About a year has passed since SöderS was able to demonstrate that the majority of hall exams were scheduled outside of regular study hours at Södertörn University. We are therefore pleased to report that the university has carried out change work during the 25/26 academic year.

The university's own regulations state that daytime courses are to be held on weekdays between 08.00 and 18.00, which applies to both teaching and examinations. The statistics in SöderS' report The exception proves the rule showed that just over half of all sit-down exams finished at 19:00 or later in 2024. Based on the report, the student safety representatives recommended that the scheduling of sit-down exams be treated as an urgent work environment issue at Södertörn University. We are now pleased to report that the university has done just that!

Following the publication of the report, an investigation into invigilated exams was initiated by the higher education institution. Since then, the institution's examination unit has been working to implement changes intended to lead to a better working environment for students taking invigilated exams. One concrete measure implemented to improve the working environment is that invigilated exams are scheduled from 09:00 in the morning instead of 10:00. This means that the final exam session finishes at 18:00 instead of 19:00 and that the times remain within the institution's regulations.

That the university views the scheduling of invigilated exams as a pressing work environment issue is also evident in the university's action plan for working environment and equal opportunities 2026-2027. The following is stated there:

To ensure favourable conditions for invigilated written examinations and a good working environment for students and staff: AMK will monitor and follow up on the university's inquiry into the scheduling of written examinations and other ongoing activities in the area.

Södertörn University's student health and safety representatives will continue to monitor the work environment issue linked to examinations and follow the university's development work.
Would you like to get involved and contribute to this, and monitor other work environment issues at the higher education institution? Right now, SöderS is looking for student safety representatives at the local level. Read more and apply here.