Theft during exams rears its ugly head
It’s 7 o’clock and you’ve just finished studying for the exam that could make or break your grade. Fifteen minutes pass and you’re in the classroom, Scantrons and students scattered amongst the room. But what you don’t know is that the exam will be the least stressful event of the night, as you finish writing to discover your phone has been stolen.
Recently there have been some reports on the “Spotted at Guelph-Humber” Facebook page about thefts during exams, but this isn’t the only time it has happened. Early Childhood Education student Michele Colafranceschi said about three years ago her sister’s friend was writing an exam when she got up to go to the bathroom. By the time she got back her laptop had been stolen.
Colafranceschi thinks this is unfair, “It’s people that you know generally, because they’re in your class,” she said, “I think that also teachers in the classroom should be more aware of it as well.”
Media Studies student Cory Ganase says the policy that all belongings should be left at the front of the room is to blame, “It’s expected that you leave your stuff at the front of the room, as an expectation it’s kind of bad,” he said.
But he does agree that the policy makes sense from a cheating standpoint, “Of course [bags] should be put at the front so people aren’t cheating and stuff, but at the same time we need people to watch over [belongings],” he said, “I feel like it’s the school’s responsibility for that.”
But Rob Kilfoyle, director of public safety and emergency management at Humber said this is a policy that will likely never change despite the thefts, as it helps prevent students from cheating. “Academic integrity is critical…you have to be deemed the highest standard for your credentials,” he said.
Kinesiology student Jon Hubacheck agrees, “I like that policy,” he said, explaining that during one of his exams he saw some students had their bags with them and looked to be cheating. “I like having the bags at the front because that forces them to make sure their phones and everything are at the front so no cheating can happen.”
Kilfoyle recommends students leave their belongings at home to deter thieves, “[students] should refrain from bringing valuables into the area in the first place. If you don’t need it during the exam don’t bring it with you,” he said. But if students must bring valuables with them, some students recommend using or sharing a locker.
“Make arrangements, if you do have something valuable, like your phone, keep it in a locker or keep it somewhere safe like your car,” said Early Childhood Education student Sarah Ahmad.
If you or someone you know ends up becoming a victim of theft Kilfoyle urges reporting the crime. “The first thing that they should do is contact the [Humber] Department of Public Safety…file a report with us. We will also provide them with information and assistance, and also report the theft to the Toronto Police,” he said. After the theft has been reported, the Department of Public Safety will launch an investigation into the theft to help ensure the items are returned.
About the Author
Meaghan Ritola is a third-year media and journalism student at the University of Guelph-Humber who hopes to pursue a career in broadcasting. With a passion for music and a knack for discovering and researching up-and-coming artists, she would one day like to become a music-industry journalist.
Related Posts
‘A decade of dominance’ for the Humber Hawks →
Irregular temperatures not so out of the ordinary →
A decade without defeat →
