UNC Communications About the Scandal

University of North Carolina Chancellor Carol L. Folt is on the hot seat to respond to a highly publicized scandal that the Washington Post says involved "an alarming lack of institutional oversight."  Between 1993 and 2011, more than 3,100 students, many of whom are athletes, were given inflated grades and credit in bogus courses.

In a 136-page report, former U.S. Justice Department official Kenneth Wainstein describes "paper classes" for students and the involvement of many university officials. The university now faces accreditation questions and an investigation by the NCAA.

Chancellor Folt wrote a statement, trying to separate the university from its past and calling on its 221-year history.

Discussion Starters:

• Read the report. What principles discussed in Chapter 10 of the textbook does the report follow? Which are not followed? Overall, how do you find reading the report? What are the strengths and weaknesses in content, writing style, organization, formatting, and so on?
• Read Chancellor Folt's statement. What is her strategy for managing the crisis situation? How successful is her message in improving the university's image?