Towards the end of last semester, a student collected money from other students under false pretenses and gave the money to another student for personal use. In addition, the same student collected other sums of money supposedly for residence hall dues but the money was never used for this purpose. Based on evidence and information presented to the AJC, both parties have been found guilty of fraud, misrepresentation and dishonesty (covering up for fraudulent activity).
Sanctions:
a) The student who collected money under false pretenses is currently facing a one semester suspension. Since the ruling came out in the middle of this semester, he has lost all work completed for the semester as well his tuition paid to the university.
b) All monies collected have to be fully refunded to affected students.
c) The AJC also requires the submission of a letter of apology to all the parties concerned for this act dishonesty.
d) The student who was found guilty of covering up for the one who collected the monies under false pretenses faces a semester’s suspension as well.
Lessons Learned:
The AJC would especially like to advise students of the following:
- Ashesi’s code of conduct clearly states “Ashesi University, its students, and its professional associations will not in any way condone cheating, lying, or any other misrepresentations. Moreover, anyone who willingly conceals these activities will be considered accomplices and equally culpable.”
- Students should be willing to come forward willingly to provide reliable and credible information to the AJC during investigations of such incidents.