An independent review raises concerns about Southern Utah University’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program, but has concluded that there is not a wide-spread problem with, or an institutional tolerance of plagiarism.
For the review, two professors from Utah State University interviewed four students, eight instructors, the curriculum coordinator, and the Dean of the College of Continuing & Professional Studies at SUU.
Their findings revealed no wide-spread problem with plagiarism, but were critical of other elements of SUU’s ESL program.
Among the concerns: Instructors with little experience, a lack of clear objectives, lack of academic focus, courses of too short a duration, and students who were passed through the program largely on attendance instead of language proficiency.
Another factor cited in the report that may have contributed a lack of student accountability: The mostly part-time instructors were paid by the hour only for time in class, and not for time spent in preparation and grading.
