Next steps exam theft
Ongoing investigations into the theft of exam questions have confirmed that a considerable number of exam questions were stolen from several Saxion-degree programmes. If these exam questions have been actually traded – and subsequently used by students – is still insufficiently clear. Further investigations into the actions of individual students will reveal this. In the coming weeks different students will be heard. It is already clear, based on current information, that no exams have to be retaken and that the value of Saxion’s academic certificates is not in question. Students have been informed of this by their degree programme.
Anka Mulder, President of the Executive Board: “It’s very important to us that our students can continue their degree programme and do not suffer because of this exam theft. It is still insufficiently clear which exam questions were traded and which students made use of them. We are taking measures to ensure that students can progress without unnecessary study delay and without doubts concerning the value of their certificate. We are continuing investigations into the individual student who took part in this trade, or took exams with prior knowledge.”
Incorporating more security
There can be no question about the quality and reliability of exams. This is essential in maintaining the value of all Saxion academic certificates. Based on available information and further investigation, the chairpersons of the examination boards have concluded that no certificates at any degree programme are in disrepute.
Saxion wants to incorporate more security. This is why adjustments are being made to the current curriculum at a number of degree programmes, such as shifting or adding accents within existing exams or giving other values to certain exams. The study load for every student at Saxion remains 60 credits per academic year and previously taken exams involving stolen exam questions will not be declared invalid. These measures aimed at protecting students who took exams honestly and with a clear conscience.
Investigation into fraudulent students continues
In the meantime Saxion is doing all it can to leave no stone unturned and investigations into individual students who bought exams is ongoing. A number of students have already been invited to a hearing by the Examination Board. Since this internal investigation along with a police investigation are still ongoing, no further details can be disclosed regarding the exams involved. The internal investigation focuses on detecting irregularities in student exams that can be linked to the exam question theft. To this end an internal investigation committee has been set up consisting of chairpersons from several examination boards. Students will be penalised in a manner fitting the seriousness of the fraud if it transpires that they were involved in the exam question theft.
Hotline
As investigations are still ongoing, the specially set up hotline also remains open. Students with questions or information that can contribute to the investigation can still contact the hotline at [email protected].