Phone in exam hall dilemma?

Anonstudent123

Today I was sitting an exam and had brought my phone in with me in my pocket but the battery was dead and it was switched off and I honestly thought they wouldn't care once it was in my pocket ( sadly mistaken ). About halfway into the exam I was asked by a vigilator to give her the phone in my pocket at this stage I had completely forgot about the phone and just took it out and handed to her thinking it would be the end of it, so I resumed with my exam and then she returned with a form telling me to sign it, it was a breach of exam regulations form. At the end of the exam I was told to collect my phone in the reception where I was met by a woman who brought me into a room and questioned me telling me that the statement I made would be sent to someone and I would either be deducted marks or just given a warning and was told I'd get a letter before the 30th. At this stage I'm freaking out and it doesn't help that I now can't focus on my other exams. I've been told by a friend that it happened to someone in her course last year and she was told she either needed to repeat or be deducted 40 percent. I already have so much anxiety about exams in general and this has just exacerbated it even further. I'm honestly in the midst of a breakdown and don't even want to take these next exams because I don't even see the point now. Whats worse is I genuinely felt I did really good in the exam and all my hard work and hours of studying is gone out the window now because of one silly dilemma. I honesly just need to know has anyone ever had this happen to them and what was the outcome, don't want lectures on exam regulations I'm well aware of them now so spare me the trolling.

endacl

Insert some paragraphs and punctuation and I'll read that.

Wheety

Try and put it out of your mind for now. Concentrate on your other exams.

When you you are told what your punishment will be, it it's severe, ask about the appeals process and then explain that the phone was dead.

I'm just looking at this from a common sense point of view. Hopefully someone may have experience of this kind of thing.

Nekarsulm

How did they know you had a phone? Were you taking a peek at it?

Anyway, I would request a copy of the forms you signed, get them and keep on with your studies and exams till the 30th.

Perhaps someone could advise if it's worth getting your family Solicitor to draft a letter/ some kind of sworn affidavit to the effect that your phone was dead at all times during the exam.

Silly risk to take when everyone was expressly forbidden to have them in the exam hall, but it's best to take action now.

Anonstudent123

Endacl, no one asked you to read this. I've quite clearly had enough grief today so can you please drop your sacrasm. I really don't need it right now. I apologise for being too distraught to care about punctuation and paragraphs.

stoplooklisten

Eagle eyed invigilator to spot a turned off phone in your pocket, but however, they'll carry out an investigation.

Be prepared to meet with them an explain your case clearly and calmly. This is a serious breech, however, complete the rest of your exams and deal with the matter afterwards. The procedure is here https://www.wit.ie/current_students/student_affairs/Exam_Procedures_Regulations

Anonstudent123

I wasn't on the phone nor did I take it out of my pocket. It was in my back pocket switched off. The vigilator just happened to notice it in my back pocket and asked me to take it out and give it to her. I only took it in because I was afraid it would get stolen.

frozenfrozen

Goway with serious breach I saw tonnes of people taking phonecalls and texting right up until the exam started on my course (not in WIT). This is someone looking for trouble, as long as OP wasn't actually using the phone to cheat.

I'll be leaving my phone in the car for my exams but I would usually always have it in my pocket, not even turned off. They could always try to search me against my will.

I'd definitely have a solicitor draft a letter questioning whether a phone without any battery remaining can really be treated as a phone. Same way a blank piece of paper in your pocket couldn't be treated as notes to be used for cheating.

evolving_doors

It seems illogical to' deduct marks '... You either were cheating or you weren't.

Maybe they might have a ' penalty policy ' which you signed up to so.. Maybe talk to students union too.

callaway92

haha what a joke. Everybody has their phone on them in the exam. Dunno how they spotted that you have one and didn't see one other person with one.

Something's not right.

If you are telling the truth here and if I was in your position I would've freaked out when they took you into a room after an exam and told them exactly where to go.

