College Shorts Duke students expelled in cheating scandal

Author: Zamir Ahmed & Mia Lieb-Lappen

Duke students expelled in cheating scandal

Thirty-four students at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business face disciplinary action for allegedly collaborating on a take-home test in a required first-year course, a violation of the school's honor code.

In the largest cheating scandal at the prestigious business school, nine convicted students face expulsion from the university, with another 15 students facing a one-year suspension and a failing grade in the course, according to The Duke University Chronicle. Ten additional students were found guilty of "minor offense," with nine receiving a failing grade for the course while one will receive a zero on the assignment.

Four students were found not guilty of cheating by the University Judicial Board. Convicted students can appeal the punishments before they take effect on June 1.

Chair of the Fuqua Honor Committee Gavan Fitzsimons sent an e-mail to students and faculty on April 27 explaining the board's decision.

"The Judicial Board deliberated at length over a period of several weeks before determining these penalties, seeking to balance the integrity of the Honor Code with the realization that no one among us can ever be faultless in our lives," Fitzsimons wrote.
-The Duke Chronicle


St. John's U. examines binge drinking effects

Students at Saint John's University studied the effect of binge drinking after Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The group was divided into non-drinkers, moderate drinkers (two to five drinks, one to two days a week) and heavy drinkers (five or more drinks on two or more days a week). Researchers measured levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in their subjects. The protein is associated with heart disease and death from heart failure.

Heavy drinkers showed higher levels of CRP. The head researcher, Elizabeth Donovan, realized the heart risks heavy drinkers could encounter.

"These students may be setting themselves up for an increased risk for cardiovascular disease," said the undergraduate student. Interestingly enough, the lowest levels of CRP were detected for the moderate drinkers. Some members of the American Heart Association were not convinced by the data, however, and cited factors such as age, weight, gender, diet, and genetics as possible influences on this study.
-www.uwire.com


Former CFO convicted of misuse of TSU funds

Quintin Wiggins, the former chief financial officer of historically black Texas Southern University, was convicted of misusing almost $300,000 in college funds on May 3. Wiggins' lawyers have asked the jury for leniency during the sentencing phase, recommending five years of probation. Prosecutors are asking for life in prison.

Prosecutors charged Wiggins with diverting $286,000 of college funds into secret accounts of former TSU president Priscilla Slade. Slade is scheduled to stand trial in August for allegedly using the money to buy furniture and a security system for her home. She was fired from her post last June.

Wiggins' attorneys argued during trial that Wiggins had been following past practices because the university had approved Slade's previous furniture purchases using college money.

Wiggins' and Slade's trials have coincided with a series of reports that have alleged financial impropriety at the college, leading Texas Governor Rick Perry to call for a state takeover of the school.
-CNN.com