UOG urges students to expose ‘sex for grades’ with academics
Whilst educational institutions throughout the country remain mum over scandals such as “sex for grades”, the University of Goroka is encouraging students to speak out about such rampant practices.
Acting Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Innovation, Dr Sam Najike, alluded during Orientation yesterday, whilst reminding students of their core priorities that, sex for grades “will not be tolerated”.
The incentives are to be on HECAS when you score good grades. We know that this Sex for Grades or SFG has been an ongoing practice in almost all institutions throughout the country especially universities where tutors are enticed. It can also be the other way around where students are enticed by tutors to negotiate for better grades. Whatever it is, the administration will not allow this behaviour.
Acting Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Innovation, Dr Sam Najike
Dr Najike said any student pressured into such must immediately report the matter to student welfare or the disciplinary committee.
Chancellor Joseph Sukwianomb also made the same call saying sexual harassment of any kind will see stiff penalties imposed.
We expect you to respect yourselves and others.
Chancellor Sukwianomb
Despite not having a workplace Sexual Harassment policy in place, the frequency of incidences reported since the previous years has seen the need for the formulation of one.
Last year, the University Council had to enforce governing laws setting clear boundaries on what amounted to enticement or favours.
In relation to enforcing SFG, Najike said plagiarism was a trait practiced by lazy students and would not be tolerated by the Academic Senate.
If you are caught you will be sent out for a whole semester depending on the degree of plagiarism found in your work.
Dr Najike
Vice Chancellor, Professor Musawe Sinebare, told first year and continuing students during orientation yesterday that the theme for 2019 would be “quality tertiary education”.
The university this year is looking to recruiting quality academic staff who will promote quality teaching and research.
We hope that by bringing in quality staff we raise the bar which should show in students GPAs at the end of their academic semesters.
We are also boosting our schools (Humanities, Education and Science), and TVET financially with up to date printing and photocopying facilities, upgraded ICT facilities, biometric systems for staff monitoring and proposed infrastructure developments like the new integrated research centre ( Somare Research Centre), and a proposed school of medicine.
Professor Sinebare
Dr Sinebare said that students coming to study at the Humilaveka mountain top are privileged as it is a historical landscape serving as an airstrip during the war and known as the “land of burning ember” in the local folklore.
“The burning ember is the knowledge you are endowed with when you come to take it (ember) and leave. It (the mountain), is a seat of knowledge.” Dr Sinebare said that the oath of admission signed by students was their binding contract with the university and as such to comply with all requirements or be warned of possible forfeiture of privileges. Meanwhile, Feb 21-22 has been set as the dates for registration for first and second year and 27-28th for the third and fourth year students.
- UOG urges students to expose ‘sex for grades’ with academics - February 20, 2019
