On Wednesday, August 14^th, 2024, the Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC) heard and deliberated on two cases of cheating during the Introduction to Finance mid-semester examinations. The two students are members of the Class of 2026.

 

Background to the case:

During the aforementioned exam, the faculty member discovered that two students had swapped their question papers in an attempt to pass the exam. The faculty member contacted the two students, the incident was reported to the Dean, and the matter was subsequently submitted to the AJC.

 

At the hearing:

The two students submitted statements admitting to the offence. During the exam, Student A requested assistance from Student B, who responded by raising the paper to allow Student A to read the responses from his/her paper. Nearing the end of the exam, Student B also sought assistance from Student A, where they both scribbled answers on their respective question paper and swapped papers. They admitted the same when invited into the hearing.

 

The AJC deliberated on the following infractions of policies in the Student Handbook:

• “Academic dishonesty includes plagiarism, unauthorized exchange of information or use of material during an examination…unauthorized collaboration on assignments, and other unethical behaviour. (Section 7.4).
• “During an examination, students are not allowed to talk to each other, exchange verbal or nonverbal information or physical objects of any kind or engage in any activity that could result in the unfair advantage for one or more students before, during, or after the quiz or exam, while they are in or out of the classroom.” (Section 8.1)

 

Verdict & Recommendations

In reviewing all evidence and statements presented during the hearing, the Committee found both students guilty of cheating and violating the examination code of conduct. They will both receive a failing grade for the course and be suspended for one semester (September – December 2024).

Advice to the Ashesi Community:

The Committee would like to advise that:

1. Students are expected to abide by the examination code of conduct at Ashesi, regardless of whether they are signed onto the honour code or not.
2. Students must learn from past infractions to understand the seriousness with which cases are treated.

This case provides a lot of learning for the entire community, and the hope is that it is reflected on as such. Our code of ethics is central to our mission: to train a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate within our students the critical thinking skills, concern for others, and the courage it will take to transform a continent. This code applies to all, no matter the circumstance.