The course boards are on the 20th May btw so it'll all be done by then either way. I'd say you will hear nothing else about it.

stoplooklisten

frozenfrozen wrote: »

Goway with serious breach I saw tonnes of people taking phonecalls and texting right up until the exam started on my course (not in WIT). This is someone looking for trouble, as long as OP wasn't actually using the phone to cheat.....

n) The candidate shall not bring into the Examination Hall, nor have in their possession, any computing equipment, including electronic organisers, programmable calculators, mobile phones, recording equipment [or any devise with a facility to store or display text], radio, books, note paper or any other sources of information:
I. Possession of any unauthorised material shall be construed as a serious breach of Examination Regulations and a disciplinary investigation will be initiated.
II. The candidate is reminded that severe sanctions are attached to any such breach of regulations (see Circumstances of Unfair Practice).
III. Candidates will be required to handover such materials to the Invigilator. When an electronic device is confiscated i.e. programmable calculator or mobile phone, the device will be retained for the duration of the investigation.
IV. Refusal to hand over the materials will make void the examination for the candidate and a disciplinary investigation will be instigated.
Where the breach of exam regulations is a matter of fact, such as notes or prohibited materials present in the examination, an automatic penalty of 0% may be applied by the Registrar to that examination.

https://www.wit.ie/current_students/student_affairs/Exam_Procedures_Regulations

Looking for trouble indeed :rolleyes:

Anonstudent123

Not justifying what I was doing but I guarantee I'm not the only person who had my phone switched off in my pocket. Honestly the vigilator literally could've just taken it, I mean it wasn't like I was even on the thing and I showed her it was out of battery. I'm honestly so stressed over this now it just doesn't seem fair at all I mean I worked so hard for this exam.

Anonstudent123

I mean she did take it but could she not have just let me off with a warning seen as it was out of battery so I obviously had no intention on using it to cheat? Instead of making me sign a form and stressing me out in the middle of my exams.

stoplooklisten

Anonstudent123 wrote: »

I mean she did take it but could she not have just let me off with a warning seen as it was out of battery so I obviously had no intention on using it to cheat? Instead of making me sign a form and stressing me out in the middle of my exams.

You caused your own stress by bringing in the phone. The invigilator was just doing thier job and following clearly laid out rules. Take personal responsibility.

Nekarsulm

Under section 111 of stoplooklisten's post above, the phone should have been kept for the duration of the investigation.
This did not happen
Can there therefore be any investigation as procedure was not followed?

Your problem is, there was no battery life when phone was found, but can you prove when exactly it died?
At breakfast earlier, or two minutes before it was discovered?

Anonstudent123

I am taking personal responsibility but I just felt there was no need to penalize me after I voluntarily gave her the phone and showed her it was out of battery, I mean how did I intend to cheat with my phone out of battery, it makes no sense whatsoever. If this was the case I don't know why she needed to get me to fill out a form and go through all this stress. Especially because I wasnt the only person with a phone on me. People took out their phones straight after the exams and nothing was said to them.

stoplooklisten

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Under section 111 of stoplooklisten's post above, the phone should have been kept for the duration of the investigation.
This did not happen
Can there therefore be any investigation as procedure was not followed?

Your problem is, there was no battery life when phone was found, but can you prove when exactly it died?
At breakfast earlier, or two minutes before it was discovered?

I think the investigation at this stage was the signed forms. The device returned once it was documented, signed and exam over. OP what did you sign. Get a copy of this if you don't know.

How much more of an investigation can there be. Did they have phone? Yes


Battery life is immaterial.

Nekarsulm

It's not chatting that's the problem, it's the fact that smart phones can hold probably your entire coursework, formulas, case law etc. etc. in pdf's.

KingBrian2

Stop getting worked up. The letter will explain to you why the phone was taken off you. Usually it will be a warning. Remember if you do bad in the exams you can always make an appeal so any complaints about the procedure and that you felt as though you were treated unfairly.

