ZSP-HU and SPO
The Central Study and Examination Regulations (Zentrale Studien- und Prüfungsordnung ZSP-HU) and the respective subject-specific Study and Examination Regulations (Fachspezifischen Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen SPO) provide the framework for conducting an examination at HU.
The ZSP-HU regulates the principles, requirements and framework conditions applicable to all examinations:
The structure of the specific final module examinations (MAP) and final examinations, on the other hand, is regulated in the respective subject-specific study and examination regulations (SPO).
The valid versions can best be found in the overview of the degree programme.
Both sets of regulations must be considered in their entirety.
The most important regulations are listed thematically below:
What counts as an examination?
Section 2 - Examinations of the ZSP-HU regulates the examinations.
§ 95 stipulates that examinations are divided into final module examinations in accordance with § 96 and final examinations in accordance with § 97, which are to be distinguished from special coursework in accordance with § 94.
What forms of examination are possible?
The ZSP-HU names and defines a number of possible forms of examination for final module examinations in § 96 ff:
- Written examinations § 96 (3)
- Digital on-site examinations § 96b (2)
- Digital distance examinations § 96b (3 f.)
- Multiple choice examinations § 96c
- Take-home examinations § 96 (3a)
- Term papers § 96 (4)
- Portfolios § 96 (5)
- Essays § 96 (6)
- Multimedia examinations § 96 (7)
- Oral examinations § 96 (8)
- Practical examinations § 96 (9)
In addition, further forms may be specified in the SPO (§96 (2)).
The respective SPO regulates which form(s) of examination are possible for a MAP (§96 (11)). A deviation from this is only possible due to infection control regulations or other exceptional circumstances (§ 96d).
What special rules apply to digital exams?
If a SPO does not explicitly specify digital delivery as a form of examination, but does not exclude it, § 96b nevertheless allows digital delivery. At the request of an examiner and with the approval of the examination board, the specified form may be changed in whole or in part
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be conducted as a digital final module examination with the aid of a video conference without the obligation for the student to be physically present in a specified examination room (digital oral examination). Further details are regulated in § 96a.
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be conducted as a digital final module examination with the simultaneous physical presence of the supervisor and the student in a specified examination room (digital on-site examination). Further details are regulated in § 96b (2).
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as a digital final module examination with video supervision and without the obligation for the student to be physically present in a specified examination room (digital remote examination). § 96b (3) regulates further details on video supervision.
In the case of a digital remote examination, students have the right to choose, which is why they must be offered a face-to-face module final examination or another equivalent module final examination as an alternative within the same examination period and in compliance with the principle of equal opportunities (§ 96b (4)).
Further organisational regulations are set out in § 107a. These include, among others:
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Feasibility of MAPs outside the university's location or domicile
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Obligation to inform students about the planned implementation of a digital MAP, in particular about the technical requirements and data protection
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Implementation of digital MAPs exclusively via electronic information and communication technologies provided or authorised for use by the Computer and Media Service.
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The requirements for software that students must install on their own devices in order to take examinations (in particular for digital remote examinations and BYOD examinations) are governed by § 107b.
The procedure in the event of technical faults is governed by § 107c.
How is compensation for disadvantages regulated?
Compensation for disadvantages (NTA) is regulated in § 109.
When is there an entitlement to an NTA?
Who because of
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a disability or chronic illness
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pregnancy
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the care and education of a child up to 14 years of age
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caring for close relatives in need of care within the meaning of the Caregiver Leave Act or
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for other valid reasons
is not able to complete a coursework or examination
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on the scheduled date
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within a specified duration or processing time
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at the designated location
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in the intended form or otherwise in the intended manner
receives compensation for these disadvantages.
What form does the NTA take?
The equalisation is achieved by determining
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of another date
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an extended duration or processing time
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of another place
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another form of examination
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the authorisation of aids or auxiliary persons or
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in another suitable way.
The examination to be taken must be equivalent.
Who makes the decision on an NTA?
The responsible examination board decides on compensation for disadvantages, as far as examinations are concerned, at the student's request. The student may propose a specific form of compensation.