i gy: P. Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa. Tel: +27(0)14 7177104, Fax: +27(0)11 7477045 "#30" School of Civil & Environmental Engineering May 17, 2017 Dear Prof Crouch, I have enclosed a report from Prof Geoff Simate and | on the delivery and assessment of CIVN2013 (Introduction to Environmental Engineering) in 2016, all answer scripts of Student X examination question papers, memos on the examination questions from Dr Biyela, External Examiners’ report of the November 2016 examination, assessment report of scripts by the External Examiner, Dr Gumbo, and a report from Prof llemobade requested by Prof lan Jandrell On the performance of Student x in CIVN2013, it is instructive to take into consideration the comments of the External Examiner, Dr Themba Gumbo, a section of which states, “The student( lemonstrates lack of understanding or probably disinterest and hence ill-preparation in various topics of the course, namely: fundamentals of mass balance analysis and reactor kinetics; wastewater treatment; water properties, quantities and sources. What is also intriguing is lacklustre performance on usually less challenging topics in terms of content and analytical ability like solid waste management. After considering the above reflections, | do not think there is a need for any adjustments to any answers provided by the student in relation to the marking scheme. The student in question displayed some disturbing lack of knowledge on several topics either due to lack interest or not attending classes and hence ill-prepared for the examination.” On my part, | cannot reach any other rational decision but to accept the mark of 41% (Fail) as the final mark of Student x CIVN2013. | wish to add that Stucbtook too heavy an academic load in 2016 when he took all 3% courses and the 2" year course CIVN2013. The consequence is this protracted dispute which could have been avoided if eakrtecopted the principles enshrined in the University and Faculty rules for course registrations, as other students in similar situations. | caution against any arrangement that allowS “8% take all 4" year courses and CIVN201 gotudent earlier made this request to me in February 2017, and | declined it | will not like a repeat of the huge investment of our resources (Profs Habib, Crouch, The School of choice* Jandrell, Simate, llemobade, Taigbenu, Dr Biyela, Ms Dawn Taylor, Ms Fleming and other staff in the legal office) on one of over 700 undergraduate students in my School. It is time we fairly apply the rules to all students in my School so as to eliminate treating #Nt ee * a “special and privileged” student — a situation that has created a toxic environment in the School's students’ body. | should not fail to draw your attention to the fact all 4" (final) year courses provide the vehicle to assess the eleven Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) exitlevel outcomes (ELOs). We will be in breach of the provisions of ECSA for a student to register for all 4" year courses and a 2" year course. | trust your final decision on student X in CIVN2013. Sincerely yours, Akpofure Taigbenu Head of School The School of choice