Exams - Frequently Asked Questions

May I take a break to use the restroom or go the first floor vending machines during an in-person exam?

Yes, but you are not permitted to take any materials with you, or have a conversation with anyone (other than an exam administrator).

May I go outside to take a break?

No, students may not leave the building during an in-person exam except in case of an emergency.

May I bring food and drink into the examination room?

Yes, a limited amount of food and/or drinks may be brought into the examination room so long as the access to and the consumption of those items are not disturbing to other students taking the exam. You may not share items with others in the examination room.

When do I start the exam?

For in-person exams an exam administrator will announce the start of the exam in the room. Remote/self-scheduled exams are started by the exam taker.

What if I am sick on the day of the exam?

Students who are sick are not expected to take an exam in that condition. If you are sick enough not to be able to take an exam, you should seek treatment and communicate with Academic Services at your earliest opportunity. You would be expected to get a treatment note from the doctor or clinic that you see. That note needs to be submitted to Academic Services at or before the time of the rescheduled exam.

What if I don't have a (useable) laptop?

You are able to borrow a laptop through the UW Student Technology Loan Program. Remember to save any files you wish to keep (such as your Examplify answer files) before returning a laptop, as they are reformatted upon return.

Where can I find exams and outlines from past classes?

On the Gallagher Law Library website, look under Law Student Links for links to UW Law Exams and Outlines. Both collections are UW restricted, so you will need to log in with your UW NetID and password to access them.

The Law Library relies on professors to submit electronic copies of their exams for this collection. Please contact your professor to inquire about the availability of previous exams that are not posted in the archive.