That Old Type Problem

Like the horse which was brought to water, College authorities have continually balked at permitting students to type their final examinations. While admitting the benefits the innovation would have, both to students and faculty graders, the Administration still contends that the problems raised are insurmountable. It recognizes the success of exam typing at the Business and Law Schools, but is stymied over finding separate rooms for typists without obtaining more proctors and over providing quick distribution in a hall full of typists taking different exams.

Lack of space is the main obstacle. The only room presently in use which is large enough to shelter a herd of typists is Memorial Hall; yet exam schedulers hesitate to sacrifice if for typing. It does seem feasible, however, for tables to be set up in Hemenway Gymnasium or in the IAB when varsity teams are not practicing. Even more convenient would be a dining hall. Funncling students to other Houses for breakfast and lunch as different houses were used on successive days would not be very difficult.

Distribution of papers is the other problem. At the Law School, the Administration argues, everyone takes the same examination according to his class, while at the College the multiplicity of tests would make their distribution too complicated. Yet if those who wanted to type could sign up a month in advance, examinations marked for each student by his instructor could be passed out and collected by proctors quickly and efficiently. Special problems of monitoring could be overcome with the advice of the Law and Business Schools, which schedule typed exams without trouble.

The cry for typing privileges has risen for a number of years at the end of every term. Because course papers are now almost universally typed, more and more students have become proficient typists, and the clamor is increasing. The Administration should recognize its obligation and consider the situation--this time before the January exam period.