Clarification on the removal of UCAT for equity reasons
Laura Black made this Official Information request to University of Otago
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From: Laura Black
Dear University of Otago,
I understand that the Faculty of Dentistry decided to remove UCAT as a requirement for entry into the BDS program from 2025 onwards, citing equity as the reason. I was hoping you could elaborate further on how the UCAT affects equity in this context.
The UCAT (and previously the UMAT) has been used by the University of Otago since 2008 and also by other universities internationally as early as 2006 as a tool for assessing abilities and qualities essential for healthcare professionals. It was and still is (in other universities) a crucial entry requirement for many medical and dental schools. It is crucial to assess individual's critical thinking and problem-solving, decision-making under pressure, interpersonal skills and empathy, and ethical reasoning.
Such skills are not easily measured by academic grades alone. I believe a test like the UCAT provides an equal opportunity for all candidates to demonstrate these abilities, which are essential for becoming a competent healthcare professional.
For domestic students, the cost of the exam could potentially be covered through a cost-related course from StudyLink, ensuring accessibility for all applicants.
Given that candidates are already incurring tuition fees or loans to pursue health sciences and apply for dentistry, the UCAT cost seems relatively manageable in comparison. Could you please clarify further how removing the UCAT aligns with equity principles?
Yours faithfully,
Laura Black
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tçnâ koe Laura
I acknowledge receipt of your Official Information Act request.
If we have any questions or need to seek clarification on any points we will be in touch soon. Otherwise, we will seek to respond to your request as soon as practicable and no later than 20 working days after the date your request was received (by 17 December 2024). If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an extension of this timeframe.
Ngâ mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard (she/her)
Policy Analyst – Kaitâtari Kaupapa Here
Office of the Registrar and Secretary to the Council – Te Tari o Te Pouroki me te Kaituhi ki te Kaunihera
University of Otago – Ôtâkou Whakaihu Waka
From: UoO - Official Information Act
University of Otago
Tçnâ koe Laura
I refer to your request for information dated 19 November 2024 made under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act). You have requested information in relation to the removal of UCAT for applicants to the University's Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme.
The Act requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no later than 20 working days after the date your request was received. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to meet that time limit. We are therefore writing to notify you, pursuant to section 15A of the Act, of an extension of the time to make our decision in respect of your request, by a further 20 working days - to 5 February 2025.
This extension is necessary to allow for consultations necessary to make a decision on your request. We thank you for your patience and will endeavour to provide the information sooner if possible.
If you are not satisfied with our extension of time, you have the right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman under section 28(3) of the Act. However, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns with you first.
Ngâ mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Kennard (she/her)
Policy Analyst – Kaitâtari Kaupapa Here
Office of the Registrar and Secretary to the Council – Te Tari o Te Pouroki me te Kaituhi ki te Kaunihera
University of Otago – Ôtâkou Whakaihu Waka
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