The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado expelled 22 students and sent hundreds to probation of fraud and plagiarism while studying from home in 2020, the school’s chief official said Wednesday. rice field.

Early in the coronavirus pandemic, Colorado Springs University decided to send all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors home during the final months of the spring 2020 semester.

The sudden switch to distance learning has led to one of the most widespread academic misconduct in the history of the Academy. Away from campus, students sought help on unauthorized websites, plagiarized dissertations, and cooperated in the test.

According to a presentation by Lieutenant General Richard Clark at the Academy’s board of directors, the majority of cadets suspected of cheating (231 out of 245 students) acknowledged their actions. This is about 10% of the more than 4,000 cadets attending the academy each year.

A total of 210 cadets were put on probation, which usually lasted six months and 22 were expelled. Probation usually involves journal entries and meetings for honor code-related discussions, including students leaving campus, dressing in private clothing, attending sports and other clubs, and discontinuing their ability to work. will be needed.

It was also found that seven did not violate the rules of the Academy. Three cases have been withdrawn and two cases are awaiting final decision.

This is the Academy’s most complete description of the fallout of cheating so far. When the school went public in the case in January 2021, the process of punishment-solving students was still underway. At that time, one cadet was banished and one resigned due to their illegal activity.

It was awakening that the Academy’s Code of Ethics required a new look for the first time in years.

“We had to take a step back and see how we were developing cadets and how they helped to instill that” prestigious life. ” [piece]”Clark said.

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Members of the USAFA community, including cadets, graduates, and other members, spent several days embodying the main issues at hand and how to deal with them.

They settled on three priorities. Emphasize why academia and beyond are important for prestigious life. Rebuild trust with USAFA and each other. Then, rethink when and how much the core values ​​of the school will permeate throughout the four years of the students there.

The group was worried that the cadets did not see the code of ethics enforced consistently or that the campus did not have a sufficient positive role model. Teachers and staff can play a bigger role in that regard, Clark said.

He added that schools must give students time and space for personal growth. Lessons on honesty, honesty, and diligence can start earlier than cadets can set foot on campus and are especially important for successful freshmen.

“We recognize that not everyone comes from the same background. They do not have the same focus or perspective of living well and we are where they are. I have to meet, “Clark said. “Now that doesn’t mean we have to accept where they are, but we … need to help them get where they need them.”

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USAFA has expanded the curriculum and staffing related to the Code of Ethics and updated the definition of permissible behavior in schools.

Clark wants the update to work. Ethical code violations have been reduced from 311 in the 2020-2021 school year to 44 in 2021-2022. The highest and lowest points since at least 2009, respectively.

But it’s too early to tell if good behavior is the result of more obedient cadets, or if people have become particularly cautious following recent crackdowns.

“One positive thing is that our freshman class … usually has quite a few honor cases, but much less,” Clark said. “In fact, they are lower than the upper class and usually the opposite. This is one indicator that we are making a difference.”