Arguments for Allowing Students to Write Exams:
* Right to Education: Some argue that denying access to exams is a violation of a student's right to education. Everyone deserves an equal chance to learn and progress, regardless of financial status.
* Academic Integrity: Forcing students to miss exams could incentivize them to cheat or engage in other unethical behavior to secure their grade. It's better to allow them to take the exams fairly.
* Motivation and Progress: Allowing students to write exams can maintain their motivation and sense of progress in their studies, even if they're facing financial difficulties.
Arguments Against Allowing Students to Write Exams:
* Fairness to Paying Students: Allowing unpaid students to write exams might be seen as unfair to those who have fulfilled their financial obligations.
* Financial Burden on Institution: Institutions have a right to expect payment for the services they provide. Unpaid students represent a financial burden and could strain the institution's resources.
* Setting a Precedent: Allowing students to write exams without paying could encourage others to default on their payments, leading to further financial instability for the institution.
Possible Solutions:
* Payment Plans: Offering flexible payment plans to students facing financial challenges can help them catch up on their tuition while still allowing them to continue their studies.
* Scholarships and Grants: Providing more scholarships and grants to students in need can alleviate the financial burden and allow them to focus on their education.
* Deferred Payment Options: Allowing students to defer their payments until after they graduate and have secured a job can ease the pressure on them financially.
* Conditional Exam Access: Allowing students to write exams with the condition that they make a payment plan or commit to paying the outstanding balance within a certain timeframe.
* Open Dialogue: Open communication between the student and the institution regarding the financial challenges can lead to tailored solutions.
Ultimately, the best approach is likely a combination of these solutions. The specific policy should be tailored to the needs of the individual institution and its students, taking into account the local economic context and the institution's financial stability.
It's crucial to remember that education is a fundamental right, and universities have a responsibility to be accessible to all students. At the same time, institutions need to ensure their own financial stability to provide quality education. Finding a balance between these two priorities is key.