University of Otago Apologizes for Exam Error Affecting Students

The University of Otago has issued an apology following the discovery of an error in a third-year law examination. The incident occurred during the Law of Torts exam (LAWS301) on March 15, 2024, which was administered to third-year law students.

According to a statement from the Dean of Law, Associate Professor Bridgette Toy-Cronin, students were informed of the mistake approximately 50 minutes into the exam. “A word was missing in one sentence of the question,” she stated.

This oversight raised concerns among students about the potential impact on their performance. The university aimed to address the issue promptly, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining academic integrity.

In her statement, Toy-Cronin expressed regret for the confusion caused by the error. “We understand the stress this may have caused and are taking steps to ensure such mistakes do not occur in the future.”

The university is currently reviewing its examination procedures to prevent similar issues from arising in future assessments. Students affected by this incident will be informed of any changes to grading policies resulting from the error.

The Law of Torts course is a critical component of the law curriculum at the University of Otago, preparing students for various legal challenges they may encounter in their careers.

As the university works to rectify the situation, it remains focused on supporting its students and ensuring that educational standards are upheld.