October 23, 2014
Mariah Timms
News Writer
National
The University of North Carolina is facing scrutiny as reports show practice of academic fraud reaching back 18 years. Some students, mostly athletes, were allowed to take sham or “paper” classes where assignments and attendance were graded on the basis of a single 10-page paper graded by an employee who was not a professor. This process was often used to keep student athletes eligible for athletics, on which many high-profile schools place a heavy focus. Originally thought to be the work of one “rogue” professor, the scandal has led to the firing of four employees and disciplinary action for five more. The story first came to light five years ago, and at recent report estimates that at least 3,100 students were enrolled in the classes. The issue was brought to light by university employee Mary Willingham.
