U. takes degree away

In a rare move, the University rescinded a recently-awarded master's thesis this past summer from a graduate student who plagiarized the work. Vice Provost for Graduate Education Janice Madden, the administrator in charge of the investigation, said this is the first time a degree has been rescinded by the Univeristy. She said an individual -- who she does not believe is associated with the University -- alerted the Graduate Council of the Faculties about alleged plagiarism in the thesis. Then, the dean of the school involved, appointed a faculty investigative committee which studied the case. The committee found that the allegation was true and the Graduate Council voted to rescind the degree this past spring, Madden said. Madden would not specify the identity of the person nor the school involved, and said she did not know if the person had since pursued a career in academia. Larry Gross, the head of the Annenberg School of Communication's graduate program, and Janet Theophano, head of the College of General Studies' Master of Liberal Arts program, said that the plagiarized degree was not awarded by their schools. The committee's report was then presented to the student who decided to waive the right to a hearing. The student returned the degree, which was later rescinded. Madden added that throughout the process, the student was represented by a member of the faculty. She said that the rescinding of a degree is "very sad," but she added that it "will happen again to anyone who plagiarizes." "It doesn't make any difference how long the degree was standing," she said. "This strikes at the very central mission of the University. I hope we never face this issue again."

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