The University Senate approved elimination of the final examination program on November 29, 1971. The elimination was effective for fall 1972 and was to continue for two years on a trial basis. With the elimination of the exam period, examinations were to be given during regular class periods. The senate also passed a recommendation to adjust the lengths of all four quarters to provide at least 30 class meetings for three-hour courses and voted to lengthen class periods in the summer to 60 minutes.
In 1976 the Faculty Senate voted to reinstate examination week as “alternative period” but without lengthening the time a class met during the period. On April 10, 1978, the Faculty Senate voted to recommend the reestablishment of final exam week, with each class having a two-hour class meeting during the period. The option of providing for an alternative capstone for the class was maintained, and the week continued to be called alternative period. Chancellor Reese approved the recommendation effective for fall quarter 1979.