Tista' taqra bil- Malti.
The Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA) within the University of Malta is giving a 0 grade to all first-year students who took an online test for a particular credit, citing a Facebook Messenger chat as evidence that the class colluded to cheat.
But the decision was deemed objectionable by the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, who insisted that the affected students should get a fair hearing before such a disciplinary action was taken. A similar condemnation was made by the Association of Students of Commercial Studies which represents FEMA students.
The Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA) within the University of Malta is giving a 0 grade to all first-year students who took an online test for a particular credit, citing a Facebook Messenger chat as evidence that the class colluded to cheat.
But the decision was deemed objectionable by the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, who insisted that the affected students should get a fair hearing before such a disciplinary action was taken. A similar condemnation was made by the Association of Students of Commercial Studies which represents FEMA students.
Students’ representatives condemned cheating in all forms, but generally appeared to express reservations over the way FEMA dealt with them, with the KSU strongly emphasising its disagreement.
“Whilst we strongly condemn cheating in any form and believe that collusion should be addressed by the University, it is unreasonable that students are penalised en masse without a fair hearing before the Faculty’s disciplinary board as part of a comprehensive investigation. We reiterate that students deserve a due process and investigation as per the University of Malta Assessment Regulations,” the students’ council said.
“It is unjust that students who worked hard and sat for their exam independently of their peers whilst following all regulations receive a failing mark due to the actions of other students,” it added, before urging the faculty to reconsider its decision and deal with each student individually.
FEMA to review its decision
In its own statement, the ASCS highlighted that it had received numerous complaints over the faculty’s decision. It said that it had been informed that FEMA will now review the decision and communicate its course of action in the near future.
“Students should abide by the regulations at all times, especially now that examination formats have changed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we strive for the fair treatment of all and find it unjust to take a blanket decision of failing every student in their first University test, including individuals who were completely unaware of the situation at hand,” the association said.
