Oxford University apologized for accidentally emailing marks of worst performing undergraduates to their fellow students Monday. The list revealed names of 50 students, who scored 2.2 or below in their first-term (pre-Christmas) exams at the University College (Univ).
"We would like to apologise to all students affected by this inadvertent disclosure for any distress this has caused and reassure them that we are investigating exactly how this happened and are determined to make sure this does not happen again. University College takes the treatment of sensitive data very seriously," Dr Anne Knowland, a senior tutor of University College, said, the Independent reports.
Kristiana Dahl, academic administrator at the college, has been accused of dispatching the list in an Excel document that disclosed names of poorly-performing students along with their marks and subjects. A 2:2 grade is considered to be above 50 percent, but below 60 percent.
The college officials asked students to immediately delete the e-mail as it 'contained inaccuracies.' The e-mail was originally intended to inform students of timetables for upcoming exams.
"Of course, everyone on the list is just trying to laugh it off. But in reality, no one feels comfortable with having something so personal shared with the entire college," one of the undergrads with the lowest grades, told The Tab, the campus newspaper.
"It's hard not to feel everyone's talking about you. They may as well have gone the whole hog and just released all health records of students whilst they were at it- or maybe just those with STIs".
Abigail Reeves, the Junior Common Room President, said that the administrator feels embarrassed. It was not an intentional action.
The exams, also known as 'Collections,' are usually held to determine students' capability of securing good grades in their final exams. The results are not included in their main report card.
"I don't ever want to do collections again. I was pretty gutted after my results last term, but didn't realise I would be publicly humiliated. I can't even go into college anymore," one of the students with low grades, said.
Officials are not sure how many students have received the e-mail. It has apparently been sent to hundreds at the college.
Reeves said that necessary disciplinary action will be taken with the Academic office to ensure such accidents are not repeated again.
