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An in-class test was taken by all second year science students in March as part of a continuous course assessment of English proficiency. The test paper was designed to test the students' comprehension ability by requiring them to proof-read a long passage. One question paper was found unaccounted for in one of the classes after the test and it was claimed that a question paper was seen outside the classroom. While there was no tangible evidence of cheating by any of the students, the English Centre of HKU decided immediately as a measure to ensure fairness to all students to require all students to retake the test.
The English Centre and the Faculty of Science would like to emphasize the followings:
- The English Centre and the Faculty of Science do not tolerate any form of cheating or plagiarizing behaviour. If there is sufficient evidence of any cheating behavior in this particular incident, the case will be referred to the University's Disciplinary Committee.
- We believe the English Centre acted promptly and in a responsible manner in this incident. While the re-test has caused some inconvenience to students, it was done to ensure the integrity of the assessment system and fairness to all students, even only on an unsubstantiated report of irregular behaviour.
- We believe this is only an isolated incident and there is no evidence for any common behaviour of academic dishonesty. We trust that the science students of the University of Hong Kong are responsible and mature students holding high standards.
The English Centre will review the current test procedures to enhance measures to ensure honest and fair testing mechanism.
Response to media enquiries
12 May 2006
In response to media reports on a case of alleged mass cheating, the English Centre and Faculty of Science today (May 12) issue the following response:
An in-class test was taken by all second year science students in March as part of a continuous course assessment of English proficiency. The test paper was designed to test the students' comprehension ability by requiring them to proof-read a long passage. One question paper was found unaccounted for in one of the classes after the test and it was claimed that a question paper was seen outside the classroom. While there was no tangible evidence of cheating by any of the students, the English Centre of HKU decided immediately as a measure to ensure fairness to all students to require all students to retake the test.
The English Centre and the Faculty of Science would like to emphasize the followings:
- The English Centre and the Faculty of Science do not tolerate any form of cheating or plagiarizing behaviour. If there is sufficient evidence of any cheating behavior in this particular incident, the case will be referred to the University's Disciplinary Committee.
- We believe the English Centre acted promptly and in a responsible manner in this incident. While the re-test has caused some inconvenience to students, it was done to ensure the integrity of the assessment system and fairness to all students, even only on an unsubstantiated report of irregular behaviour.
- We believe this is only an isolated incident and there is no evidence for any common behaviour of academic dishonesty. We trust that the science students of the University of Hong Kong are responsible and mature students holding high standards.
The English Centre will review the current test procedures to enhance measures to ensure honest and fair testing mechanism.
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