No student has been proven guilty, says FYP director Peggy Heller, and all students will be given the opportunity to defend themselves. The integrity officer, Stephen Kimber, is currently evaluating the situation along with Heller.
“There is no possibility of expulsion,” says Heller. “For first time offenders, [the punishments] range from marks being deducted to failing the paper.”
Because of the high standards that King’s students hold themselves to and the frequent reminder that plagiarism is not worth the punishment, the overall sentiment on campus is disappointment.
“I was kind of embarrassed,” says FYP student Taylor Saracuse. “You come to this program at least knowing that you are going to be with people who you believe care about education.” He adds, “I feel like my degree is being devalued by the punishment they are most likely going to be served.”
Second-year-student, Kate Howell agrees. “If they are taking full essays from online they deserve to be kicked out of the program.”
Heller, however, firmly believes that students deserve a second chance, “I’m appalled by the desire to punish. You have to allow people to make mistakes.”
