ASG Pushes for Optically Scanned Answer Sheets

By May 2, 2012

Freshamn Abby Wise carries her scantrons in the back of her binder. She typically purchases her scantrons from the vending machine in the Union. - Mary McKay Staff Photographer

It’s test day. Students line the halls, frantically reviewing their notes. Then comes the crucial question: Do I have a scantron? Next year, optically scanned answer sheets might be one less worry for stressed-out students, the Associated Student Government president said.

The common name “scantron” is actually a brand name. The correct name for these test material is optically scanned answer sheets.

ASG has already allocated the money to cover the cost of the the optically scanned answer sheets and blue books, which would cost about $40,000 to 50,000 for one year, according to the ASG resolution.

But there is no guarantee of if the program will continue or what group will be paying for it, said ASG president Michael Dodd. The optically scanned answer sheets will be bought in bulk.

Today Dodd will meet before a hearing the Provost and Vice Provost of Academic Affairs speak with department heads throughout campus about the optically scanned scantrons, Dodd said.

“In the long run, it will make the process easier,” he said.

The faculty senate executives have had a positive opinion on the new addition.

“It could help our students a lot,” said David Gay, faculty senate chair. “All in all, it is a novel and unique attempt to better the test and learning atmosphere for campus.”

Faculty senate can only support the actions, not initiate them, Gay said.

Optically scanned answer sheets and blue books keeps academic integrity in mind on test days, Dodd said, because students are less likely to cheat by writing or bubbling in answers before the test.

“This will help with faculty-student relations,” Dodd said. “It will generate good will among faculty and students.”

If approved, optically scanned answer sheets will be provided to students beginning the second summer section, Dodd said.

“ASG has been particularly active this year,” Gay said.

  • CL

    I have no clue what this article is saying. I though scantrons were already optically scanned. What’s the distinction? Are you saying they’re currently scored manually?

    And how will this prevent cheating?

  • Tawells

    Instead of getting all technical on what the proper name is, call it what its known by, in this case scantrons. I would like to see a standardization across the board of the type of scantron used by various colleges. Walton has one kind, Fulbright another, and I’m sure Bumpers etc… also deviate.  It gets very annoying having to purchase 4 different kinds of scantron a semester.