To Catch a Cheat Adams State is reviewing and modifying distance education procedures to better protect against academic fraud.
Adams State submits its report to the HLC. The report describes distance education policies designed to detect cheating, addresses questions of academic rigor, and outlines measures being taken to review and tighten procedures.
Distance education has always been part of the equation for Adams State. In fact, Adams State’s very first graduate actually completed the degree via extension in 1922, before Richardson Hall was even built. “The tradition of distance teaching is embedded in our history,” noted President David Svaldi. “Making higher education accessible is part of our role and mission.” True to that mission, Adams State has offered courses not only on campus, but also by sending faculty to other communities and by using telecommunications, snail mail, and the internet. In the 1970s, Extended Studies began offering off-site distance courses for teachers to enhance their qualifications. Print-based correspondence courses came along a decade later. Adams State’s first online courses, in business, were launched in 2001. In 2004, a B.A. in sociology and B.S. in business administration became completely available at a distance. About the same time, the print-based Prison College Program was formalized. Now, 9 undergraduate degrees are entirely available at a distance, as are 11 graduate programs. By expanding educational access, Extended Studies has averaged $4.6 million in gross revenue over the last five years, making it an important revenue stream for the university.
March 3-4, 2015:
priority on integrity
the story Dec. 30, 2014: The Chronicle of Higher Education article “Confessions of a Fixer” reports fraudulent activities by a “Mr. White,” who admitted he completed assignments and exams and bribed test proctors on behalf of student-athletes. He said he helped college athletes meet NCAA eligibility by attaining transfer credit from Adams State and other institutions over the last 14 years. The article was reprinted in Sports Illustrated online, excerpted in The Week, referenced in online news outlets, and briefly covered by Denver’s 9News and area newspapers. Regarding Adams State specifically, White said academically ineligible studentathletes freely transferred their identification information to allow him to complete coursework on their behalf. The courses in question are delivered at a distance, either online or via print-based correspondence, by Adams State Extended Studies. No past or present Adams State staff or athletes were involved.
the response Jan. 15, 2015: Adams State University immediately suspends enrollments in print-based correspondence courses and launches an external review of the student verification process for distance education. Students currently enrolled in correspondence courses are permitted to complete them, and the courses continue to be available to incarcerated students enrolled through Extended Studies’ Prison College Program.
Jan. 28, 2015: The Higher Learning Commission, Adams State’s accrediting agency, requests a report outlining the steps being taken to review and resolve concerns raised by the Chronicle article.
Feb. 25, 2015:
A team from the Colorado Department of Higher Education visits Adams State to review Extended Studies course processes.
April 6-7, 2015: Independent consultant Dr. Phil Moss, who has extensive academic and distance education expertise, meets with Adams State Extended Studies, technology, instructional, and administrative staff. Contracted by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
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aStater spring 2015
When the Chronicle article about the athletic “fixer” appeared, Svaldi became determined “to respond in a constructive way.” Of primary concern was not only guaranteeing academic integrity, but also continuing to serve students whose physical location or demanding life schedules prevent them from attending a campus.