Saddleback Final Will Stand Despite Students’ Complaints

Saddleback College nursing students were relieved Friday when college officials announced they would not have to retake a final exam in an advanced course after allegations of impropriety arose about the test.

More than 30 students met behind closed doors Friday afternoon with college officials, including President Ned Doffoney, to discuss whether the exam had been “compromised” after two students who failed the test raised concerns.

The two had asked whether all 48 students taking the exam had equal access to information in preparation for the test. College officials had originally decided that everyone should take the test over, but despite the complaints, reversed themselves Friday.

“We agree with their decision to let our final grade stand,” nursing student Sunny Saxon said. “As a group, we’re relieved and ready to move on with our lives.”

Cris Bato, one of two students who brought the issue to the attention of administrators, said he complained because some nursing students had access to a study sheet based on the transcript of a tape-recorded study session at the home of the professor giving the advanced nursing exam. Bato said copies of the transcript, one of which he saw in the library, were made by a student and passed out to an undetermined number of classmates.

After Bato failed the test, he and another student who did also failed complained to administrators about the study sheet, saying answers on the sheet directly corresponded to the tests.

“Cheating existed. It happened, we can prove it,” Bato said Friday after learning of the college’s decision. “They should retest everybody.”

All the students in the nursing class are seniors. But graduation was on hold until the college determined whether the students had to retake the exam.

For some students, the dispute also delayed the issuance of interim state permits that enable them to work in hospitals and clinics under supervision while they prepare for the national licensing board exam. Students who had already received permits because of good grades were not allowed to take the national test until they graduated.

“We realize this was a difficult process and we commend the students for their advocacy and the professionalism with which they conducted themselves,” said Bill Andrews, vice president of instruction.

Bato said he planned to meet with college officials to discuss the situation and hopefully retake the test. “We didn’t get a fair chance,” he said.