On Friday, January 24^th, 2025, the Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC) heard and deliberated on a case of cheating during the Corporate Finance end-of-semester examinations. The student is a member of the Class of 2025.

 

Background to the case:

During the exam, a faculty intern (FI) discovered that the student had been using ChatGPT on their mobile phone. The FI reported this incident to the Dean and the matter was subsequently submitted to the AJC.

 

At the hearing:

The Committee received statements from the student admitting to violating the exam code of conduct. The student also admitted 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).
• “Mobile phones must not be kept on desks or on their person during the examination.” (Section 8.2)

Verdict & Recommendations

The Committee found the student guilty of cheating and violating the examination code of conduct. The student will receive a failing grade for the course, and be suspended for one semester (January-June 2025).

 

Advice to the Ashesi Community:

The Committee would like to advise that:

1. Students are responsible for their academic journey and need to seek the necessary help as early as possible when they encounter any difficulties in any of their courses.
2. The Coaching, Counselling & Academic Advising team is available and accessible to all students in need of help with issues of anxiety, stress, time management, etcetera, that students may be struggling with especially in the days leading up to exams.
3. Students must avoid bringing unauthorised electronic devices, smart watches or any other device into an exam hall.
4. 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.