After the theft of University of Otago examination scripts, most students had been ''highly understanding'' as the university helped them deal with the effects of ''this unexpected and unpleasant situation''.
That comment came yesterday from Otago University deputy vice-chancellor, academic, Prof Vernon Squire after 98 exam scripts from six university papers were stolen from an exam room at the Clocktower building on Saturday.
It was ''regrettable'' those affected had ''to deal with this'', Prof Squire said in answering written questions from the Otago Daily Times, and in an interview.
University of Otago staffalso had to be fair to all students and ''maintain standards'' in dealing with the students whose examination scripts were stolen from the registry.
A few students ''had grumbles'' and university staff had talked through the situation and supported them to consider a range of options, including resitting an exam, considering the possibility of using internal assessment for a final mark, or potentially gaining an aegrotat pass.
The vast majority of students had been ''really understanding'' and ''absolutely great to work with'' and the overall response had been ''absolutely fantastic''.
He acknowledged it had been a stressful situation for students and challenging for university staff.
The university had worked hard to provide flexible options, depending on the academic circumstances of each paper and each student, but ultimately there was no perfect solution, Prof Squire said.
''Affected students are currently considering their options, so decisions about how to proceed in many cases have not yet been made.
''For those who might need to re-sit, to minimise costs and inconvenience the university has venues in other centres where examinations can be held if, and where, necessary,'' Prof Squire said.
Otago University Students' Association president Paul Hunt said some affected students were initially ''really frustrated and angry''.
Communication from Otago University when the news first broke ''could have been better''.
''There's been a couple of instances where communication could have been improved ... [but] on the whole I think they have [handled it well],'' Mr Hunt said.
In general, students had appreciated the problem the university had and were understanding of the circumstances.
Asked if the way it was being handled was fair on students not affected, Mr Hunt said the university did not have many options.
''There is that argument that if a student sits that exam again, then they are at an advantage. It's one of the many factors.''
Mr Hunt did not think the alternative grading of papers would skew university results.
OUSA wanted to reiterate that if any students needed advice, the student support centre could help.
Police would not respond to questions yesterday.