Anonstudent123

Update: The phone was handed back to me once I explained to the woman what had happened. i told her it was out of battery. They didn't inspect the phone as far as I know. I'm not sure what the form was that they got me to sign she just handed it to me during the exam and told me to write my student number and name and hadn't let me read the material. Realistically she should've gotten me to sign it after the exam so I could read clearly what I had just signed. I then inquired where my phone was after the exam and told to go to reception where I was met by a woman who explained to me the penalties and then explained what happened whilst she wrote it down on a piece of paper. I was then escorted out and went home. The only other information I got was that I would receive a letter before the 30th telling me what would happen. Is that enough information ?!

DontThankMe

Hey OP you should try put it out of your mind because there is nothing you can do about it now. I know it's easier said than done but worrying about it won't do you any favours especially when you have to do other exams.
In the college i'm attending you must turn off your phone and place it on the floor if you have it on you in the exam hall. Although you had it in your pocket surely the fact that it was turned off would show that you weren't attempting to cheat. Common sense should prevail and you shouldn't be punished a warning would suffice.

c_meth

You're avoiding the point that the dead battery is no excuse.

I worked previously as an invigilator. Anyone I ever caught with notes etc I confiscated same and made a big deal of recording the candidates name & student number. I threw all the details in the bin after the exam hall cleared. I always assumed students would be freaked out about possible consequences and that would be punishment enough. Glad to see that is the case.

Anonstudent123

Thanks to anyone with helpful suggestions. For everyone else on this trying to act smart, I honestly didn't ask to be told the rules again, I'm well aware of them now and specified this so why you insist on trying to keep patronising me, I dont know? I simply am seeking out answers from someone this has happened to previously or anyone that can tell me any informs about what will happen. I'm well aware that bringing a phone in was my own fault so please get down off your high horses.

KingBrian2

Anonstudent123 wrote: »

Update: The phone was handed back to me once I explained to the woman what had happened. i told her it was out of battery. They didn't inspect the phone as far as I know. I'm not sure what the form was that they got me to sign she just handed it to me during the exam and told me to write my student number and name and hadn't let me read the material. Realistically she should've gotten me to sign it after the exam so I could read clearly what I had just signed. I then inquired where my phone was after the exam and told to go to reception where I was met by a woman who explained to me the penalties and then explained what happened whilst she wrote it down on a piece of paper. I was then escorted out and went home. The only other information I got was that I would receive a letter before the 30th telling me what would happen. Is that enough information ?!

Writing your student name and number is standard when sitting the exam. It sounds as though they were unhappy with you having your phone with you. Invigilators and examiners are very strict about this. You may not have done anything wrong they just noticed your phone and automatically they interpret it as unauthorized item.

Anonstudent123

KingBrian2 wrote: »

Writing your student name and number is standard when sitting the exam. It sounds as though they were unhappy with you having your phone with you. Invigilators and examiners are very strict about this. You may not have done anything wrong they just noticed your phone and automatically they interpret it as unauthorized item.

Yes I know that its common practice to write name and student number on a sheet but this was a breach of exam regulations form not just a sign in sheet.

frozenfrozen

Is a mobile phone without a battery a source of information though? I can't see how this could end in anything more than a warning not to bring your phone in again

Anonstudent123

I hope so, I worked so hard for this exam and really don't want to repeat it. It's honestly so ironic because I'd say at least half the students in that hall brought their phones in with them in all honesty, however mine just happened to be noticed poking out of my pocket.

c_meth

frozenfrozen wrote: »

Is a mobile phone without a battery a source of information though? I can't see how this could end in anything more than a warning not to bring your phone in again

The battery could have died only seconds earlier.

PM me nudes

You can't bring your phone into an exam. It's against the rules lol

frozenfrozen

c_meth wrote: »

The battery could have died only seconds earlier.

sure they could have eaten a piece of paper with notes on it only seconds earlier too? But it's what you catch them with isn't it? And was OP caught with a source of information.. I don't think a mobile phone without battery is a source of information

Anonstudent123

Update: Forgot to specify that when I asked another invigilator where I could collect my phone and she told me I had asked her would it affect my marks and she said no so I just assumed I was safe? Does anyone know if I could use this if it were to go further. Sorry I didn't specify it earlier because I didn't think it was worth noting but now that people have said about how incompetent the invigilators seemed carrying out this investigation.

