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[humanitiesanon]

Thanks for all the comments about makeup exams.  I have begun an "all makeup exams at the end of the semester on the same day at the same time" and so far it has worked very well.  One thing I do that is a pain is a holdover from my previous policy. When I create the exam, I also create a makeup exam at the same time.  It is a pain, but I can't seem to shake the habit.

[minor_t]

I give make-ups only if the student has a legitimate reason for missing class and lets me know ahead of time.  Even so, there is a 10% penalty for each class missed after the exam so that the max grade is 90/100 if the student takes the make-up after missing only one class, 80/100 after missing two, etc.  I give more-or-less the same exam except the questions and answers are re-sorted and the essay questions are somewhat different.  All of this is spelled out in the syllabus.  I usually don't have to implement the policy, since they know I'm serious.  If there is some real disaster, I waive the policy.
I apply the same policy to other assignments, e.g. papers.
mt

[pigletissima]

Again, thanks for your advice and your warnings. I've already added the majestic new make-up clause to next semester's syllabi.

I've decided to suck it up and give a hard midterm at a non-negotiable time. I've  passed on to the late students crazybatlady's eminently sensible rationale for not giving late exams in a class where late papers are not allowed. Then I announced the time and place for the make-up. I'd say that was rather Machiavellian of me, but then I don't think Machiavelli dealt with what we do.

Thanks again.

[fizxdude]

I do give makeup exams, but subject to the following constraints:

1. I determine when the makeup is given, not the student. I give them plenty of advance notice so they can adjust their schedule accordingly.

2. A student gets one chance. If they miss the makeup exam date, too bad.

3. I determine when the makeup is given, not the student. That means I don't negotiate on the date.

3. My makeup exams are always harder than the original exam.

There's nothing wrong with that policy.

[conjugate]

I have a huge backlog of old exams (keep all the files on the hard drive, and it's backed up) so a makeup exam is not too big a burden on me after a few years with a particular course/text.  Of course, my syllabus states that makeup exams are harder, and I sure go out of my way to make that true; it discourages the rascals.  I haven't experimented with the "only one day in the semester" trick.  My problem is that we have teams who leave for a few days to go to the Big Conference Meet (or whatever) and my tests invariably fall during that time.

Allowing our student-athletes the opportunity to make up missed work after they return from Upholding The Glory Of The School (possibly by being beaten badly in an away game, but never mind) is not just up to me, it's University Policy. 

Sometimes I've let the final make up for the missing exam, especially when in the last few weeks of school it becomes difficult to schedule a time for the student to take it and me to grade it while writing and grading finals, and all the other things we need to take care of.  I spend enough time the last couple of weeks explaining to students with forty or so late homework assignments what the part of my syllabus that says "no late homeworks or makeup quizzes" means.

Our secretary has a sign in her office that says, "Want a makeup exam?  Go to cosmetology school."  I like it.

[winnie]

I've been toughened by years of aggravation and whininess.

My policy, stated on my sylllabus, is that no late work of any kind will be accepted, and that students must get in all written work on time in order to pass the course.

This is easier to implement than most, since my classes meet just once a week, no more than 35 students each.

Nevertheless, at the beginning of the semester there are always a few students who are shocked when they come to class without their written assignments and I tell them they've failed the course. It's a dramatic moment when they pack up their backpacks and leave.

But word is getting around, and I get fewer and fewer of the students who can't or won't keep up. I say on my syllabus and in the first class, "If you can't be here every time and do all your assignments on time, this course won't work for you."

My classes have been much livelier and better since I put in this policy, since my students are only the energetic and motivated ones.