Kaviveterue Virere

Several International University of Management (IUM) distance learning students have expressed concerns after taking the June Introduction to Inventory and Warehouse Management (IWM50US) examination. 

The Learning Management System (LMS), the university’s main academic platform, allegedly contained content that was never formally made available online, according to students.

Distance students reported significant differences between their course materials and those given to full-time students. According to reports, full-time students were given access to study materials up to Chapter 7 and a course outline that covered five units. 

On the other hand, LMS materials only contained content up to Chapter 5, and distance learners received a reduced course plan that covered only four units.

Although Chapters 5 and 6 were subsequently shared informally through WhatsApp on June 19 and June 23, respectively, Chapter 7, which was included in the examination, was never officially provided, they said. 

One student, who requested to remain anonymous, explained, “As distance learners, we rely entirely on LMS. WhatsApp is a tool we use to communicate among ourselves, but it cannot replace structured academic delivery. We should not have to rely on each other for chapters that the university never uploaded.”

Another student, also choosing to remain anonymous, expressed deep concern after comparing the course outlines. “I’m a bit worried because I saw the course outline for full-timers and compared it to ours, and it is quite different,” the student said. “I remember in the question paper, there was a question in Section C asking about ‘advanced shipping,’ which I believe is covered in Chapter 7, something we never received as distance students.”

Since both full-time and distance students were required to write the same exam paper while having different preparation levels, many students felt disadvantaged by what they call an unfair and inconsistent academic experience. 

“It is not just disappointing; it is demoralising,” said another learner. “We pay the same tuition, we invest the same effort, but we are not given the same resources. That is simply not right.”

Distance learners have responded to these problems by submitting a formal letter of concern to the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the academic administration at IUM. 

The letter includes three important requests: a comprehensive evaluation of the IWM50US examination, with a focus on material that was not formally distributed to every student; clarification and standardisation of study guides and course descriptions for both full-time and distance learning programs; and academic solutions to alleviate the impact on distance learners who were not equally prepared, such as moderated marking or remarking.

Puveza Mutambo, the SRC for academic affairs, confirmed receiving the complaint and promised to assist in resolving it. “Every student should receive fair academic treatment and equal access to resources. 

The SRC is dedicated to making sure this matter is investigated and handled properly.” 

Students should always reach out to the SRC office or to the relevant Head of Department when they have concerns. The university does review or allow rewrites for examination questions that fall outside the course outline.”

Responding to the concerns, a lecturer commented that, “Rest assured, this process is being handled carefully. 

I have reviewed your petition and fully support all the points raised. And let us hope the institution will respond positively and assist you all.”

Meanwhile, Ridge Kheimseb, IUM’s SRC president, when asked about the issues, responded, “No, I cannot answer now, but yes, the case was brought to our office, and we took the step forward.”The incident has led to a wider discussion regarding the quality and equity of the IUM online learning program. Both students and lecturers emphasise the significance of prompt content delivery, communication, and equity as colleges continue to increase flexible and distance learning choices.At the time of publishing, the university had not yet issued an official statement. 

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