College Guidelines for Examiners’ Reports
1. Preamble
Guidelines to the Examiner should contain a preamble relating to Massey University’s expectations of the role of the Examiner in the examination process (eg internal vs external Examiner).
2. Background to the Degree and Research Report
Information should be given on background to the degree or qualification and requirements for various research reports (Special Topic, Masterate Thesis).
3. Examination Procedures
Examination procedures should be clearly outlined to Examiners (including, for example, the number of Examiners, the audience for the report, the timeframe and the channels of communication between the Examiner and the School. Examiners should not make any substantive or evaluative comments on the margins of the examination copies of theses/ research reports; typographical or stylistic corrections are permitted.
4. Report Requirements
Guidelines concerning the content for the report should be specified and may include reference to:
(i) an overall evaluation of the substance and quality of the thesis;
(ii) an indication of particular strengths or weaknesses of such features as research procedures, theoretical rigour, interpretation and argument, practical significance;
and
(iii) comments on particular strengths or weaknesses in presentation and reporting.
5. Grading Guidelines
Information should be given regarding mark-grade equivalencies and the cut-off points for classes of Honours or Distinction.
6. Copyright and Confidentiality
The Examiner should be informed as to whether the report will be disclosed to the student, either verbally or as a written document. If Examiners object to the disclosure of the contents of their report, they should be asked to indicate this in writing.
The Examiner should be instructed not to disclose his/her suggested grade to the candidate.
Examiners should be reminded that thesis material is copyright to the student.
7. Information to Students
Examiners should be advised that students are informed in writing about the examination process, including how they will be notified of the outcome, and whether they will have access to Examiners’ Reports.
Document Reference: HSS CB 00/6 Approved: 02/03/01
Amended Document Reference HSS CB11/208 Approved 30/09/11
