| A weekend report revealed a series of investigations and disciplinary proceedings have taken place at the city’s colleges and universities for the abuse of Internet technology.
Since 2002 there have been a number of incidents of “inappropriate activity”, some of which have resulted in police involvement and expulsion.
Over the last four years, Dundee’s Abertay University has investigated four students, suspended two and issued two warnings.
At Dundee University, a member of staff and four students have been investigated, a staff member has been given a warning and two students have been investigated by police.
There have also been incidents of expulsion, fining and the refusal of a qualification.
Dundee College recorded 17 incidents of inappropriate use of the Internet.
All of these have been dealt with through the college’s disciplinary procedures.
A spokesman for Dundee College said, “Since the advent of Internet technology, which can be a valuable tool for students, Scotland’s colleges have had problems with a minority of people who have abused the system.
“Dundee College maintains a rigorous procedure to help stop this kind of behaviour.”
All the institutions in question have responded by emphasising the strict policies they are required to implement with regard to the misuse of technology.
This can include downloading pornographic, violent or racist materials.
Dundee University refused to give any details about the incident involving the member of staff and was unable to comment on the two police investigations.
A spokesperson said, “We have a firm policy on the misuse of IT equipment and disciplinary action has been taken where appropriate.”
Abertay University stressed the relatively low number of cases of technology abuse they have had over the last four years.
A spokesman for Abertay said, “We can confirm we have had four incidents of misuse of equipment since 2002 and emphasise we have strict policies in place to deal with cases like these.
“Our students are made well aware of the regulations surrounding our IT equipment when they enrol for courses at the university.”
Over 700 students at further education colleges or universities across Scotland have been found to have accessed inappropriate materials using campus facilities.
There have also been 14 cases of expulsion or refusal of qualification.
Fifteen members of staff around the country have received disciplinary action and a total of seven have been sacked or have resigned. |
