The question itself seems morbid and even stressful, but the answer varies. University exams at many centers, as per policy, can’t be rescheduled due to a death in the family of students or faculty members. But there are options available, especially for a student who has lost a loved one.

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What if someone dies during an exam?

A spokesperson from many universities says, If a family member dies during the exam period, the university will allow them to postpone their exams for no more than 3 months without any penalty. Students need not panic as they would only have to pay for that particular semester and then can take up their postponed exams.

“Harvard University’s policy is that if a student misses an exam because of the death of an immediate family member, they can take it at another time. If you would like to write an exam later than that, you will get two grades: one for the work done up to that point and then another grade when you complete the postponed exam,” says Emily Miller, assistant director of undergraduate studies in General Education.

Extenuating circumstances are more often not required for students to reschedule their exams seeing as the university considers every individual case with care. “Our policies on missed exams vary by type of course and instructor, so it’s best for students or faculty members who miss exams due to bereavement to speak with their instructor about making up missed work. The student or instructor can then use that conversation to ask for any special accommodations that the instructor will allow,” says Miller.

But there are some instances when students do need to present a letter of exception along with their request to reschedule an exam, but not all universities require one. “Students must contact the Registrar’s Office for information on requesting excused absences, which are considered independently of grades or academic records,” says Miller.

The University of California Berkeley requires no more than 2 weeks’ notice from the student for rescheduling an exam, under exceptional circumstances such as a death in the family. They ensure this by having instructors check if the reason is valid before granting permission. “Instructors are asked to review requests carefully using guidelines developed by a committee of student representatives and faculty members,” says a spokesperson from UC Berkeley.