Exam Exemptions Increase

The number of students applying for medical exemptions from exams has increased by more than 30 percent from this time last year.

Officials at University Health Services (UHS) said yesterday that 133 people have applied for make-up exams this term, as compared to 103 students last year at this time.

A total of 401 students petitioned to take make-up examinations on medical grounds last year, including those in the fall semester.

A medical excuse for an examination is granted only after the student has followed a series of procedures which include submitting of documentation of illness from a private physician. The Administrative Board receives and reviews this form for approval for a make-up.

According to Elizabeth Swain, assistant director of the committee of the core program, few students in core classes have missed exams this semester.

"I've spoken to only one head t.f. and he said there was only one student who did not attend his exam," Swain said.

But Swain added that Core classes usually do not need to give many make-up examinations.

College officials said that the increase in medical excuses probably does not indicate a trend. "My experience is that the number is lower than it was last year," said Jeffery Wolcowitz, senior tutor of Dunster House. "The variations [from year to year] depend on what strain of flu is going around."

UHS administrators were unavailable for comment.