3 Face Expulsion in Coast Guard Academy Cheating Probe
- Thread starter cga82
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A discussion about this has already started here: http://www.serviceacademyforums.com...nvestigating-possible-honor-violations.47005/
But I'll throw my .02 in.
When the thread on the CGA part of the forum started, the initial article made no mention of the class yet, somehow, most alumni knew exactly what class it was. "Ships" class is notorious for having one of the most convoluted collaboration policies at the Academy, something that was pointed out at the end of every semester by cadets. Only the Honor Board and Command at the Academy know what the investigation specifically states, but my guess would be that the three expelled were the instigators of the incident and the answers to the quiz were somehow disseminated to the rest. I do think it brings up the delicacies of honor in a society where not everything is black and white or easily sorted through. That being said, a complicated collaboration policy in no way excuses the behavior of the 47 students.
I do think the Academy was correct in it's decision to focus on remediation for the majority of the offenders. Remediation is no walk in the park, it is hours spent with a honor mentor (civilian or military faculty), countless journals, papers, etc. all focused on making sure that you truly understand what honor is. Add the demerits, restriction to campus for up to 45 days, dozens of marching tours, work hours and attending extra formations throughout the day and I can guarantee those retained will have been punished enough. Besides, taking that class again is pure torture in my opinion, although deserved. As you can tell, I was not a fan of the course even if I have found it highly useful as a first tour JO on a cutter.
For those, parents and students alike, researching different SAs, military colleges, and ROTC programs, don't allow this incident to change your opinion of these types of programs or the students that attend them. Mistakes are often made, that's why a leadership development program at these institutions exist. You are taking a young pool of individuals and striving to mold them into adults capable of leading men and women right out of the gate. For some, the mistakes made result in a second chance because there are signs of redemption. For others, the mistakes they make are costly. For three individuals, it cost them their place at the USCGA.
But I'll throw my .02 in.
When the thread on the CGA part of the forum started, the initial article made no mention of the class yet, somehow, most alumni knew exactly what class it was. "Ships" class is notorious for having one of the most convoluted collaboration policies at the Academy, something that was pointed out at the end of every semester by cadets. Only the Honor Board and Command at the Academy know what the investigation specifically states, but my guess would be that the three expelled were the instigators of the incident and the answers to the quiz were somehow disseminated to the rest. I do think it brings up the delicacies of honor in a society where not everything is black and white or easily sorted through. That being said, a complicated collaboration policy in no way excuses the behavior of the 47 students.
I do think the Academy was correct in it's decision to focus on remediation for the majority of the offenders. Remediation is no walk in the park, it is hours spent with a honor mentor (civilian or military faculty), countless journals, papers, etc. all focused on making sure that you truly understand what honor is. Add the demerits, restriction to campus for up to 45 days, dozens of marching tours, work hours and attending extra formations throughout the day and I can guarantee those retained will have been punished enough. Besides, taking that class again is pure torture in my opinion, although deserved. As you can tell, I was not a fan of the course even if I have found it highly useful as a first tour JO on a cutter.
For those, parents and students alike, researching different SAs, military colleges, and ROTC programs, don't allow this incident to change your opinion of these types of programs or the students that attend them. Mistakes are often made, that's why a leadership development program at these institutions exist. You are taking a young pool of individuals and striving to mold them into adults capable of leading men and women right out of the gate. For some, the mistakes made result in a second chance because there are signs of redemption. For others, the mistakes they make are costly. For three individuals, it cost them their place at the USCGA.