University probes exam cheating claims

Otago University has launched an investigation into cheating claims among third-year medical students.

The investigation, launched by acting dean Barry Taylor, means that students may have to wait at least another 10 days for their examination results.

Third-year medical students are

typically divided into groups to sit the four-hour practical exam separately.

It is alleged that a student or students who were in the first session may have told other medical students what the content of the exam entailed.

In a letter to all third year students, Taylor said the ‘‘integrity of the exam has been compromised’’.

‘‘Clearly this is very unprofessional behaviour. The behaviour of the students who acted against our request to preserve the confidentiality of the

content of the OCSE stations is aiding and abetting cheating.

‘‘The Medical School has a duty to the public to ensure that students have achieved the appropriate level of competency at each stage of the course . . . The public would also expect to see honesty within the cohort of future doctors.’’

Barry added that it was disappointing that ‘‘some students have tarnished the reputation of the entire third year class’’.