Cardiff University students are up in arms after an exam blunder left them with resits during their summer break. Imagine walking into your Financial Markets and Institutions exam only to be told you can’t use a calculator, even though it’s essential for nearly half the paper! That’s the reality faced by around 200 students, many of whom now need to redo the exam in person in Cardiff—costing them time and money.
Initially told to stash their calculators away, students experienced a rollercoaster of confusion as invigilators wavered on whether calculators could be used. While university reps initially reassured them post-exam, the July 14 results delivered a sobering reality: a “D” for defect marked against their efforts.
Though some students successfully petitioned for alternative marking on affected questions, many aren’t satisfied, especially as their only other option is a resit in August. For international students, this means costly flights back to Cardiff from places like Malaysia. Adding insult to injury, they’ve aired their frustrations over mounting expenses and increased stress, saying it’s taken a toll on their mental health.
Cardiff University has acknowledged the irregularities but advises students facing financial hardship or stress to reach out to their departments for support.
Feeling let down by both the mistake and recent staff cuts, students are calling for more than just an apology. What do you think—is the university doing enough?