Faced With Internet Attack, Rutgers Making Contingency Plans For Finals

As Rutgers University IT staffers work to stabilize the university’s computer network, school officials are making contingency plans for finals.

The IT staff has been working around the clock, and school officials hope the problem is resolved soon, but they “are confronted by the realities of the academic calendar,” according to a note to faculty, posted on the school’s Facebook page.

The network on Monday was faced with a denial-of-services attack that knocked out the school’s Internet service when it overloaded the network with traffic, according to NJ.com.

The FBI is assisting the school with its investigation into the attack, the second Rutgers has faced this year, the newspaper said.

According to the note from New Brunswick Chancellor Richard Edwards:

All of the academic deans are asking faculty to consider the option of providing paper exams or alternative final assignments, instead of online tests.

Faculty members who do not want to give bluebook tests or alternate assignments, can also give final grades based on the work students have already completed in class.

Students who are not happy with those grades should have two options: they can get a “Pass/Fail” grade or take an “Incomplete,” then take the final exam when feasible.

Deans are also encouraging professors to be flexible with project deadlines.

“We ask in particular that you offer special consideration for those students who are poised to graduate this May.”

If the online grading system is unavailable for final grades, a paper alternative will be provided.

“In advance, thank you for considering options that will allow us to best serve our students in the face of this unprecedented situation. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as all of us deal with this matter together.”