the previous arrangements within a period of one year of the changes taking effect.
However, the student can not demand teaching in accordance with the previous arrangements. In the event that the changes concern the examination arrangements, the student has the opportunity to sit the examination on one occasion in accordance with the previous arrangements if he/she has begun the course prior to the new arrangements coming into effect.
Examination candidates who are not admitted as students for the programme of study or course in question must sit the examination in accordance with the current rules for external candidates.
Students must apply to sit an examination in accordance with previous arrangements. Such applications shall be sent to the faculty/NFH with academic responsibility for the course in question.
Section 25 Access to sit the same examination
Students may present themselves to the same examination at the University of Tromsø up to three times. What constitutes as presenting oneself is described in section 17.
The faculty/NFH in question can grant dispensation from this rule in the event that one of the following criteria is met:
- by passing the examination, the student will complete a degree at the University of Tromsø
- the student can document social and/or personal reasons why he/she has not passed the examination despite sitting it three times
Dispensation may be granted on up to three occasions.
Students have the right to appeal unsuccessful appeals relating to this rule. Such appeals are ruled on by the university’s Central Appeals Committee.
In the event that a student has passed the same examination on more than one occasion, the best grade will apply. In the event of transition to a new method of assessment, the grade awarded in accordance with the new method will apply (with reference to section 36).
Candidates who have passed an examination in a course with continuous assessment and who want to re-sit an examination must re-sit all module examinations.
Chapter V: Special adaptations during an examination
Section 26 Special adaptations during an examination
The objective of making special adaptations during an examination for students with disabilities is so that any disadvantages the disability causes can be rectified to the greatest extent possible so all candidates can be tested equally. The examination form shall for the basis of assessing any necessary adaptations. Adaptations shall not lead to a reduction of the academic requirements that relate to the academic studies in question.
Any applications for adaptations must be submitted to the Director of Research and Academic Affairs within the deadline for registering for the examination (with reference to section 6). The Director of Research and Academic Affairs can grant dispensation from this deadline (with reference to section 8). Applications must include a recent medical certificate or specialist’s declaration unless such adaptations are not medically related. Such applications must specify which difficulties the student will encounter with the examination form for which they are applying for adaptations.
Section 27 Physical and psychological disabilities of a long lasting or permanent nature
Special adaptations for examinations can be arranged to the extent possible for students with documented physical and/or psychological disabilities. A medical certificate or specialist’s report is required. Special arrangements can include the provision of additional time to complete the examination, the provision of an adjustable chair, permitting the candidate to provide their own suitable chair or permitting the candidate to sit in a separate room.
In the event that it is documented that the disability is of long lasting nature, special arrangements for written examinations can be registered preventing the need to submit a separate application each examination semester. However, for other types of examinations and examinations consisting of several different examination forms, it is necessary to reapply each examination semester. In the event that the disability is of long lasting nature, medical documentation is not required with subsequent applications. With respect to take-home assignments and similar examination forms of several days’ duration, refer to section 34.
Section 28 Acute suffering/temporary disabilities
Candidates who as a result of acute suffering cannot participate in or complete an examination cannot normally demand special adaptations during an examination. In the event that the acute suffering occurs just prior to the examination, the candidate has the right to apply for a postponed examination in accordance with the stipulations in section 21. In the event that it is probably that the candidate will be able to sit/complete the examination with simple/minor measures, such minor special adaptations are possible. The term simple/minor measures means, for example, measures like providing an adjustable office chair or additional time to rest/write. Acute suffering does not provide basis for utilising a computer during an examination. With respect to take-home assignments and similar examination forms of several days’ duration, refer to section 34.
Section 29 Documented literacy problems
Students with documented literacy problems can receive an additional examination time of 20 minutes for written examinations of up to three hours’ duration, 30 minutes for examinations of three to five hours’ duration and one hour of written examinations lasting five hours or more. There is also the option of utilising a computer to sit the examination. In the event that the candidate does not utilise a computer for the examination, the student can request via the Director of Research and Academic Affairs anonymous copies of their therapist’s certificate to attach to their answer papers.
Additional time is not normally provided for take-home assignments and similar examination forms of several days’ duration.
