University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

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Exam Policies & Procedures

Updated Spring 2026 Semester (Subject to Change)

The exam policies and procedures are set forth below to provide each law instructor and student with a guide to the exam policies and procedures at the William S. Richardson School of Law. 

Note: These policies and procedures are applicable to exams administered by the Law Registrar’s Office and BARBRI Legal Education. These policies also supplement the Student Handbook.

General Exam Information:

  • Exam Number: Prior to the start of the final exam period, each student will be assigned a final exam number for the semester from the Law Registrar’s Office. Students will be given one exam number per semester to be used for their final exams for that semester only. Students with midterm exams will be given their midterm exam number approximately one to two weeks before their midterm exam. To assure an anonymous grading system, each student is responsible for knowing their exam number for the semester and keeping it confidential.
  • Student Responsibility & Awareness: Each student is responsible for noting the exact date and time, length of exam, type of exam, and exam format for every exam which they are required to take. Such detailed information will be contained on the Final Exam Schedule and Details that is posted on the Students page of the Law School website. Students should check the page regularly for any updates.
  • Information based on type of exam:
    • For students with a take home exam administered by the Law Registrar’s Office: the exam information (and password if applicable) will be released to exam takers the day before their exam start date via their @hawaii.edu email address. The exam will not open until the scheduled start date and time. Before the exam start date and time, students should not contact the Law Registrar’s Office to request for the exam information or for the exam to be posted; it will be released at the scheduled date and time.
    • For students with an online, timed open-window exam: the exam will not be visible and available until the day of the exam, closer to the exam start time. The exam information and password will be released to exam takers on the day of their exam start date, approximately one to two hours before their exam start time, via their @hawaii.edu email address. The exam will not open until the scheduled start date and time. Before the exam start date and time, students should not contact the Law Registrar’s Office to request for the password or for the exam to be posted; it will be released at the set date and time.
    • For students with online exams: If the exam is open book, one (1) sheet blank piece of scratch paper is allowed for note taking during the exam. Unless allowed by an endorsed accommodation, only one (1) sheet of paper may be used. The scratch paper must be present among the allowed materials before you start the exam.
  • Mandatory Practice Exam: Students are required to complete a mandatory practice exam to prepare their computer (laptop for in person exams or desktop computer/laptop for online exams) and familiarize themselves in Examplify and ExamSoft Portal (if applicable) every semester. Those students who do not meet this requirement will not be eligible to sit for their final exams.
  • BARBRI exams: Students are required to complete a D2L mandatory practice exam to prepare their computer (laptop for in person exams or desktop computer/laptop for online exams) with Honorlock (if used in exam) and the Google Chrome browser every semester. Students are expected to follow the instructions provided by BARBRI.
  • Student Handbook: Throughout the final exam period and all exam-related activities, students are expected to follow the Student Handbook and Conduct Code. University policies—including Title IX and EEO—are applicable during this time.

The Day of the Exam (in-person and online)

For Scheduled Exams through Examplify:

  • In-Person: Students are expected to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the exam.  The exam administrator and staff will begin situating students 10 minutes before the exam time starts.  Once the time starts, students who come late for any reason (e.g., traffic, weather related, etc.) will not be given extra time and will end at the set time. Late students should sit in the back of the classroom to avoid disruptions during the exam.
  • Each student must supply their own computer (laptop for in person exams or desktop computer/laptop for online exams). 
  • Students may only use their computer (laptop for in person exams or desktop computer/laptop for online exams) to complete their exam in Examplify. Other electronic devices will not be permitted.
  • Students are expected to review the exam instructions and inquire with faculty and the Law Registrar’s Office about the exam and exam procedures prior to the start of the exam period. Students who contact their facultys during an exam or after they have taken an exam to discuss the exam logistics or exam content may be subject to a penalty or grade reduction as outlined in the Student Handbook.
  • Students must acknowledge the exam policies and Honor Statement prior to the start of each exam in Examplify. This acknowledgement provides each student with specific exam policies and information about what constitutes academic misconduct.
  • Students may not consult any unauthorized materials, written or electronic, during the exam. This includes cellular phones, tablet devices, chat rooms, or group text messages. For assistance during an online exam, students are allowed to contact the Law Registrar’s Office or BARBRI – support@lawstudentonline.com or 1-800-472-8899 (depending on which entity is administering the exam) for questions or to address emergencies. 
  • Unless faculty have specifically requested otherwise, a calculator will be available for students to use in Examplify during the exam.
  • Online exams: Restroom breaks of no more than fifteen (15) minutes are allowed. Breaks longer than fifteen (15) minutes are only allowed if it is an endorsed accommodation.
  • Online exams: If the exam is open book, one (1) sheet blank piece of scratch paper is allowed for note taking during the exam. Unless otherwise allowed by an endorsed accommodation, only one (1) sheet of paper may be allowed. The scratch paper must be present among the allowed materials before you start the exam.
  • Students shall not communicate with other students during the examination in any way, including verbally, in writing or through digital means. This includes chat rooms or group text messages. There may be students that have not taken the exam yet. The contents of the exam must not be discussed with any other students and faculty, until after grades for the course have been posted. Breaches of exam confidentiality are subject to review under the Disciplinary Regulations.
  • Students may not consult or communicate with anyone, other than exam administrators, while taking the exam. If a student experiences a technical problem during the exam, they may contact the appropriate help support: BARBRI help line for BARBRI administered exams or the Law Registrar’s Office for exams administered by the office.
  • Students must not contact faculty during the exam or after they have taken an exam to discuss the exam logistics or exam content. Initiating contact may result in a penalty or grade reduction. 
  • If students have any questions about the exam, exam procedure, or are experiencing technical difficulties, students may contact the exam proctor, exam administrator, or the Law Registrar’s Office only.  Students taking BARBRI exams may contact BARBRI for support.
  • Students will not be given extra time in the event of technical issues or computer malfunction during an exam.
  • Students who miss taking their exam may not be given an opportunity to take the exam. Failure to take the exam results in an ‘F’ for the exam. Students may be contacted by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for an explanation.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring their endorsed accommodation is applied (e.g., time limit is correct) upon starting the exam. If students learn their endorsed accommodations are missing, students must abide by the following:
    1. Stop and do not look or proceed further into the exam. 
    2. Immediately close the window or tab the exam is open in. Do not keep the exam open. 
    3. Send an email to lawexams@hawaii.edu ASAP to explain that the time extension or other endorsed accommodations were not in place and that you have stopped taking the exam. 
  • The Law Registrar’s Office will record the date and time and coordinate with Dean Larsen and other administrative parties to rectify the accommodation. The office will be in touch with you after determining a solution. Do not proceed with the examination until you receive a resolution.

