Concern over calendar error

A poster near the University of Otago student information counter warning of a blunder on a...
A poster near the University of Otago student information counter warning of a blunder on a calendar involving dates close to exam time. PHOTOS: GREGOR RICHARDSON
An embarrassing blunder in a widely distributed University of Otago calendar has left a student fearing others may miss their exams.

Five thousand copies of the calendar, which had incorrect dates from the end of October to December, were given to students by the University of Otago Student Learning Centre.

Psychology student Tony Lin (19) said he discovered the mistake while preparing a revision schedule and writing down exam dates.

A Facebook post by Mr Lin with a photo of the wrong dates on the Overheard @ Uni of Otago page gained 160 likes and about 30 comments, some raising concern about confusion over correct exam dates.

``There might be people who will miss their exam because of it.

``But if you consider exams to be important, you will check more than that calendar,'' Mr Lin said.

A person who commented on the post said the mistake had made them question the date of their wedding.

The calendar, which was given to students in a large wall planner-style format, incorrectly said November 1 was on the first Sunday of November.

A sign explains amendments to a University of Otago calendar that had incorrect dates from...
A sign explains amendments to a University of Otago calendar that had incorrect dates from November to December.
This year November 1 falls on a Tuesday, and the first Sunday is November 6.

University of Otago exams begin on October 19 and finish on November 12.

The mistake continued into December.

In a statement, the Student Learning Centre said an email had been sent clarifying the dates.

``Naturally [we] were concerned that this may affect the recording of exam dates, so have taken several steps to help ensure our students are aware of the mistake as well.''

The centre had emailed all university departments and colleges, and put up posters correcting the mistake in the university library and link, the statement said.

The centre was not concerned students would miss exams because of the mistake.

``Fortunately for our students, the mistake means if they did record exam dates based on the calendar, they will think the exam is two days earlier than it actually is, rather than later.''

Mr Lin said he had not seen any official amendment by the university.

``It's not a casual mistake for the university.

``I will take a free calendar next year but I'll be double-checking the dates.''

margot.taylor@odt.co.nz

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