Pilot program aims to protect valuables and curb exam cheating

With exams quickly approaching, the University of Calgary is piloting a new program that empowers students to help enforce academic integrity.

During the upcoming semester examination period, which runs April 17 and 19–29, students who are writing exams in the Red, Gold, or Auxiliary Gymnasiums will be provided with a large clear plastic bag for their personal valuables.

The advantages for students of this new initiative include:

• Keeping valuables safe underneath their chairs and in close proximity during exams;
• Ensuring personal belongings are out of reach yet in sight of the proctor to prevent misinterpretation of use of personal belongings;
• Underscoring the importance of academic integrity in our university community.

The plastic bag is meant for small items of value, like a wallet, phone, tablet, or laptop, but could easily fit a textbook. All electronics will be required to be fully shut down and bags should be returned at the end of the exam for re-use. 

Students will be asked to leave their larger backpacks at home, in a locker, or at an alternate safe location. 

A review of the program will be conducted at the end of exams to gather student and proctor feedback from this pilot project.

For further information about this program, please contact the vice-provost (student experience) office at vpse@ucalgary.ca.