Section 30 Allergies and asthma
Students who suffer from allergies or asthma do not have a basis for which to apply for special adaptations during examinations. In serious/special circumstances, additional time can be provided during written examinations to rest and/or receive necessary medication. In the event that the candidate is suffering from an allergy/asthma to the extent that he/she is unable to sit/complete the examination, he/she can sit a postponed examination in accordance with section 21.
Section 31 Tenosynovitis/problems writing by hand
Students who suffer from tenosynovitis/problems writing hand receive time to rest during the examination and/or the option of utilising a word processor for written examinations. In the event that the candidate experiences suffering of a nature that precludes him/her from sitting/completing the examination, he/she can sit a postponed examination in accordance with section 21. With respect to take-home assignments and similar examination forms of several days’ duration, refer to section 34.
Section 32 Pregnancy or breast feeding
Pregnant candidates receive an additional examination time of 20 minutes for written examinations of up to three hours’ duration, 30 minutes for examinations of three to five hours’ duration, one hour of written examinations lasting five hours or more or longer in the event that the examination is held in the eighth or ninth month of pregnancy. A medical certificate stating the baby’s anticipated due date must be provided. In the event that a pregnant candidate requires resting time during an examination earlier in the pregnancy, a special application must be submitted containing a medical certificate documenting such requirements.
In the event of pregnancy and birth, candidate may submit an application to sit written examinations at home or at a hospital. In such circumstances, the candidate must receive prior written consent from the hospital. Candidates who wish to breast feed their baby during a written examination can receive additional time equivalent to the time spent breast feeding. Such circumstances do not require written documentation. However, an application must be submitted within the stipulated deadline. With respect to take-home assignments and similar examination forms of several days’ duration, refer to section 34.
Section 33 Norwegian as a foreign language
Candidates who have Norwegian as a foreign language receive an additional examination time of 20 minutes for written examinations of up to three hours’ duration, 30 minutes for examinations of three to five hours’ duration or one hour of written examinations lasting five hours or more. With respect to take-home assignments and similar examination forms of several days’ duration, an individual assessment on the basis for additional time is made taking into account the relevant faculty/academic environment. Such arrangements apply only during the first three years in which the student is registered at the University of Tromsø.
In the event that the student’s first language is Danish or Swedish, the arrangements apply only during the first year in which the student is registered at the University of Tromsø. Such arrangements do not apply for students attending programmes conducted in English or for students who had Saami as their first language at secondary school and Norwegian as their second.
Section 34 Additional examination time for take-home assignments and similar examination forms of several days’ duration
For take-home assignments and similar examination forms of several days’ duration, a reasonable number of additional examination days can be approved in special circumstances in the event that the candidate can document unforeseen medical problems, a bereavement in the immediate family or other similar unfortunate circumstances which may arise during the examination period. For students with disabilities of a long lasting/permanent nature, the faculty/NFH responsible must make an individual assessment of whether additional examination days should be approved and, if so, how many. Medical certificates intended for employees are not accepted as medical declarations.
For take-home assignments and similar examination forms of up to three weeks’ duration, the number of additional days approved is not normally so great as to prevent the assignment from being assessed along with others submitted within the stipulated deadline. Students who in spite of being granted additional days are unable to complete the assignment have the right to apply for a postponed examination in accordance with section 21.
For semester assignments and other written works with which the student can work throughout the entire semester, the faculty/NFH responsible must determine what constitutes a reasonable number of additional examination days.
Chapter VI: Assessment terms and awarding of grades
Section 35 Awarding of grades
The method for awarding of grades, including the weighting of module assignments, shall be stipulated in the course description and/or curriculum.
The independent work in postgraduate degrees shall always receive a separate grade
Section 36 Assessment terms
The following assessment terms shall be used:
a. pass/fail or
b. a graded scale of five marks from A to E for pass and F indicates a fail
The above-mentioned letter grades (from A-F) have the following designations and general qualitative descriptions:
| Symbol | Designation | General, qualitative descriptions of the assessment criteria |
| A | Excellent | An excellent performance, which gains distinction. The candidate displays an extremely high level of independence. |
| B | Very good | A very good performance, certainly above average. The candidate displays a certain degree of independence. |
| C | Good | A good overall performance, which is satisfactory in most areas. The candidate displays independence in the most important areas. |
| D | Fair | An acceptable, but below average performance with some significant shortcomings. |
| E | Satisfactory | A performance that meets the minimum requirements. The candidate displays little independence. |
| F | Fail | An effort that does not meet the minimum academic requirements. The candidate displays shortcomings with respect to independence. |
The grade scale pass/fail shall be an independent assessment term not connected with the graded scale from A-F.
