Ryerson Ombuds Blames Professors for Rising Misconduct Charges

A report issued by Ryerson University’s Ombudsperson, Nora Farrell, says professors’ mistakes are responsible for the mounting number of academic misconduct charges. Over the past year, Farrell's office has seen a 54% increase in the number of visitors charged with academic wrongdoing. “It is troubling that 30 per cent of the complaints ... were solely because of a procedural error with respect to how the charge was laid or the matter was adjudicated,” said Farrell. Diane Schulman, secretary of Ryerson Faculty Senate, said she doesn’t believe the ombuds’ numbers represent “a whole lot of students.” (The Eyeopener; Annual Report.)