Registrar Praises HCUA Report On Needed Examination Reforms

Sargent Kennedy, Registrar of the College, has praised a recent HCUA study on conditions in examination rooms, calling it "a fine report."

Kennedy, who is in charge of the supervision of examinations, qualified his statement, however, by adding that the report has "financial implications that will have to be considered."

The main features of the report concern the conduct of proctors during examinations. It suggests that proctors be required to be present for the entire examination, that they be more attentive in the distribution of blue books, and that they supervise more diligently.

Commenting on these proposals, Richard T. "Tom" Seymour '64, chairman of the HCUA, said that in a recent talk Kennedy had recognized the need for an improved system, but had added that the need to find enough proctors was greater. When asked about the proctor proposals yesterday, Kennedy declined comment.

Another item in the report details specific improvements needed in examination rooms. Seymour said that only two of the seven recommendations are likely to meet with trouble--the installation of electric clocks in all the rooms and the rental of portable water coolers where needed. As a reason for his pessimism, Seymour noted the financial expenditure involved.

One suggestion, the replacement of the blackboard in Lowell Lecture Hall to make examination instructions more legible, has met with immediate response from the Administration. Arthur D. Trottenberg '48, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences for Business Affairs, said yesterday that a new blackboard will definitely be installed.