Section 37 Average grade
A combined/average grade shall be utilised to the least extent possible.
However, in the event where unique circumstances require the calculation of an average grade, the grades (from A-E) for all module assignments to be included in the calculation shall be utilised. The following method of calculation shall be utilised:
- each letter is replaced by its numerical equivalent: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1
- the numerical equivalent shall be multiplied by the module assignment or course’s total number of credits, and the products of the credits and numerical equivalents are summarised for the comprising module assignments or courses
- the product is divided by the total number of credits the module assignments or courses represent
- the quotient is calculated to one decimal point
- the average grade is the letter with the numerical equivalent of the whole number of the quotient after conventional rounding
In order to calculate an average grade, the candidate must have passed all module assignments or courses.
Chapter VII: Assessment
Section 38 The number of examiners, assessment arrangements and the utilisation of external examiners
The faculty/NFH is responsible for the appointment of examiners. The assessment or assessment arrangements shall undergo external evaluation. The following assessment arrangements apply at the University of Tromsø:
- Two examiners shall be utilised, at leas tone of which must be external, in the following circumstances::
a.
| For the evaluation of a candidate’s independent work for postgraduate degrees |
b.
| For new assessments in accordance with the Norwegian Universities’ Act, section 5-2 clause 2, complaints over procedural errors in connection with the examination in accordance with the Norwegian Universities’ Act, section 5-3 clause 4 and complaints concerning the awarding of grades |
- In all other circumstances, a minimum of one internal examiner must be utilised combined with the external evaluation of the assessment or assessment arrangements. However, in respect to oral examinations and examinations of similar nature that cannot be reviewed, there must be a minimum of two examiners.
- The arrangements for the external evaluation can be one or more of the following:
a.
| an external examiner participates in the assessment of answer papers from all candidates |
| b. | An external examiner participates in the preparation of the examination papers and assessment guidelines |
c.
| An external examiner carries out a control of the internal examiners’ assessment of a number of candidates selected at random |
d.
| An external examiner carries out a sample assessment of all assessment arrangements comprised in the curriculum/discipline |
The faculty/NFH stipulates the general guidelines, or for the specific programme of study for inter-faculty programmes of study, concerning the number of examiners and how the external participation in the assessment shall be carried out, either with external participation in the specific assessment or external assessment of the assessment arrangements.
Section 39 External examiners and qualification requirements
External examiners shall not be employed on a part-time or full-time basis at the University of Tromsø during the semester in question. Lectures and the holders of seminars with engagements are counted as internal during the period in which they receive payment from the university.
An external examiner must have a minimum of one of the following qualifications:
- hold qualifications relevant for employment as (minimum) university college lecturer/Assistant Professor at a university/university college/research institution
- in special circumstances through relevant work experience be suitably qualified to examine within a specific area
Section 40 Deadline for examination results
Examination results shall be made known within three weeks unless the board has made an exception to this rule. For dissertations and similar large written works with an equivalent of 20 credits or more, examination results shall be made known within six weeks.
The faculty/NFH can apply for dispensation from the stipulated deadlines for making examination results available in accordance with the Norwegian Universities’ Act, section 3-9 clause 4. Such applications must be lodged in sufficient time as to enable handling by the university board a minimum of two weeks prior to the date of the examination in question.
Section 41 Announcement of examination results
The results of written examinations are notified by being published on the university’s website and notices at the relevant faculty/NFH. It is the student’s own responsibility to access the examination results. The University of Tromsø is not responsible for any mistakes or misunderstandings which may arise from oral messages about examination results.
