‘We understand that the cyberattack was an unfortunate and unforeseen incident. However, we believe that the current response lacks consideration for the students’ well-being and academic integrity,’ reads the petition.

Pablo Vega launched the petition after hearing how students ran into problems with their schedules, putting things like a planned trip to their home country or a vacation with their study association at risk. “I kept hearing that people had to cancel their trips and events. It kind of feels like the university had a problem they weren’t ready for and students have to bear the consequences.”

Alternatives

The signatories feel the university wasn’t adequately prepared for the cyberattack and the current solution disadvantages students. The petition is not meant as criticism, but as a plea to find a balanced solution for students, who are left hanging in the current approach. Students want other alternatives, flexible exam dates, or online exams.

They’re also asking for better communication about rescheduling exams, the consequences for the binding study advice (BSA), and possible support for affected students. If changes aren’t made, ‘the university should provide a clear explanation of why students are expected to bear the financial burden resulting from this situation’.

Consequences

Vega: “We also have no idea of the consequences involved in canceling the final study week in the third quarter and its impact on student workload. The week in question also includes deadlines for Challenge Based Learning projects and other assignments. We think the university should have a more student-centered approach.”

“I planned out my entire exam period to a tee,” says another student, who prefers to remain anonymous. “In the second week, I scheduled a trip to the U.S. to visit relatives. They’re old and I haven’t seen them in five years. It might be the last time I see them, but I also have two resits, which I can’t take put off any longer. If I don’t pass those, I will end up with 115 credits at the end of this year, but I need 120 to stay in the Honors Academy, if no exception is made. I don’t think it’s TU/e’s fault, but I would encourage them to look at other solutions.”

In yesterday's update on the cyberattack, Vice President Patrick Groothuis addresses the concerns of students: "Our main focus right now is on restarting and rescheduling education, but at the same time, we are already investigating the consequences and how we can support students. Student interests remain our top priority as much as possible, and we are doing our utmost to find solutions for as many concerns as we can. For example, in the third quarter, we will take study feasibility into account because the quarter is one week shorter. We will also carefully examine other concerns raised by students. We will provide updates as soon as we are able to."