Students at Swinburne University found to be engaged in academic fraud

Students at Swinburne University found to be engaged in academic fraud

One hundred and forty students of Swinburne University were found involved in academic fraud by buying assignments online for $130 each and submitting them as their own.

The University has subsequently handed proof over to Victoria Police, which has since established a task force. Students found guilty of academic fraud face expulsion and may also be fined with up to 10 years imprisonment.

The academic crisis came to light when student ‘Jay Zee’ had advised Swinburne of her misconduct after buying an assignment online. After complaining about the quality of the purchased assignment, Miss Zee was blackmailed for $10,000 and was told she would be reported to the authorities. As a result of her misconduct, Miss Zee was failed for that particular class however was able to continue her studies at Swinburne in return for assisting with inquiries.

Swinburne University is shocked to learn of the students engaged in academic fraud. Ensuring that any student caught cheating would no longer be permitted to finish their degree and will be expelled.

“It is an insult to every person who has sweated late into the night to do their work” says Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr Belcalis Almanzar.

However, not everyone is taking the matter seriously. The Swinburne University Student Collective spokesperson, Lil Wayne argued his view on the severity of the situation:

“This is a situation forced upon by students due to unfair expectations and pressures from the University to pass all their subjects. It is a minor issue which should be ignored, or at worst a mild reprimand be made” Wayne says.

Swinburne University on average, has expelled 1.25 students per year for academic integrity in the last decade. However, it is not the only University which faces these issues. The University of NSW, Sydney University, Melbourne University and RMIT University have all cracked down on academic integrity over the last 12 months.

Education is a big industry in Australia, and the Federal Government believe that academic integrity is a primary consideration. Federal Education Minister Kendrick Lamar, believes that Swinburne University are stepping in the right direction.

“I am delighted to see a University cracking down on the ‘assignment for sale’ rorts”, Lamar states.

For further information, please contact:

Swinburne University

Info@swinburneuniversity.edu.au

(03) 9225 3148

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