Students of the State University of Moldova on Decembers 2 protested in front of the institution, showing their dissatisfaction with the obligation to take exams with physical presence at a time when the students of other higher education establishments will sit the exams online. The protesters said the COVID-19 vaccination rate among students is low and the taking of exams with physical presence can contribute to the spread of the virus, IPN reports.
The students also said that after studying online, they will have to travel long distances to the University to take the exams of the winter session and many of them will be unable to cover the incurred costs.
The University’s rector Igor Șarov, who discussed with the protesting students, said the exams session cannot be staged online as this is against the decision taken by the National Extraordinary Public Health Commission. The rectors of other universities decided to hold the exams online before the Commission’s decision saying the exams must be sat with physical presence was made known.
The rector urged the students to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and assured that all the measures will be taken for the protective measures during the exams to be observed. He said that 85% of the teachers of the State University were immunized against SARS-CoV-2, while the vaccination rate among students rose from 20% to 45%. To avoid crowdedness, three exams at different hours will be held the same day.
Igor Șarov assured that the teachers will not take revenge on the students who protested, but warned them that cheating and plagiarizing will not be allowed. The size of scholarships depends on the grades the students will get in exams.
After talking to the rector, the protesting students said they will go to protest in front of the Government Building.
