Exams cancelled to combat cheating
Posted on 04/08/08
Written by Chris Battaglia
(The Eyeopener) - Administrators at Ryerson University have come up with a foolproof method to make sure no one cheats on their exams this term: they've cancelled the exams.
The preemptive initiative was announced early on Monday by Ryerson spokesman Gregory Jenkins.
"The university is very concerned about academic misconduct, especially cheating on fi nal exams," explained Jenkins. "After careful consideration of all options available, we decided that the best way to stop students from cheating is to not let them write the exams. It solves the problem, plain and simple."
Shortly after the Monday announcement, Students Are People Too issued a statement condemning the exam ban. Ryerson chapter president Jamaal Patterson explained:
"Students look forward to exams, marking them on their calendars with eager anticipation. Without exams, what do students have to look forward to?"
However, not all student groups echoed Patterson's statement. Flynn Macintyre, chairman of the popular Fight for Our Right to Party (FORP), welcomed the cancellation with enthusiasm. "Woo-hoo! No exams! This calls for a celebration! Drinks on FORP!" exclaimed Macintyre on his way to the Ram in the Rye with a contingent of cheering students.
Jenkins said the university understands student concerns about the new initiative, but he feels it will turn out to be the right decision in the long run.
"By preemptively canceling all exams, we're setting a precedent. It's a bold move, but we're confi dent that other schools will follow in our footsteps after they see how successful this plan will be in thwarting cheating."
So far, the university's plan seems to be working. Long-time cheaters like 3rd-year Social Work student Pat Hynes have been left frantically searching for other ways to skew their marks.
"My magic marker, my cheating skirt, my earpiece: they're all useless now," Hynes said. "I don't know what to do. I guess I'll have to come on to my TAs."
Editor's Note: The Eyeopener is willing to pay $50 to any student who sleeps with a professor and is willing to talk about. TA's don't count.
View more stories by Chris Battaglia.
