SINGAPORE — One missing table of statistics was all it took for
more than 2,000 students to have to retake an examination held last
week.
TODAY understands that most of the students affected by the
administrative blunder in the Statistics 1 exam on May 7, offered
by the University of London (UOL), are from Singapore Institute of
Management (SIM).
The announcement was all the more a surprise to many of them
because invigilators had said the missing table was not an
issue.
First-year SIM undergraduate Kenji Seet, 22, said students had
realised the table was missing, but had been told to continue. Some
of them thought the table, which was needed for a number of
questions in the paper, might arrive halfway through the exam.
It was not to be, although students received an email that evening
from RELC Examinations Bureau assuring them that those “who have
attempted the paper would not be unduly penalised”.
The shocker from the UOL came via email early yesterday: The
students must retake the exam during their semester break, as the
first will not be counted and will not appear in their records.
In the email, to which TODAY obtained access, the university said
the examiners had met for a review and it regretted that “it will
not be possible to accurately and appropriately assess the
Statistics 1 examination”.
The examiners were “unable to allocate marks in accordance with the
specified criteria”.
Students were offered the retake on May 28 or June 3. If they are
unable to make it on either date, they can take it next May.
The module is understood to be a foundation module and a
prerequisite for higher-level modules.
“Some of my friends were angry because we had just finished our
exams and some of us had made holiday plans.” Mr Seet said. “I was
a bit angry at first, but I think this is another opportunity to
improve my score for the module.”
Meanwhile, an SIM spokesperson told TODAY: “We understand the
inconvenience this incident may cause students and will provide
whatever necessary assistance to enable them to take the
examination. This includes offering optional additional revision
classes to help them prepare as they wait to retake their
exam.”
The UOL has promised to do a “thorough review” of procedures for
the production of exam papers to ensure such an incident will not
be repeated.
“The University of London has already been in touch with students
individually to apologise for the error and has made further
contact with them to provide information about the new examination
arrangements,” a UOL spokesperson said.
“Any student who is unable to make the rearranged examination dates
should contact the university ... students have also been invited
to contact the university with any personal concerns or queries
they may have.
“To act in the best interests of both its students and the
integrity of its academic award, the university has swiftly made
alternative arrangements for the new Statistics 1 examination
papers to be taken following the discovery of the omission.”
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