Exam policy making school harder for working students

CEBU, Philippines —  A new policy at Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) that requires two devices during online examination is giving a working student second thoughts on continuing school online during the pandemic.

An engineering student who requested anonymity said they should have been informed about the policy during enrolment so they could weigh their options. They were reportedly told that it would just be a dry run.

The policy, which will be implemented during the school’s midterm examination on September 24, 2021, is described as anti-poor.

“Lots of students sa school wala ganahi… one, because anti-poor kaayo siya and a lot of students can’t afford sa umaabot nga midterm exam,” the student said.

The Freeman learned that there are many students in the university who have chosen to take part-time jobs because their parents have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

“Daghan kaayo mi nga students sa CIT ga-work. Naay times nga while ga-work ko, mag- answer ko, mu-break ko kadali. Dili mi ka set up tawn sa work for two devices,” the student said.

Petitions against the policy were pushed, complaints were posted on social media, and appeals were written to the university but the policy remains.

CIT-U released a memo on September 14 on the rules for online examination, the first time the school is implementing the policy.

During exams, students are required to have either a laptop with a camera or two smartphones under a well-lit environment for proper monitoring.

CIT-U’s president, ASEAN Engr. Bernard Nicolas Villamor, in a statement, clarified that the memorandum on the guidelines in the conduct of online examination.

“The total well-being of the Technologians is a fundamental concern and a top priority of the University. With this passion, the University balances the interest of all,” Villamor said.

Villamor said the student government along with the Academic Council, the Deans, the Department chair, and faculty club were consulted on the matter and suggestions were well taken.

It did not mention, however, if parents or guardians were consulted.

Villamor also noted that “other universities are even using expensive anti-cheating software which CIT University did not consider since its cost will ultimately be passed on to the students and the software requires high-end computer”.

Safeguarding the integrity of the examinations preserves and protects the interest of all stakeholders, the statement reads further.

Leniency provisions were also reportedly adopted, including that a student may request for exemption from complying with the guidelines.

Aside from this, implementation for the midterm examinations is relaxed or optional on the part of the student to serve as a dry-run which can be the basis for evaluation.

Villamor also stressed there are options provided. The university has a desktop PC rental program though only a few may avail.

“The heart of INCLUSIVITY is when all stakeholders share a special common interest which is the employability and career success for all Tecnhnologians,” Villamor said.

The SSG is currently coordinating with the University Academic Council to make the implementation easier, smoother, and more lenient for students.

“We truly apologize for being unable to change things, even with the collective efforts of the studentry. However, please know that the Supreme Student Government is more than grateful to all students who spoke up regarding the issue. Moving forward, we will continue listening to your concerns and will continue doing our best in negotiating with the Administration to provide what's best for every student. We will also be initiating programs as well to help alleviate the situation of the students,” the SSG said in a post. JMO (FREEMAN)