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Dave Larsen writes about higher education.
Kelly Mori writes about health and higher education.Home > Blogs > On Campus > Archives > 2009 > July > 02 > Entry
Is name dropping cheating?
The University of Illinois has gotten some heat the last couple of weeks after it was discovered the school gave preferential admission consideration to students with influential connections.
The students, some with ties to large donors or politicians, were found to be put on a special list that would beat out other students who were more academically qualified.
The discovery has struck a nerve with many who, rightfully, say it’s unfair.
Especially when you hear testimonials of students who, despite impressive academic resumes, lost slots to the less qualified, better connected students.
Others say it’s no different than alumni expecting special consideration for their children, or when someone uses connections to land a job.
What do you think?
Have you, or would you, name drop to gain entrance, whether academically or professionally?
Is it wrong?
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Higher ed oddities
Comments
By Common Sense
July 2, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
Ok, let me get this straight. You publish an article that clearly defines cheating, deception and overall anyone with a fraction of intelligence would agree, yes it is wrong? This article would be more productive if it stated links on how to support a cause to help eliminate the problem as opposed to everyone just complaining about it.By Kevin
July 2, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this
This scenario occurs at almost every college or university to some degree whether they will admit to it or not.By Rob
July 2, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this
Bad, evil, booo.. And yet, that is precisely how most jobs are filled at my level. Referals and recommendations. Not a crime and not really worth any newsprint. Besides, even with a good referal, crap rises to the surface pretty quick.By Chris
July 3, 2009 3:54 AM | Link to this
If I am being referred, not cheating. If someone else is being referred..IT IS CHEATING!!!