The University of South Africa (Unisa) examination results are being audited and released on a staggered basis as and when they are finalised, with the final release date for all examination results set for 14 December 2023.
Unisa recently reminded students about its strict implementation of rules related to the use of an Invigilator App during online examinations. This comes after the university withheld exam results from learners who failed to abide by their examination policy concerning the use of these applications.
Unisa is South Africa’s largest university. In addition to this, Unisa is also an open distance learning education institution. This means that students learn, attend lectures and even write exams online.
The university uses proctoring tools/invigilator apps to monitor students' activity while they are completing examinations. The use of these applications discourages students from cheating as the university will pick it up.
These invigilator apps, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of exams, are required for Unisa exams. Students were informed beforehand about the 10-minute limit for being outside the app during exams.
The usage of the App and the attendant rules are very important and necessary to uphold the credibility of our examinations and protect the integrity of our qualifications. It is one of the aspects of the assessment process that the university cannot compromise on
Unisa revealed that some students were found to have violated this rule which has led the university to withhold their results.
The usage of the Invigilator App were clearly communicated to all students as part of our online examination rules and guidelines through various communication channels, including email, myUnisa announcements, SMS, and social media.
Students in their first examination opportunity found to be out of the app for more than 10 minutes have had their marks withheld. These students can rewrite without re-registering, but their marks are withheld.
Second-opportunity students must re-register, and marks are also withheld. However, in this case, these students must re-register for the concerned module(s) since the university does not offer a third examination opportunity. The scheduling of second examination opportunities is contingent on Senate-approved examination sittings.
It is crucial to note that final-year students meeting concessionary criteria have the eligibility to participate in their second examination opportunities before the May/June examination period. Contrary to reports, the university says that final-year students being scheduled for the May-June 2024 supplementary exams is false and misleading.
The university also addressed concerns about technical glitches with the app and clarified that students unable to upload scripts are not affected by the "Out of App" rule. Students affected by these challenges will be afforded an opportunity to submit an appeal.
"Students have been informed via the communique issued on 23 November 2023 about the appeal process that has been put in place for students to raise objections or make their case. They are once again urged to use this process to have their cases heard. Each case will be dealt with on its own merits."
