The month of April 2015
With the Easter long weekend sadly obscure in our rear view mirror, and as the Institutions Academic cohort recover from the tryptophan loaded turkey roasts and chocolate egg melee focus on the finishing line for the academic year inches further up the priority list. A silent air of optimism channels the energy of our Instructional pool. Emphasis on exam preparation, attention to detailed instruction for practical evaluation, last minute quizzes and unselfish coaching and mentoring for those bright but challenged students who rely on our pedagogical obligations.
The end of April traditionally at this Institution is the month for student exams. A nerve racking time for most students, many of them wishing they had paid a bit more attention during the regular semesters; cursing themselves for not handing in the required assignments and regretfully not taking the time to engage with their Instructors on materials that they were un-clear on…an opportunity lost. Gymnasiums and conference halls are being readied for the barrage of student writing exams, labs will be furnished with the required materials for the practical tests, computer rooms will be inundated with technical servicing and classrooms will be readied to accommodate anxious students.
Preparedness is the mantra that all Instructors preach. Hope that the endless reiteration of objectives, formulas and descriptions have embedded themselves between over abused hearing appendages. Discussions and awareness on the rules of cheating, copying and plagiarism are stressed most vehemently, and recognition of any of these offences can be severe and problematic to any student’s future within the Post-Secondary realm.
Any of these collegial offences are never pleasant for Student or Instructor, it is unfortunately part of an educator’s responsibility. The excuses for the offences are many, some even bordering on believable, however, academic fairness out trumps underhanded behaviors that lead to breaches in trust and disciplinary action. The anxiety for both the Instructor and the Student will have escalated requiring an impartial and justifiable ruling. Academic Chairs are most often the overseers of these decisions; reprimands can be harsh but should not be administered without a certain degree of compassion.
Dialogue with the individual Instructor regarding a disciplinary outcome is highly recommended. Support of an Instructor by the AC is paramount in demonstrating unity and academic autonomy furthermore, it sends out a resounding message to the student body. Inadequate support or failure to come to a consensus as academic professionals when dealing with dishonest examination conduct will leave an Instructor extremely vulnerable in the classroom. The credibility of the individual Instructor will be damaged and the bond of trust with the Supervisory body will be fractured.
It is always reassuring to know that the Academic Instructor within this Institution have always been committed to student excellence. There is a certain amount of pride exhibited by instructor when their students are successful and the graduation ceremony is embraced rather than perceived as ‘another duty’. Although the month of April is historically known for its infamous “showers”, let’s be cognizant of this stressful time and not consciously rain on anyone’s parade.
James McWilliams
SAFA President.