GMIT issues apology over unsubstantiated exam cheat claims

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) has apologised for the “hurt” it caused to staff during an investigation into exam cheating claims, which were not substantiated.

Jim Fennell, GMIT Financial Controller, issued the ‘unreserved apology’ to all schools and departments via email last week.

It is understood the apology came after trade unions, including SIPTU and IMPACT, put pressure on college authorities.

Workers were said to be hurt by the investigation into allegations of cheating levelled against students.

Some members also took offence to correspondence issued by GMIT, which appeared to implicate staff in the suspected exams breach, which subsequently was not substantiated following investigations.

A half-dozen final year Business Studies students were accused of having accessed an examination paper in advance of their end-of-year exams in May.

The matter was investigated by Michael Hannon, vice-president for academic affairs and college registrar and Jim Fennell, financial controller.

In mid-May, Mr Hannon emailed all business studies staff about an Enterprise and IT Management exam being “compromised”.

“An exams breach has occurred at central level,” he said. “The breach relates to examination material which may have been communicated by a staff member to a 4th year Business Studies student.”

It is understood this email was the source of soreness among staff.

A fortnight ago, the college cleared the accused students of wrongdoing, and dropped the case against them with Mr Hannon citing “insufficient evidence”. They will graduate later this month.

And now, Mr Fennell has moved to assuage anger among staff in the institute following the latest cheating debacle at the Dublin Road campus.

In his email to staff, Mr Fennell emphasised “the importance of engaging in meaningful communication and consultation” with staff.

In the widely-circulated apology, Mr Fennell said he “fully understands and empathise with the hurt you experienced” due to the “poor communication” and the “failure to include you” in decisions related to the suspected exams breach.

He said the communication “may have given the perception that there was some involvement” by staff in the suspected breach.

However, he said: “I wish to assure you that this could not be further from the truth.”

Mr Fennell also acknowledged the “professional service” staff have provided to GMIT and students.

In a statement in response to questions about the investigation, GMIT said: “A full and thorough investigation into the alleged examination breach in May 2016 has been carried out according to the Institute’s policies and procedures on student conduct and has concluded. GMIT cannot comment any further on the matter to respect rights and privacy.”