Having worked at a university years back, I can see how it could happen, 
but could never fathom anyone putting their career/job on the line for it. 
It takes coordination, intimidation, and trust that those involved will 
not speak, and to cover all tracks. This last part is the hardest to 
control, if it can be controlled at all. It's a preposterous idea to think 
that it can be accomplished without getting caught. One would expect the 
president and provost to be among the most astute and well educated 
individuals when it comes to the rules of running a school. 

Student records are among the most important records at a school. Those 
involved cannot seriously claim ignorance. Especially when they are the 
chief academic officer (provost) and the head of the school. From the 
article in RAIN, plus others, it seems that Provost Lang was at the 
meeting to discuss conferring the degree to the governor's daughter. 
Lang's sad excuse that the decision to err in favor of granting the degree 
based on so-called incomplete data is unforgivable. As provost (He's been 
provost at WVU since 1996.) he should have squashed it immediately. As for 
his statement that no one was intimidated, just his presence/involvement 
at the meeting sets a tone. As Steven said, heads should roll. 

Officials, high and low are very sensitive to the importance of having 
authentic and verified academic records. Tampering with grades and 
conferring an unearned degree cannot be brushed off as an accident or 
oversight. At the university where I worked, I know that grades are 
checked and reviewed every step of the way. And are then reviewed 
carefully once the credit-hours are completed for the degree and for 
graduation. It is not a casual process. Even when the diplomas were 
printed, staff carefully compared them to the transcript and to official 
minutes to ensure correct spelling and correct degree. It certainly looks 
like the provost, and quite possibly the president, and potentially 
others, committed the cardinal sin in academia. Like a student who cheats, 
the consequence should be expulsion. 

Stephen Cohen
Records Manager
MetLife \ Legal Affairs
27-01 Queens Plaza North
Long Island City NY 11101
212-578-2373



How embarrassing.  Clearly looks like cronyism spurred by politics.  A
university has nothing without the integrity of its conferred degrees. 
A stain on the reputation of what is probably a fine institution ... I
assume.  Should be some heads roll over this.  Perhaps that institution
should pay more attention to these matters and less to a football coach
who left.

Best regards, Steve
Steven D. Whitaker, CRM
Records Systems Manager; City of Reno


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