Question about your studies
Question and Answer
This section aims to answer a number of common questions related to studies in order to explain the framework and limits of the current EPFL rules. The answers to the questions set out were written with the help of CARE, the legal service of the Fédération des Associations d’Etudiant·e·x·s (FAE) de l’UNIL.
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What are the limits regarding where and when teachers can arrange for their exam copies to be viewed, assuming it is a one-off?
According to article 15 of LEX 2.6.0.1, it must be possible for each student to consult their exam copy within 6 months of the communication of the result. On a case-by-case basis, if teachers announce a date and time or a place that makes consultation impossible, then students can report this violation of their rights via their delegation.
Until when can teachers announce a midterm?
The appendix to LEX 2.6.1 recommends: “The date of the tests, their number, their nature and the weighting for the final grade must be announced reasonably in advance and are binding on teachers and students.” but this has no value in itself. In practice, it is not permitted to add a midterm to a course if it was not already announced in one way or another in the course sheet, under “Assessment method”. Note that an assessment method including the mention “continuous assessment” leaves open the possibility that there may be a midterm.
Is it legal for teachers to reuse questions from old exams?
According to Article 8 of LEX 2.6.1, it is strictly forbidden for teachers to reuse old exam questions. Teachers who do so expose themselves to significant legal and administrative risks, such as disciplinary sanctions, reprimands from the institution and potential litigation.
Is it allowed for teachers to change the scale of an exam or their course after the exam/course?
For example, is it possible to announce that 6/6 is obtained from 80% of the points and finally only give it from 90%?
The answer is no, this constitutes a violation of the protection of the good faith of the administrator in the event of inaccurate information, as long as the student cannot reverse his or her decisions. This is trivially the case for exams and reports already taken.
Common references below:
Rules around exams
This section is designed to provide you with the tools to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of exam conduct, so that you are aware of your rights during this key period of learning.
When you think that there is a breach of the rules, do not hesitate to contact your class delegation who can thencontact the AGEPoly representation center if necessary to resolve the problem.
The official examination rules are mainly contained in three legal texts, which are rather short although dense:
- The order on the control of studies leading to the bachelor’s and master’s degree at EPFL
- Internal directive on examination tests at EPFL
- Internal directive on examination tests at EPFL
There are many other texts, called “LEX” that could prove useful, listed on Polylex. The LEX whose number begins with 2.6 (sub-section “Exams and appeals”) are those specifically related to exams and what surrounds them.
Since 2021, the Center for Support for Education (CAPE) has been offering an “Assessment handbook” that summarizes the LEXs concerning the exams while also giving their written interpretation by the EPFL legal department. Here is the September 2023 version: [link].
Among the most important rules, but which are sometimes overlooked: