In person college exams must be in adherence to government guidelines
Labour spokesperson on Further and Higher Education Annie Hoey has called on the Minister to provide assurance to all students that in-person exams are being held in line with public health guidance.
Senator Hoey said:
“Young people have been an afterthought throughout the pandemic. Last month I wrote to Minister Harris asking him to detail how student exams would be held in-person given the increase of community transmission of Covid-19. Unfortunately, my office continues to hear reports of students who feel unsafe sitting these in-person exams. It appears that there is no uniform guidance being applied in institutions across the country.
“While many colleges have opted to move their exams online this year, those who have opted for in person do not appear to be following the same set of guidelines. Safety in Covid-19 should not be a lottery, all students need to feel safe doing their exams and colleges have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for them to do so, be that online or in person.
“Given that current advice is that no more than four households should be mixing, it seems phenomenally short sighted to have huge numbers of students sitting in halls together taking exams when there are options in place to host most exams online. The Minister should urge all institutions to consider online exams where possible.
“It is disappointing to see a lack of leadership from government for students. Many students will be travelling from university towns and cities to their home place after the exams and we need to ensure that they and their families will be protected. I have written to Minister Harris asking him to provide clarity on the guidance for institutions that are still opting to hold in person examinations.”