Chapter VIII Complaints
Section 42 Complaints against procedural errors in connection with examinations or results
Decisions made pursuant to these regulations may be appealed in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, chapter VI. Procedural errors in connection with the examination or examination results may be appealed in accordance with the Norwegian Universities’ Act, section 5-2. Such appeals are ruled on by the university’s Central Appeals Committee in accordance with the Regulations for the Central Appeals Committee at the University of Troms.
Section 43 Explanation about the awarding of grades
A student is entitled to an explanation of the grades awarded for his/her performance in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act, section 5-3, and these regulations.
Requests for an explanation about the awarding of a grade for a written examination must be submitted no more than three weeks after announcement of the grade in question. The timing of the announcement of the grade is determined as the date the examination results notice was posted plus two calendar days. Any such requests for an explanation shall be sent to the relevant faculty/NFH.
At oral examinations or assessments of practical skills, a request for such an explanation must be made immediately on announcement of the grade directly to the examiner(s).
Students have the right to receive an explanation about the awarding of grades after each individual module assignment.
Explanations may be given orally or in writing at the examiner’s discretion. Explanations shall normally be given within two weeks after the candidate requested them. They shall state the general principles on which the assessment was based and explain the assessment of the candidate’s performance. In the event that there are written guidelines for assessment, a copy of such guidelines will be made available to the candidate after the grade has been awarded.
Section 44 Complaints about the awarding of grades
A student may appeal in writing against a grade awarded for his/her performance in accordance with the Norwegian Universities’ Act, section 5-3. The written complaint shall be sent to the relevant faculty/NFH. Assessment of oral examinations and examinations of similar nature that cannot be reviewed may not be appealed.
Complaints about the awarding of grades shall be submitted within three weeks of the announcement of the examination results. If the request for an explanation about the awarding of a grade or complain about procedural errors with reference to sections 43 and 44, the time limit for appeals pursuant to this section is reckoned from the date when the student receives the explanation or when the appeal is finally ruled on.
In connection with the use of continuous assessment, students do not have the option of submitting a complaint before the final grade for the course is announced. Grades for module assignments may not be appealed.
In the event of an appeal, the candidate’s answer paper will be presented to a new examination commission, which assesses the examination from scratch. The new examination commission shall undertake a completely new assessment and, in this manner, will not have access to information about the grade, explanations about the grade or the basis of the student’s complaint(s).
However, the new examination commission will always receive the assessment guidelines. The awarding of grade can be in the complainant’s favour or not. The awarding of grades following the new assessment may not be appealed.
The following stipulations apply for new assessments following a complaint:
- in the event that one combined grade is awarded for all module assignment an examination comprises, all module assignments will be made available for new assessment
- in the event that separate module grades are awarded for the various module assignments comprised in the course, only the specific module assignment(s) about which the student is complaining will be made available for new assessment. The candidate must specify which part(s) of the examination the appeal relates.
Complaints about the awarding of grades for group examinations must be signed by all group members before such complaints may proceed.
Complaints may not be submitted about assessments, which are simply feedback about the learning process from the teacher/adviser, and which does not result in the awarding of a grade.
Chapter IX Diplomas, Diploma Supplements and transcript of records
Section 45 Transcript of records, Diploma Supplement and diploma
Upon request, a student may receive a transcript of records listing examinations they have passed at the University of Tromsø.
Candidates who have attained a Bachelor degree and have fulfilled the requirements to receive a diploma at the University of Tromsø will automatically receive a diploma.
Candidates who have attained a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, cand. psychol. degree or cand. med. degree at the University of Tromsø will automatically receive a diploma in the language specified on their application.
A diploma supplement is attached to diplomas providing a more detailed description of the candidate’s education and of the Norwegian higher education system. Such diploma supplements are valid only when presented together with the original diploma. Any surplus credits are documented on the student’s transcript of records.
Diplomas are written in Norwegian unless the teaching programme is conducted in its entirety in English. Diplomas can be supplemented with a diploma supplement and transcript of records in English.
Section 46 Semester for attained postgraduate degrees
In order to graduate in the spring semester, the final examination for a postgraduate degree must be sat in the period between January 7 and August 12. The equivalent period for the autumn semester is August 13 to January 6.
Chapter X: Taking effect
Section 47 Taking effect
These regulations come into force on 01.01.2006
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