Course descriptions must set out clearly the contents of the course and the method of evaluation. These may not be changed after they have been published without the instructor's and students' agreement. Instructors should be as specific as possible about the method of evaluation. While it may not be essential to indicate whether an examination is open or closed book, it is preferable to provide students with this information at the outset of the course.

Final grades are based on some combination of written examinations, mid-term tests, essays, group assignments, presentations, and class participation. In upper-year courses, a final examination may count for more than 75% of a student's final grade only if the student (i) has been given the option of a final examination worth 75% or less, and (ii) has declined that option. First year courses (with the exception of Legal Research, Writing and Advocacy) run the full academic year, with mid-term examinations held in December worth at least 20% and not more than 30% of the student's final grade in the course.

The Faculty uses a system of anonymous marking, and students are issued exam numbers each term. These numbers are the only identification used by students on examination papers. They may also be used for other methods of evaluation.

No more than 75% of a student's final grade in a course may be assessed on the basis of group work. This rule does not apply to a research paper undertaken as a joint Individual Research project for which a group of students has received approval. 'Group work' means an assignment submitted by two or more students for which there is a single overall evaluation with one common mark allotted to all students in the group.

No more than 20% of the final grade in a course may be for class participation. The basis for the participation component must be stated clearly.

A student who has an unexcused absence from an examination, or an unexcused failure to submit an assignment or complete a course component, will receive an F for the examination, assignment or course component.