2008 Woodie Awards
What kind of standard is being set?
Justin Gibson
Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: Opinion
When does it come time that certain privileges are set aside for people with more power than everyone else?
Moreso, when does it come time that we can look at someone and say, "It's OK for you to do that, but no one else"?
These are questions that need to be answered regarding Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard's alleged plagiarism in sections of his 1984 doctoral dissertation and 1975 master's thesis.
In the school's student conduct code, plagiarism is "recognized as a serious academic offense" and defined as "representing the work of another as one's own." Poshard was accused by the SIUC student newspaper, the Daily Egyptian, of plagiarizing up to 30 different parts of his dissertation, including improper citation and parts taken out of sources word for word.
The Chronicle of Higher Education later announced a similar accusation regarding Poshard's master's thesis.
Poshard has already said he would not step down, but why should he not be held accountable like every other single person at this university would be if the allegations are in fact true?
He should not only be held to the same standards as everyone else, but he should be held to higher standards. As president, he is the face of our university. He is our leader, like a corporate CEO or military general.
Look at the case regarding Economics and Finance Assistant Professor Chris Dussold, who was dismissed from SIUE in 2004 for "plagiarizing the teaching philosophy in his three-year tenure review packet," according to the lawsuit filed by Dussold in the Madison County Circuit Court.
Or look at SIUE Senior David Hamann whose letter to the editor was featured in the Sept. 13 issue of the Alestle. He was accused of plagiarism in his senior assignment and therefore failed the course, resulting in a loss of money. Is one person allowed to lose their job and the other receive a failing grade, while the other could face no punishment? Is this really how SIU should be represented?
If the allegations turn out to be true, it is only right that Poshard not be exempt from losing his job as president. Otherwise, a dangerous precedent could be set at this university.
Do we really want to provide future plagiarizers up with the excuse, "Well, President Poshard did it?"
Moreso, when does it come time that we can look at someone and say, "It's OK for you to do that, but no one else"?
These are questions that need to be answered regarding Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard's alleged plagiarism in sections of his 1984 doctoral dissertation and 1975 master's thesis.
In the school's student conduct code, plagiarism is "recognized as a serious academic offense" and defined as "representing the work of another as one's own." Poshard was accused by the SIUC student newspaper, the Daily Egyptian, of plagiarizing up to 30 different parts of his dissertation, including improper citation and parts taken out of sources word for word.
The Chronicle of Higher Education later announced a similar accusation regarding Poshard's master's thesis.
Poshard has already said he would not step down, but why should he not be held accountable like every other single person at this university would be if the allegations are in fact true?
He should not only be held to the same standards as everyone else, but he should be held to higher standards. As president, he is the face of our university. He is our leader, like a corporate CEO or military general.
Look at the case regarding Economics and Finance Assistant Professor Chris Dussold, who was dismissed from SIUE in 2004 for "plagiarizing the teaching philosophy in his three-year tenure review packet," according to the lawsuit filed by Dussold in the Madison County Circuit Court.
Or look at SIUE Senior David Hamann whose letter to the editor was featured in the Sept. 13 issue of the Alestle. He was accused of plagiarism in his senior assignment and therefore failed the course, resulting in a loss of money. Is one person allowed to lose their job and the other receive a failing grade, while the other could face no punishment? Is this really how SIU should be represented?
If the allegations turn out to be true, it is only right that Poshard not be exempt from losing his job as president. Otherwise, a dangerous precedent could be set at this university.
Do we really want to provide future plagiarizers up with the excuse, "Well, President Poshard did it?"
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
kgr7998
posted 9/21/07 @ 10:31 AM CST
While I have disagreed with Justin in many of his past opinion columns, I think he hit this one right on the head. While David's letter to the editor mentioned some of these things, I think the matter deserved a more strongly worded assessment and Justin delivered. (Continued…)
Another issue
posted 9/30/07 @ 2:15 AM CST
I agree but also want to point out another issue----of due process. No matter what happens with Poshard, he is getting " a process" (although questionable since essentially his employees are making the determinations) of review. (Continued…)
Basis of Review
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:55 PM CST
My concern is the review process. What standards should be used? Today's or those in place at the time the documents were written? Where is the 'blame' for the faculty that originally reviewed the writings? I would hate to think that what I wrote 20+ years ago as a student that was accepted as meeting the requirements could have such a deciding factor on my current employment. (Continued…)
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