UWI Global Campus Students Protest In-Person Exams
Students at the Global Campus are calling for a return to online testing formats for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Distance Learning
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University of the West Indies Global Campus students are protesting a shift from online to in-person examinations. The policy change, which took effect for the 2024/2025 academic year, has prompted students to sign a petition requesting to finish their degrees under the original online structure.
Why it matters
Students argue that mandatory in-person testing at designated sites conflicts with work schedules and commuting needs. Furthermore, learners contend that the limited academic support provided to Global Campus students warrants maintaining the previous remote assessment model.
The university transitioned from a proctored browser-based online examination system to mandatory in-person site visits for tests. The current policy applies to the 2024/2025 academic year.
The players
University of the West Indies Global Campus
This institution provides distance education programs tailored to adult learners across the Caribbean.
The details
Students in regions including Saint Lucia and Antigua have voiced concerns that the new requirement ignores the needs of adult learners who rely on flexibility. Previously, first-year examinations were completed remotely using a proctored browser that allowed for a broader timeframe for completion.
Timeline
The examination policy change began during the 2024/2025 academic year.
Student concerns gained public attention as of October 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
This conflict follows the pattern of friction between institutions scaling back remote options and students who integrated those flexible systems into their professional lives. It highlights a broader societal shift as academic institutions struggle to balance traditional standards against modern demands for remote-first education.
Students may face significant disruptions to their employment if required to travel to physical sites for exams. Prospective applicants should verify current examination protocols to understand how these requirements impact their ability to balance education with existing work commitments.
The takeaway
Students looking to navigate similar shifts should document how specific changes to curriculum delivery conflict with their ability to attend sessions. Proactive engagement with student government remains the most effective avenue to challenge academic policy updates.
Further reading
For more on evolving educational models, visit the Distance Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St. Lucia Times.
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Should universities be required to maintain the original examination format for students throughout their degree?
