UTB Staff Abuse Access To Blackboard To Cheat
Quick Facts
- Date: 8/1/2009
- Institution: University of Texas, Brownsville
- Type of Incident: Employee Fraud
- Number Affected: N/A
- Source: ESI
- Abstract Source: Brownsville Herald
Abstract
The University of Texas, Brownsville and Texas Southernmost College police recently concluded a two-month long investigation uncovering gross academic fraud by staff of the Office of Distance Education. Police discovered that students and staff working in the Office of Distance Education used their access to the Blackboard system to steal test answers. Six staff and 14 student workers stole test answers for themselves, for friends and even to sell to other students. The theft occurred by staff and student workers that were given administrative access to the Blackboard system. According to other staff, the University had been made aware of possible cheating, but was not sure how to contain the problem. While no criminal charges will be filed, staff involved no longer work for the Office of Distance Education and students involved received a number of different punishments ranging from failing a course to suspension.