I use parts of my classes to not just teach the course material, but to help those incoming and continuing students with their study skills, increase their ability to write and comprehend material and to become aware of their opportunities, duties and rights as a Penn State student.

One aspect that has seemingly increased as a violation of students' rights as outlined in the online Student Policy Handbook is Section 44-20 .

When I ask my students how many have had or currently have a final exam scheduled for the last week of classes, typically one-third to one-half of my students respond yes to this question.

As clearly stated in part (3) "Schedule no examinations during the last week of classes. (Quizzes and narrowly limited tests in support of classroom instruction may be given during the final week.)."

I have asked the question often to the Liberal Arts representative at our yearly fall seminar and the "narrowly limited tests" would generally constitute nothing more than 10 percent toward the final grade.

Further, as stated in part (4) "Schedule any end-of-semester written examinations during the final examination period. Examinations will be scheduled in this period by the University registrar at University Park or the academic affairs officer at other locations based on the notices filed under Section 44-10 (Conflict final examinations are covered under Section 44-25.)"

Finally, as stated in part (5) "Where end-of-semester written examinations are not required, require the submission of an alternative integrative and evaluational means (e.g., term paper, final project report, take-home examinations, or studio projects) no earlier than the first day of the final examination period, unless an exception for educational reasons has been authorized by the faculty of the program offering the course."

To be honest, I was in violation of this policy up until seven years ago when the Continuing Education program included this statement in our faculty welcoming guide.

I offer this information to those faculty members who may not be aware of this stated policy, After all, the policy is in place to allow the students the best chance to succeed in their coursework and does really offer an advantage besides ending the course one week early for the instructor.