“The stubborn refusal by University Management is playing Russian roulette with the health of students and their families."
NUI Galway has been strongly criticised by its Student Union for the decision to continue in-person examinations this year, despite rising Covid cases.
Exams are being held across different venues on campus, which the university says are "very safe environments from a public health perspective" on their website.
The Student Union, however, feel that all exams should be moved online, much like what was done last year.
“The stubborn refusal by University Management is playing Russian roulette with the health of students and their families," said NUI Galway Students’ Union President Róisín Nic Lochlainn.
"We are talking about forcing people to attend multiple super-spreader events right before they go home to their families for Christmas.
"This is reckless and irresponsible from University Management, particularly when there is a tried and tested alternative available,” she concluded.
NUI Galway Students’ Union Vice President and Education Officer, Clodagh McGivern said that they had received hundreds of calls from students and parents with anxiety over the possibility of contracting Covid during the exam season.
"Parents are genuinely worried about Covid coming into their homes, and the homes of elderly relatives, as a result of their sons and daughters having to attend exams in person," she said.
"We have pleaded with University Management to follow the example of other colleges who have moved their exams online but there is a point blank refusal to engage.
"We have heard a lot about NUI Galway being crowned University of The Year, but this total disregard for the health of students and their families really makes you wonder.”
NUI Galway declined to comment.
