Rally to stop exam changes

Issue 

By Mathew Munro

HOBART — Around 300 people attended a rally on August 6 at the University of Tasmania to protest the administration's move to reduce "swot vac" (the exam study period) from nine days to four, and to hold three exam sessions per day. This means exams will continue until 7pm.

Staff say the proposed changes will not allow enough time for accurate marking and that they need the swot vac period to finalise students' internal marks. Many students have assignments due until the end of formal classes and swot vac is the only time they have to revise their courses before exams. Because of cuts to public transport and child-care opening hours, sitting in an exam until 7pm is not possible for many students.

One reason for the administration's changes is to enable graduation ceremonies to be held in December — a more convenient and attractive timetable for the lucrative full fee-paying overseas student market. As well, reducing the university's total operating days will mean reduced operating costs.

At the rally, the Student Representative Council president, Catherine Miller, successfully moved a motion that students withdraw from classes if the administration pursued its plans. Resistance members unsuccessfully proposed an alternative motion calling on the SRC to organise a broad student boycott of exams and to request staff unions support for the boycott. Another protest action is planned for August 20.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.