Massey University New Zealand cancels online exams due to technical problems

The exam cancellation comes just two days into Massey's two-week, mid-year exam season adding to the anxiety of students.

Study in New Zealand: Massey University was forced to cancel today's online supervised exams just ahead of Massey's two-week, mid-year exam season. The exam cancellation was announced when stressed and panicked students reported significant problems with the university's online exam system.

Students appeared for the online supervised exams from home or work but were being monitored via the cameras on their computers.

Massey University's student's association Te Tira Ahu Pae confirmed the issues faced by the students. It said that "a distressingly large" number of students faced serious technical issues due to which many could not log in to the exams or were shown other students' names and student IDs.

As per the RNZ report, University Provost, Professor Giselle Burns said, "The university is deeply disappointed by this failure of service, and I appreciate the exam period is already a stressful time. Many of you are likely to have made arrangements to sit these exams, taking time off work or needing childcare, I acknowledge and apologise for this disruption."

"A full investigation into how this issue occurred is underway. Decisions around next steps for the remainder of the exam period are being prioritised and we will be in touch via email by close of business today with an update," added the Provost.

Online supervised exams need important changes, says students association

The President of Te Tira Ahu Pae said the association had been demanding changes around the online supervised exams since early last year. This time there was a software problem.

"Of serious worry is how students can access the personal details of other students - including first and last names, emails and student ID numbers. We believe this constitutes a data breach. Through this accessing of personal details, students can sit other students' exams which poses serious concerns for both accidental sittings as well as malicious action," he said.

The association President added, "Students reported en masse having to wait for hours to access exams while not knowing if they were at fault and would be penalised. Communication was poor across the issue, simply telling students to keep trying again within their 24-hour period with no regard to, or understanding of, outside commitments."

Students found it extremely stressful

The association also shared the experiences of students who were upset by the whole experience.

"Unable to access, 504 message, then when I did get on once, someone else's details and exam showed. Have 4 children I had made arrangements for, paid extra for childcare, made sure no one else would be home to interrupt. Very frustrating that I then had to wait until children were all asleep to do the exam. So at 9 pm I finally started, tired, grumpy and stressed," said a student.

"This was a very stress experience. I'm so disappointed with it all and really upset that I may fail this paper," said another student.

Read more:

• Imperial’s Heart and Lung research centre gets £10 million funding
• University of Kentucky, KCTCS partner to enhance opportunities for Kentucky community college students