KingBrian2

PM me nudes wrote: »

You can't bring your phone into an exam. It's against the rules lol

No its not as long as its off and can be seen in front of you then there is no problem.

stoplooklisten

Anonstudent123 wrote: »

.. how incompetent the invigilators seemed carrying out this investigation.

Incompetent?!? I'd say they were very competent, spotting a turned off phone in a pocket!

c_meth

frozenfrozen wrote: »

sure they could have eaten a piece of paper with notes on it only seconds earlier too? But it's what you catch them with isn't it? And was OP caught with a source of information.. I don't think a mobile phone without battery is a source of information

No, I wouldn't agree.

callaway92

Anonstudent123 wrote: »

Update: Forgot to specify that when I asked another invigilator where I could collect my phone and she told me I had asked her would it affect my marks and she said no so I just assumed I was safe? Does anyone know if I could use this if it were to go further. Sorry I didn't specify it earlier because I didn't think it was worth noting but now that people have said about how incompetent the invigilators seemed carrying out this investigation.

Jesus man, I know you're panicking but as most people have assured you, you are almost always gonna be fine in this situation. They will bring it no further. That thing they said that it will be sorted before the 30th is probably BS since the course boards are on the 20th and results are 100% sorted then (usually sorted a couple of days before hand).

Nothing will come of it.

frozenfrozen

stoplooklisten wrote: »

Incompetent?!? I'd say they were very competent, spotting a turned off phone in a pocket!

When the **** did I say that?

armaghlad

This is a tricky one. Even though you weren't intend on anything malicious the invigilator doesn't know that; and that's the position they take in these scenarios... though how exactly they think people can pull a phone out of their back pocket mid exam and look at it without being seen is beyond me.

I'd speak to the SU if you haven't already, possibly seek medical advice for stress and try and focus on remaining exams for now.

frozenfrozen

c_meth wrote: »

No, I wouldn't agree.

You're saying that a mobile phone with no battery is a source of information? So is a blank piece of paper with no notes on it also a source of information?

Anonstudent123

stoplooklisten wrote: »

Incompetent?!? I'd say they were very competent, spotting a turned off phone in a pocket!

Would a competent individual ask someone to sign a serious form whilst they're trying to focus on their exam and then not allow them to read clearly what they had just signed??

stoplooklisten

frozenfrozen wrote: »

When the **** did I say that?

Chill out. I'm not sure why it quoted it as you you. Boards is acting a bit strange. I'll edit, don't have a canary.

stoplooklisten

Anonstudent123 wrote: »

Would a competent individual ask someone to sign a serious form whilst they're trying to focus on their exam and then not allow them to read clearly what they had just signed??

Yes. . They have to acknowledge and document it there and then. What if she caught 7 others with phones. How would she know who's phone is who at the end of the exam?

c_meth

frozenfrozen wrote: »

You're saying that a mobile phone with no battery is a source of information? So is a blank piece of paper with no notes on it also a source of information?

You're having trouble understanding me. I am NOT saying a mobile phone with no battery is a source of information.

I AM saying that there is no way of knowing when the battery expired.

funkey_monkey

Dude, this is spilt milk now.

Go speak to a student Rep or similar. You seem to be in a mess judging by your responses on here. You need to get this behind you and then refocus on your upcoming exams.

When is your next exam? Can you request an accelerated investigation in order to get this behind you? Do you have anyone on the teaching staff as a supervisor whom you can chat to.

Either way, this is done now, you need to move on and focus on the upcoming exam. Otherwise, you're penalising yourself in all subsequent exams.

Anonstudent123

stoplooklisten wrote: »

Yes. . They have to acknowledge and document it there and then. What if she caught 7 others with phones. How would she know who's phone is who at the end of the exam?

