I am writing to ask for Royal Holloway’s decision on Spring/Summer 2020 examinations to be reviewed with emphasis on first and second year exams, particularly after the most recent developments in the news. There are numerous reasons why examinations should be cancelled this academic year and not simply moved online.

First and foremost, online examinations are simply not an effective way to examine the best of us as students. It works on the premise that everyone has a quiet environment at home in which they can take the exams, which cannot be assumed. In addition, with recent government announcement of the closure of schools, many university students will see young siblings return home as well as other family members, which, consequently, does not make for an environment conducive to study and revise, let alone sit an exam.

Moreover, with universities being forced to close after recent governmental developments, students will be unable to visit the library for quiet study or to access resources, many of which are not available online, especially for smaller departments. I appreciate that there will be an effort to move resources online, but with only 6-7 weeks until exam season commences I question the feasibility within the time frame and the effect of a lack of resources on the quality of study. We will not be able to access the resources that we require in time to reach the grade boundaries we deserve and have worked so hard to obtain. 

Regarding online exams, there are many technical issues that could arise and thereby effect a student from taking or doing well in an online exam. For instance, some students may not have access to a reliable laptop, computer or wifi. Internet and wifi issues are a regular occurrence which could prevent students from accessing their exam papers and band width has already been reported as an issue due to the large number of people being at home and accessing the internet. There are also many students who have difficulties typing and would therefore be at a major disadvantage having been taught to answer exams on paper for many years. 

Furthermore, there is the high possibility that some students may be unwell due to Covid-19 and therefore physically unable to revise for or sit an exam regardless of whether or not the exam is online. Not only will students be challenged physically due to Covid-19 but also mentally as the global spread of the virus and daily news broadcasting is putting enormous stress of the daily lives of individuals, of which students are no exception. Some have lost an income and are concerned about how to pay their bills, or afford food. Many have vulnerable and/or ill close relatives, for whom they may have to care for. Some students will be stranded in a foreign country and worried about their own safety and that of their family whom they are unable to be with. Mental health must be taken seriously. Exam season is always a stressful time anyway, let alone when there is a global pandemic causing individuals illness, stress and isolation. Additionally, there are many students who have underlying medical health conditions, which puts them at a much greater risk of Covid-19 infection and complications. These students are going to be even more concerned and stressed about the current situation and therefore the additional pressure of exams is unfair. 

I can appreciate these are unprecedented times and that the university is doing its best, however I ask that you take my concerns seriously and I look forward to your response. (Written by Emily Shepard and Megan Redwin)