Tilburg University invalidates exam after student used restroom unsupervised

A psychology master's student at Tilburg University had her exam invalidated after being permitted by a proctor to use the restroom without supervision. The incident occurred during an Older Psychology exam in a room with approximately thirty students and only one supervisor.

Although the proctor granted permission after a fifteen-minute wait for reinforcement, the university's examination committee ruled the exam invalid due to strict fraud prevention policies. These rules state that students must never leave the room unattended to ensure the integrity of the test. Upon returning, the student was required to sign a document that served as an official report of the unsupervised absence.

The student has expressed that the decision was unjust, arguing that the university failed to communicate the lack of supervisory capacity effectively. While the student has since passed a retake of the exam, the incident has sparked campus debate. Tilburg University has acknowledged the need for better communication regarding examination organization and is currently discussing potential improvements to its procedures.