Fed: International students in plagiarism scandal

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2007
Fed: International students in plagiarism scandal

CANBERRA, Aug 22 AAP - Full-fee-paying international students have been caught cheating
in their masters courses in a plagiarism scandal at the University of New England (UNE).

The university today said an audit of 210 students enrolled in one subject in two postgraduate
courses between 2004 and 2006 had uncovered substantial evidence of cheating.

Students proven to have plagiarised material could be stripped of their degrees.

"Of the 210 theses involved in the unit under review, a significant proportion are
alleged to be plagiarised," the university said in a statement.

"The university takes any allegation of plagiarism very seriously, and, where appropriate,
may seek the rescission of awards by the University Council."

A student raised the alarm in November 2006, warning university management of suspected
plagiarism and prompting an investigation.

UNE vice chancellor Alan Pettigrew said the university would not hesitate to penalise
students found to have cheated.

"The issue of plagiarism is a difficult one for all universities," Professor Pettigrew said.

"The university will not shy away from the application of penalties, if necessary,
to protect its academic integrity."

The theses were by full-fee-paying international students reportedly enrolled in an
information technology course delivered externally by a commercial partner of UNE.

Citing privacy reasons, UNE refused to name the students or the commercial partner
that delivered the course.

AAP dcr/sb/jl/sp

KEYWORD: PLAGIARISM LEAD

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