Faculty Apologize to Students For Delay in Computer Tests

Unusual computer delays in administering the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement (QRR) exam this fall has prompted the University to issue a letter of apology to all students who attempted to take the test.

The delays come as a result of a switch to a new operating system-software which is intended to upgrade computing power and efficiency and make Harvard's computers more compatable with outside systems.

Problems with the new software were also compounded during Freshman Week testing by breakdowns in the hardware due to voltage shortages.

As a result, students scheduled to take the test were unable to get hands-on experience before their exams, and the tests which generally take 45 minutes took up to two and a half hours to complete, said student coordinator of Core Moreover some of were postponed from Friday to the weekend.

"It's frustrating, to say the least," said one sophomore. "They explicitly told us to come back to school early, but they were not ready for us," she added.

"No one expected there to be quite as many problems with the conversion," said Computer Manager Kevin K. Dudek, who manages the Science Center computers.

In recent years, Harvards computer systems have been plauged by frequent overloading and breakdowns. The problem was brought home forcefully last year when computer breakdowns prompted long lines and waits of several hours for computer time.

Apples

As a result of the inefficiency, the University is currently examining ways to upgrade its facilities, and it has already made a number of moves in the past few months such as adding over 50 terminals to the Science Center computer room, including a number of Macintosh Apple's.

"Even with all the problems, I was impressed by the teaching fellows' concern for the students," said Dudek. When confronted with delays or breakdowns, freshmen were given the option of waiting for the problems to be corrected or returning later to retake or rerun the test.

Freshman Gary Tearney expressed surprise at Harvard's difficulties, and added that such problems are extremely rare where he works at Hewlitt-Packard.

The now system has been running smoothly and the computer faculty do jot anticipate anymore breakdowns of this sort, officials said.