Exams Overview

At Miami Law, examinations are administered at the end of each semester and summer session in nearly all courses and in some seminars and workshops.

Exam Schedule

A preliminary schedule showing examination dates associated with each course is posted online by the add/drop deadline each semester.

Exams will be administered using two different technologies, with some exams being taken at home and others proctored on campus.  The exam schedule will note (1) which technology you will use for your exam, and (2) if it will be administered in-person on campus or be taken at home.

Exam4 Software Exams

For Software exams you will need to go to the Exam4 website to download the Exam4 software. Students must download a seperate version of the software for midterms and a second version for final exams.

The final exam schedule will indicate which courses will be using this method. They will be noted with the word “SOFTWARE” in the exam details. Exams given on the software can either 1) provide you no access to other systems on your computer, 2) provide access to notes but not the internet or 3) provide access to notes and the internet. The modes are determined by each faculty member and indicated on the final exam schedule. You will not be able to print or download exams taken with the software; you will only be able to view them. You will not be able to cut and paste into the typing screen on the software.

We strongly recommend that you download the software and take a practice exam before the date of your actual exam so you can become familiarized with the software and solve any computer issues beforehand. It is recommended that you check compatibility with your laptop’s hardware/operating system here: https://www.exam4.com/support/.

Exam4 Software Exam Video Tutorial

Exam4 Software Exam Written Instructions

Check the exam schedule to determine the exam format for each of your courses then refer to the table below for more information on each type of exam:

Exam FAQs

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  • When are students informed of exam room assignments & procedures?

    Examination dates and times, room assignments and examination procedures will also be posted online by the last day of classes in each semester.

  • Who administers exams?

    In-class examinations are administered through the Office of the Law Registrar as supported by a staff of proctors.

  • When does one need to arrive?

    Students are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the exam start time and must be seated 15 minutes prior to the start time listed.

  • What if I arrive late?

    All students are expected to sit for examinations at the scheduled exam start times.  For all exams, students are expected to be in their seats, with personal items stored, at least 15 minutes prior to the start of an exam and must follow all instructions given to them by exam proctors.  Students who are late to an exam will not receive additional time to complete the exam.

  • What can a student bring with him or her to an exam?

    • CaneID
    • Laptop
    • Writing Utensils (pens, highlighters, etc.)
    • Notes (check exam instructions)
    • Jacket or Sweater
    • Water bottle
    • Keys
    • Prescription medication (if applicable)
    • Menstrual products (if applicable)
    • Foam earplugs without wires (optional)

    No other items will be permitted on your person in the exam.

  • What items are prohibited in the exam room?

    • Backpacks
    • Large purses
    • Hats/baseball caps
    • Hoodies
    • Foods or Liquids other than a water bottle
    • Study materials (unless exam in Open Book)
    • Cell Phones
    • Smart watches/Fitbits
    • Smart Glasses
    • Electronic devices other than your laptop
    • 2nd monitors
    • Wired earplugs or any headphones (bluetooth or wired)
    • USBs
    • Keyboards
    • Computer mice
    • Vaping devices
    • Eye cases
    • Sunglasses or dark lenses

  • Is there advice regarding exam instructions?

    Students should pay close attention to both the spoken and written instructions. The instructions of the professor as stated at the beginning of the exam will be strictly enforced. This includes whether the exam is open or closed book, permitted or prohibited materials, and the read-only period if any. At the beginning of the exam, the proctors will orally transmit basic instructions for the exam. Then, once given permission to begin, the student should read through the professor’s written instructions. If at that point the oral and written instructions are inconsistent, the student should immediately note the concern to the proctors, who will clarify the issue with the Registrar. If, during the exam, there are any problems with exam administration, these should be noted to the proctor who will communicate with the Office of the Registrar.

  • Are there during exam procedures to follow?

    During the examination, any passing, sharing, exchanging or transferring of any items during the examination, whether inside or outside of the examination room, is strictly prohibited. If any item is needed, the student is to seek assistance from the proctor. Any talking, from the time the examination commences until the time a student hands in his or her examination, whether inside or outside of the examination room, is strictly prohibited and will be considered a per se violation of the Honor Code. Necessary communication with the proctor, the Registrar or the Dean of Students is not considered a violation of this rule.

    Exam Policies

  • Can a student leave the room during the exam?

    Prior to the final fifteen minutes of the exam, students may leave the exam room only for bathroom breaks. Students must sign in and out of the room, noting the time of both leaving & re-entry. During these breaks, students are prohibited from speaking with anyone or using any technology and must immediately return to the exam room. In cases of extreme emergency, the proctor must be immediately notified.

  • How does one know how much time is left to take the exam?

    Once the examination has started, the proctor will write on the board the time the examination started and at each half hour the time remaining. The proctor will announce when 15 minutes remain.

  • Is it possible to leave the exam early?

    After the announcement of 15 minutes remaining, students must remain in their seats and no one will be permitted to leave the examination room, even if that person has completed the examination.

  • Are there procedures regarding finishing an exam?

    When the proctor calls “STOP”, students must stop typing, writing, and put down any pens/pencils. No further keystrokes, marks, or erasures of any kind are permitted once time has been called. When finished, students must return the sealed exam bag with ALL exam materials (questions, answers, scrap paper, supplements, etc.) and sign out of the exam room. Once materials have been submitted, the examination is final and submitted to the faculty member.

  • What does a student do if there is a problem during the exam?

    • If you have a problem during the exam, you must notify the proctor immediately. From there, the Registrar or Dean of Students will determine how to continue. If a student realizes after the fact that there was a problem, please contact the Dean of Students Office who will address the problem in consultation with the faculty. Students MAY NOT contact their professor regarding an exam until they have received a grade.
    • Honor Code Violations: Any student who believes that an Honor Code violation has occurred during an examination should report the matter to the Dean of Students after the test who will investigate and advise the student on a Honor Code submission as appropriate. During the examination, the student may also notify the proctor.

  • Are students allowed to talk to classmates about the exam?

    Students may not discuss any aspect of the examination including the question content with classmates. This is due to the fact that on occasion students must take examinations late due to exam conflicts or medical emergencies. Every student is subject to the Honor Code and must not discuss the examination until such time as all students in the class have tested.

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