# CMSE 202 Exam Policy (Fall 2026)

The goal of the exams is to give you the opportunity to test out some of the skills that you've developed thus far this semester.

The exams are set up so that even if you get stuck on one part there are opportunities to get points on the other parts, so consider jumping ahead if you feel like you aren't making progress and then come back later if you have time. If you have any questions during the exam, you may ask the instructor, the TA, or the LA privately: simply raise your hand and one of us will come over to you.

**Permitted Resources:**
You may use files stored locally on your own computer or on the JupyterHub server in engineering (https://jupyterhub.egr.msu.edu/). This includes any Jupyter Notebook files, code samples, or study materials that you personally created while preparing for this exam. You may also interact with your own github.com repositories and use the command line to download the data files and Python packages you need. If the exam requires access to the documentation for a specific Python package, you may access the documentation for that package online or it will be provided to you as part of the exam materials.

**Use of AI tools (may differ by exam and by section):**
By default, generative AI tools are **not** permitted during exams. The one possible exception is **HiTA**, the CMSE 202 course AI assistant (which is tuned to support your learning rather than hand you exact solutions): **your instructor may permit HiTA at their discretion for a given exam**, and will tell you in advance whether it is allowed for your section. **No other AI tools or coding assistants of any kind** (e.g., ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Gemini, or similar) are permitted under any circumstances. If you are not sure whether HiTA is allowed for your exam, assume it is **not** and check with your instructor beforehand.

**Prohibited Resources:**
Apart from the specific resources permitted above or those provided to your by your instructor, exams are closed to outside resources. You are not permitted to access other online or cloud-based resources during the exam. This restriction includes (but is not limited to):

- Web searches (e.g., Google, Bing)
- Any generative AI tool or coding assistant other than HiTA when your instructor has explicitly permitted it (e.g., ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot)
- Online forums or documentation (e.g., Stack Overflow)
- Any other websites or shared repositories

Accessing a prohibited resource, or using an internet-enabled coding tool that has not been permitted, during the exam will result in a score of zero. The only online interactions you are allowed are the ones listed under "Permitted Resources" above (your own github.com repositories, command-line downloads of needed files/packages, specific python package documentation, and HiTA **if** it has been permitted for your exam).

**Communication Restrictions:**
All person-to-person communication tools and collaboration platforms are strictly prohibited. You may not access:

- Email or chat software (e.g., Slack, Discord, Teams)
- Shared storage or editing tools (e.g., Google Drive, Google Docs, OneDrive)

Any attempt to communicate or share information during the exam will be treated as a violation of academic integrity and may also result in a score of zero.

**Academic Integrity Reminder:**
Please keep your focus on your own screen. Due to limited space, students may be seated close together—so you will each be responsible for maintaining exam integrity. You must also keep your screen brightness high enough for instructors to clearly see your activity during the exam. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your individual skills and understanding. Any suspicious or inappropriate behavior observed by the instructors may result in a disciplinary action and a zero on the exam.