I'm 100 percent sure you could easily tell the difference between all 7 of their phones. And no, it would have made a lot more sense to have gotten me to sign the form post exam to avoid any further distraction and to ensure I was aware of what I was signing, honestly if you are looking for an argument you can just leave because I didnt ask for one nor do I want one , I simply asked for advice and support and you've been nothing but patronising and condescending.

stoplooklisten

Anonstudent123 wrote: »

I'm 100 percent sure you could easily tell the difference between all 7 of their phones. And no, it would have made a lot more sense to have gotten me to sign the form post exam to avoid any further distraction and to ensure I was aware of what I was signing, honestly if you are looking for an argument you can just leave because I didnt ask for one nor do I want one , I simply asked for advice and support and you've been nothing but patronising and condescending.

Ï'm not looking for an argument. You seem determined to ignore the procedures clearly laid out.

Everyone else is doing it, so it's ok :rolleyes:. Good luck with your exams. I'm out.

frozenfrozen

c_meth wrote: »

You're having trouble understanding me. I am NOT saying a mobile phone with no battery is a source of information.

I AM saying that there is no way of knowing when the battery expired.

You're having trouble understanding that you would need to catch someone cheating. If the 'material' they catch them with isn't a source of information, then what rule is it breaking? You can't just say it has the potential to be a source of information, or it could have possibly at some time in the past been a source of information. If it isn't a source of information when they catch you then there's nothing they can do.

Bicycle

I have invigilated exams, and I've sat exams.

At the start of each exam, there is a warning that you are not allowed have a phone on your person and that anyone caught with a phone will face disciplinary action. Presumably this was announced at the start of the exam. If it wasn't announced at the start of the exam, do you have others who can back you up?

Invigilators are only agents. They follow a process set out for them by academic administration. It is up to others - usually a disciplinary board - to judge the situation. I've caught people cheating in exams - and the case has been passed on to people more senior to me. I have never been told the outcome of the case.

Regarding the piece of paper you signed - was it an attendance sheet? Or was it something else?

You really need to go and speak with the students union. They should have someone well versed in academic regulations - and by default - what happens if someone is caught with something they shouldn't have.

The reality is that phones are banned from exams, not phones with working batteries. Just like notes are banned from exams, you can't claim you should be allowed bring French notes into an engineering exam. You have an obligation to make yourself aware of the various examination regulations. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, regardless of where it is enforced.

acon2119

You can take your phone and a purse into the exam hall but not a handbag, but you must have the phone completely switched off and leave it on the floor under the desk in clear view of the invigilators

Nekarsulm

Anonstudent123 wrote: »

Thanks to anyone with helpful suggestions. For everyone else on this trying to act smart, I honestly didn't ask to be told the rules again, I'm well aware of them now and specified this so why you insist on trying to keep patronising me, I dont know? I simply am seeking out answers from someone this has happened to previously or anyone that can tell me any informs about what will happen. I'm well aware that bringing a phone in was my own fault so please get down off your high horses.

I'm tempted to point out that all the people who got caught aren't on Boards. They haven't time, what with the split shifts in McDonald's etc.

Honestly, you have got all the info you need already, theres no need to a)Panic
Or b) get all childish about whether or not the supervisor is competent or not. They were smarter than you to spot the phone after all.

frozenfrozen

I'm sorry but these things can't operate on common sense. There is no ignorance of the law if there is no law. Some loosely worded 'procedures' listed on a website are not laws. The reality is that if you want to affect a year of somebody's hard work in college it can't be done on a whim.

Maybe OP did read the procedures and decided that a phone without battery is not a source of information. If there is no further text (which is also available to students) outlining in actual legal terms what is and what is not banned, or at least a definition of what is a source of information, then who is anyone to say that OP would be wrong in their interpretation of these procedures?

Old Perry

This is madness. Ive sat exams there with my phone on in my pocket and also placed on the ground beside me and wouldnt have thought anythin about it.