Posted on July 24: Arrangements made for students to re-write exams

Thirty-four students who wrote deferred exams last Thursday will need to be re-examined after a thief stole finished exam papers.

Just over 50 students from a variety of classes including economics, engineering and geography wrote exams in the session at the Arthur Bourns building last week. A number of students had already finished writing and had left the exam room when a man entered the room, grabbed a stack of completed exams and then ran.

An invigilator gave chase and a number of security officers were on the scene within minutes but the suspect escaped. The area including all garbage containers was searched but the exams weren't found.

“We have very strict protocol around examinations to make sure they are secure but the boldness of this thief is unprecedented,” said registrar George Granger. No one was injured and students who were still writing exams were given additional time to complete their work.

The registrar's office will be in touch with every student whose exam is missing to explain what happened, to let students know that re-examination is required, and that the timing of any make-up exam will be arranged for the convenience of the student. Granger says, “It is regrettable that students will need to be re-examined but after consultation with the professors involved it was determined that re-examination would be required to protect the integrity of the academic programs.”

The suspect was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a bandana on his face. Security for exams will be reviewed.