A clash between a philosophy professor and a university’s Exams Office raises concerns over academic autonomy and student accommodations
A philosophy professor at Queen’s University in Canada has been removed from her logic course following a disagreement with the university’s Exams Office regarding accommodations for students who require the use of a computer during exams. The professor, Adele Mercier, had attempted to modernize the exam format to accommodate two students in her class, but encountered resistance from the Exams Office. The incident has sparked a debate over academic autonomy, student accommodations, and the role of “para-academics” in shaping educational policies.
Modernizing Exams and Accommodations
At the heart of the dispute is Mercier’s decision to modernize the exam format for two students in her to Logic course who required the use of a computer. Throughout the semester, Mercier and her teaching assistant, Tianze Chen, worked diligently to computerize the exams using “cheat-proof” software. The software had been successfully utilized by students for completing homework exercises. However, when Mercier informed the Exams Office of the new format for the midterm exam, she discovered that policies prohibited the use of personal computers for accommodated students.
Clash with the Exams Office
The Exams Office informed Mercier that non-accommodated students would have to revert to a traditional paper-based exam to comply with policy. Frustrated by this restriction, Mercier filed an official complaint, arguing that the imposition of “para-academics” to modify the exam format infringed upon academic autonomy. She also highlighted the adverse impact on students who were prepared to take a computerized exam. Despite the Exams Office’s objections, Mercier insisted on offering students the option of a paper-based or computerized exam.
Cancellation and Administrative Intervention
As tensions escalated, the Exams Office presented Mercier with two options for accommodated students: either allowing the Exams Office to administer the computerized exam privately or stepping in to modify the exam format themselves. Mercier chose the former option and made arrangements for students to take the exam in a suitable environment. However, just before the exam was scheduled to take place, students received an email from Haley Everson, the faculty associate director, announcing the cancellation of the exam.
Unclear Reasons for Escalation
The reasons behind the cancellation remain unclear. One student in the class mentioned withdrawing their accommodations, stating that they found the alternatives offered by Mercier to be fair and reasonable. Another student raised concerns about the potential infringement on Mercier’s academic freedom. The incident has raised questions about the university’s decision-making process and the role of the Exams Office in determining exam accommodations.
Previous Controversy and Ongoing Debate
This is not the first time Mercier has faced controversy at Queen’s University. In a previous incident, she was awarded damages by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal after raising issues of gender discrimination within her department. The current dispute has reignited debates around academic freedom, student accommodations, and the influence of administrative bodies on educational policies.
Conclusion:
The clash between philosophy professor Adele Mercier and Queen’s University’s Exams Office highlights the delicate balance between accommodating students with special needs and preserving academic autonomy. The incident raises important questions about the role of “para-academics” in shaping educational policies and the potential impact on both students and professors. As the university works towards resolving the situation, it is crucial to find a solution that respects the rights of all parties involved and ensures a fair and inclusive learning environment.
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