University of Iowa officials are confident the revised final-exam policy has been useful to students and continues to move forward with the new policy.

“I certainly believe the changes have been beneficial since the changes were aimed at giving students more time to prepare for exams and to provide more travel time between exams,” Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Beth Ingram wrote in an email.

The policy first took effect for the spring 2012 finals, but this is the first full semester in which students could take full advantage of its benefits.

The revision came about after Elliot Higgins, the former UI Student Government president, noticed a lack of satisfaction with the former policy.

In response, UISG took initiatives to make changes to the former policy.

The revised policy allows students with three or more finals in one day to file for a conflict, which will allow them to reduce the number of finals that day. Students are also given at least half an hour between finals and will not have any finals after 5p.m. on Friday.

Officials say that work has been done to reduce the number of conflicts.

“In many ways, the changes are automatic,” Ingram wrote in an email. “We now schedule exams so that conflicts are minimized, so few students have to ask for an accommodation because the conflicts have already been managed.”

UISG President Nic Pottebaum said the changes are positive and can help students become more academically successful.

UI junior America Obregon noticed the new final-exam policy helped alleviate some stress for students, including her.

“I like the new final-exam policy because [studying for all one’s exams] is too stressful,” she said. “Those finals take a lot of energy and time, and it would be easier to study for them if they were spread out.”

In addition to the final-exam policy, numerous spots on campus have extended their hours in which students may study. Several spots on campus will be open 24 hours.

Pottebaum emphasized the importance of having a quite space to study.

“Having a quite study space of your own is really important, whether it’s your apartment, your dorm room, off campus, or on campus,” he said.

Study spaces available to students this week include the Old Capitol Town Center, the IMU, the Main Library, and the Hardin Library.

Students will also be able to find some final essentials, such as food and drinks, at the some of the study locations.

UI freshman Ashley Lee appreciates the numerous study spaces around campus.

“If the university is providing them, why not take advantage,” she said. “It’s nice to get out my room and study.”