Take Home Exams through ExamSoft Student Portal

  • Take Home exams must be completed within the final exam period as noted on the Final Exam Schedule and Details as noted on the Students page of the Law School website.
  • Students may download the exam and submit the exam through the Examsoft Student Portal at any time during the exam window, as long as the student respects the time limit of the exam, and upload the exam by the absolute stated deadline, as noted on the Final Exam Schedule on the Students page. Students must submit their completed Honor Statement to lawexams@hawaii.edu.
  • Students shall not communicate with other students during the examination in any way, including verbally, in writing or through digital means. This includes chat rooms or group text messages. There may be students that have not taken the exam yet. The contents of the exam must not be discussed with any other students and faculty, until after grades for the course have been posted. Breaches of exam confidentiality are subject to review under the Disciplinary Regulations.
  • Students must not contact faculty during the exam or after they have taken an exam to discuss the exam logistics or exam content. Initiating contact may result in a penalty or grade reduction. 

Exam Room Policies & Procedures

In-Person

  • Students should be seated with an empty seat between them and be ready to begin the exam no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam. Students who arrive late should sit in the back of the classroom to avoid disruptions during the exam.
  • Students must sign in upon entry at the front of the exam room. Students must launch Examplify on their laptop before the scheduled start of the exam.
  • For exams in large classrooms, personal belongings will be put in the front of the room.  For exams in smaller rooms, personal belongings will be placed in a locker provided by the Law School.  The exam proctor will keep the key to the locker during the entirety of the exam.  At the end of the exam, the key will be returned so the student can retrieve their belongings.
  • The consumption of food is not permitted in the exam room during the exam. 
  • Beverages are permitted only in covered containers with snap-on or screw-on covers. Beverages in fast food cups or similar disposable cups are not permitted.
  • Students are allowed to leave the exam room during the exam if they need to take a break or use the restroom.  Students must complete the sign-out sheet prior to leaving the exam room by providing their name and time the student left the room, and sign back in with their name and time returned when they re-enter the exam room.  
  • If a student has a question about the exam or exam procedures, they may quietly come to the front of the exam room and notify the exam administrator/proctor.  For exams in smaller rooms, the exam administrator will provide information regarding how to raise questions.  
  • The exam proctor will notify the class when 10 minutes remain in the exam.
  • Students are allowed to turn in their exam materials to the proctor and leave the room if they complete the exam early.  However, once 10 minutes remain in the exam, all students must remain in their seats until the end of the exam.
  • All students must turn in their exam questions and exam materials before leaving the exam room. Failure to do so may result in receiving no grade or an ‘F’ for the course. Students may be contacted by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for an explanation.

Online

  • If a student has a question about the exam, they are permitted to email their question to lawexams@hawaii.edu during the exam.

