We, the second year Bachelor of Nursing Students at Lethbridge College, would like to bring forward a mutual concern regarding the testing environment we have been exposed to so far this year. We are currently being required to write our nursing exams in the Lethbridge College IB commons, amidst distractions such as: other noisy classes and student groups, and loud telephone polling and survey activities. Writing exams in this chaotic environment is greatly compromising our well being as it is significantly increasing our stress levels and negatively impacting our testing scores. This is unacceptable.

According to the Lethbridge College Student Rights and Responsibilities policy, students have the right to: “an environment conducive to learning to the degree that it can reasonably be provided by Lethbridge College”. We feel that the current testing situation is not conducive to learning and accurate assessment. In speaking with faculty we have been told that there is nothing that can be done and have been told to bring earplugs. This is not an acceptable solution.

We understand, and appreciate that our nursing faculty has been advocating for another solution that would be quiet and include computers. We support their advocacy, but we request this situation be resolved immediately as midterm exams begin on October 20.

To advocate for our situation, we feel there are several ways this situation could be resolved, in the short term, as the administration works toward a longer-term solution.

- As our nursing program is affiliated with the University of Lethbridge, perhaps we can use their testing center for our exams.

- Return to paper exams until a suitable testing environment can be assured.

Thank you for your concern with this very pressing matter.