1. Students with long hair

Students with long hair must wear it in a way that keeps their ears visible. This rule applies to all students, regardless of gender, cultural background, or personal style.

Example case:

Long hair is covering the ears. Despite prior communication, a student refuses to tie their hair back.

Recommended procedure:

• Politely remind the student of the rule.

• Offer simple solutions, such as pushing the hair behind the ears or tying it back (e.g., with a pen).

• If the student refuses:
  If a student persistently refuses to comply and does not cooperate, they must be expelled from the exam.
  If they refuse to leave the exam room, SIWACHT may be called for assistance.

2. Students with medical devices

Medical aids and devices such as hearing aids may always be used during exams.
Students who require medical devices (e.g., hearing aids, smartphones used for diabetes tracking, etc.) must contact the course instructors or exam supervisor in advance.

3. Students wearing headscarves

Students who wear headscarves for religious reasons must be treated with respect. Ear checks should primarily be done by gently pushing back the headscarf. If this is not possible, the check should be conducted discreetly, in a private space, and preferably by female supervisory staff.

Recommended Procedere:

• Discreet check: Make the ears visible by gently pushing back the fabric.

• Minimal intrusion: The headscarf should not be fully removed.

• Alternative: Conduct the check in a protected, non‑public area.

• Advance communication: Students should be informed of the procedure in advance.

What should I do if the student refuses?

The Directive on the Conduct of In-Person Exams and Dealing with Cheating and Fraud requires that ears must be visible to rule out hidden headphones/ earbuds. This directive applies to all students regardless of gender, origin, or religious belief.
If a student persistently refuses to comply and does not cooperate, they may be asked to leave the exam room.
The incident must always be documented (note with time, name/seat number, and brief description). Study regulation consequences may also follow afterwards.

4. Suspicion of unauthorized aids

Example case:
The exam supervisor has concrete indications that a student is using unauthorized aids, for example, sitting on a cheat sheet to hide it. The supervisor asks the student to stand up to check the seat area. The student refuses.

What the directive outlines

• Supervisor’s duty & exam integrity

  • Supervisors are obliged to check if unauthorized aids are being used whenever there is justified suspicion.

• Student’s duty to cooperate

  • Students must follow the instructions of the exam supervisor.

  • Refusal is considered disruptive and inappropriate behavior and may result in the student being removed from the exam room (see section 3.5 of the guideline).

• No physical search

  • Supervisors may not touch or physically search students.

  • Bags may not be searched.

  • Checks are limited to the surroundings and publicly visible areas (chair, table, floor).

Recommended procedure:

• Explain the suspicion factually and calmly.

• Inform the student of the consequences if they refuse to cooperate.

• If refusal continues:

  • Ask the student to leave the exam room,

  • Call SIWACHT if necessary,

  • Document the incident