Applicable to In-Person and Online

  • All cell phones and smart watches must be turned off completely and put away with bags and backpacks.
  • Students should plan to not have access to their belongings including  cell phones, smart watches, bags, backpacks, and all other personal belongings for the duration of the exam.  
  • Absolutely no electronic devices may be used during the exam unless otherwise noted by the exam administrator. Computers must be used to only type exam answers using Examplify.
  • Students are permitted to bring and use their own pen, pencil, highlighter, and eraser, but any pencil case or bag must be stored with their personal belongings. Unless approved by an endorsed accommodation, other materials will not be allowed in the exam room (e.g., external keyboards, etc.). Students are encouraged to request for a loaner laptop from the Law Library if they believe their laptop will malfunction during the exam.
  • Students who need to leave the exam room for more than seven (7) minutes must notify the exam proctor or administrator.  Students needing a longer break may be monitored by a law school staff member.
  • Once a student starts the exam, they are expected to complete the exam during that exam’s administration.  Students must notify the exam proctor if they believe they are unable to start the exam due to an emergency and must follow up with the Associate Dean of Student Services to request a rescheduling of the exam, including providing the reason for the request and appropriate documentation.  
  • Students may not bring any exam materials with them or talk to anyone while taking a break from an exam.  Students are also prohibited from accessing their Law School locker or their personal belongings while taking an exam.  
  • Students must stop all work as soon as time is called at the end of the exam or the exam time limit ends.  Writing or typing after the exam has ended may result in a penalty.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring their exam responses have been uploaded to Examplify and they see the green confirmation screen before leaving the exam room. A confirmation email will also be sent to the student’s @hawaii.edu email address upon successful upload.
  • The Student Handbook and Conduct Code apply regardless of your exam location. All University policies —including Title IX and EEO—remain in effect during the exam and final exam period.

Upon Completion of the Exam

For Scheduled and Timed-Window Exams through Examplify:

To submit the exam answer in Examplify, students must establish an internet connection and upload their exam answer within two hours of completion of the exam. Once an upload is initiated, Examplify will save the student’s work at the time of initial submission. It is recommended that students upload their exam answer file as soon as they complete the exam. If a student does not upload their exam answer within two hours of completion of the exam, a late penalty may be assessed or the exam may not be graded. Students will receive a confirmation email, signifying the successful upload.

Take Home Exams through the ExamSoft Student Portal:

  • To submit an exam answer that is a take home, students must log into the Examsoft Student Portal to upload the exam answer within the time limit set forth on the Final Exam Schedule and Details on the Students page of the Law School website and before the absolute deadline of the final exam period.
  • If students experience technical difficulties, they may try to (1) refresh their web browser or (2) log out and log back into the ExamSoft Portal. Otherwise, students may email their answer file to lawexams@hawaii.edu with an explanation of the issue and note the time they submitted their exam .
  • Students must submit a completed Honor Statement by emailing it to lawexams@hawaii.edu within your exam window. Students will only need to submit one Honor Statement in the final exam period, even if you have multiple take home exams.

After the Exam

  • Students may not discuss the contents of exams until grades are posted. This is necessary to assure the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the exam in the event someone is unable to take the exam at the scheduled time.
  • Under no circumstances should students identify themselves or their matching exam numbers to faculty (this applies to the exam itself, as well as before, during or after the exam) to protect their anonymity during the grading process. References or notations on the exam which faculty may recognize as coming from a certain student should be studiously avoided. Students should not discuss their exam with faculty until grades have been posted. A penalty or grade reduction may be assessed if students contact faculty during the exam or after they have taken an exam. 
  • Students should contact the Associate Dean for Student Services immediately regarding concerns about anonymity, exam irregularity, any transposed or forgotten exam numbers, etc.
  • Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that a violation of exam rules, procedures or standards has occurred will immediately contact Law School Administration in writing:
    1. Describe the occurrence, and provide the names and/or further information about the student(s) and;
    2. Submit the above in writing (by email is fine) to the Law School Associate Dean for Student Services.

Posting of Grades

  • Grades will be posted on the STAR [www.star.hawaii.edu] website approximately 30-45 days after the exam, although some grades may be posted sooner.
  • Students should refrain from contacting faculty, the Law Registrar’s Office, and administration for grade updates. Students and faculty will be notified via email when grades have been officially posted.

Final Exam Rescheduling

  • Students should check the final exam schedule before registering for courses. Rescheduling will not be permitted if a student has two exams on the same day or on successive days.
  • Exceptions to the provision requiring that all exams be taken at the scheduled time will be allowed only for medically certified disabilities or verified emergencies beyond the student’s control which substantially impair the student’s ability to perform on the exam at the scheduled time.
  • To the extent practicable, the student must obtain prior approval for the rescheduling from the Associate Dean for Student Services at least 14 days prior to the start of the final exam period. The Associate Dean for Student Services will then discuss the student’s situation anonymously with faculty whose exam is being given. Students should not discuss the need for rescheduling directly with faculty in order to protect the anonymous grading process. The rescheduled exam should be given after the time of the regularly scheduled exam, on a date to be determined by the Associate Dean for Student Services and Law Registrar’s Office.
  • Requests for rescheduling or extra test time will not be granted for such excuses as studying for the wrong exam, oversleeping, tardiness, forgetfulness, car trouble, traffic congestion, inclement weather, adverse weather conditions, etc.

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