Fairfield University’s Mission Statement states, ‘it welcomes those of all beliefs and traditions who share its concerns for scholarship, justice, truth and freedom’ But what happens when a student defies the ways of this established mission statement and in turn replaces these positive ideals with dishonesty, deceit, and unjust actions?’ Nothing, precisely.’
In May, a senior who was nearing the day of his/her commencement from Fairfield University, hacked into the Stagweb system, and stealthily changed six grades, five of which dealt with major courses.’ Not only does this go against academic honestly policies ‘- a fundamental concept that exists in any college – but he/she also demeaned the morality of this community as a whole.’ Yet, the student was ‘punished’ with receiving Withdrawals (W) instead of grades, and is allowed to take online courses at Fairfield’s University College.’ Is that just?’
When we as the constituents of this university enroll here, we take a pledge to upload and maintain the standards of academic honesty as stated in the university’s handbook.’ ‘In the event of such dishonesty, such professors are to award a grade of zeroand may record an F for the course itself.’ When appropriate, expulsion may be recommended,’ as stated in page 36 of the handbook.’ Last time I checked, F and W are NOT the same letters.’
This act of misconduct goes beyond the level of academic dishonest.’ ‘ In fact, Professor Irene Mulvey, a mathematics professor at Fairfield University, thinks that this act is ‘premeditated and flagrant cheating, deliberately and knowingly taking an unfair advantage at the expense of others, and doing it again and again.” I cannot agree more.’
This student was dismissed without appropriate sanctions, to say the least.’ In fact, once this student meets the requirements for a major in a department other than the one in which the majority of the cheating occurred, the student will presumably graduate.’ This response to this unexplainable action is irresponsible and absurd.
Aside from the fact that this student broke an honestly pledge and committed a criminal act, being that under Connecticut state law a similar situation happened at Georgia College, this is considered multiple identity thefts, the administration failed to notify the staff of this ‘egregious example of academic dishonestly,’ as described by Professor Mulvey.’ If one commits an unjust act, they should be prepared to suffer the repercussions.’ We have a handbook filled with policies, for a reason.’ If it were not important, each undergrad student would not be given one the first day of each year at Fairfield.’ The affected faculty members were not told about this incident for about three weeks, let alone the rest of the faculty not being officially informed until August 26, 2008.’ This lack of communication in such a technologically advanced institution is inexcusable and embarrassing to Fairfield University in its entirety.’ ‘ According to Professor Mulvey, ‘This is the worst handling of a situation that I’ve ever seen in my 23 years at Fairfield.’ With that said, the administration as a whole, as well as the committee overseeing this issue should go beyond the minute technological improvements they have accomplished, and seriously reconsider the student’s punishment, for the community’s sake and reputation.’
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