For each Fall and Spring semester, the last full week of classes before final examinations is designated as Prep Week. The intent of this policy is to establish a one-week period of substantial and predictable study time for undergraduate students. During the Prep Week period, regular lectures are expected to continue, including the introduction of new content, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
For academic programs, the last week of classes is considered to be a normal week in the semester except that in developing syllabi, you should consider the following guidelines:
- Final examinations may not be given during Prep Week. Small quizzes are generally acceptable during Prep Week. (For example, quizzes worth no more than 10 percent of the final grade and/or that cover no more than one-fourth of assigned reading material in the course could be given.
- Major course assignments should be assigned prior to Prep Week (major assignments include major research papers, projects, etc.).
- Major course assignments should be due no later than the Friday prior to Prep Week. Exceptions include class presentations by students, semester-long projects such as a design project assignment in lieu of a final, and extensions of the deadline requested by individual students.
Please remember that most students are enrolled in several courses each semester, and widespread violation of this policy can cause student workloads to be excessive as students begin their preparation for final examinations. Remind students that their academic curriculum is their principal reason for being in college, and they have a responsibility to study in a timely fashion throughout the entire semester.
Source: ISU Catalog