University of Johannesburg expels 25 students for sick note fraud

John Maytham speaks with University of Johannesburg (UJ) registrar Professor Bettine van Vuuren.

Listen below.

Twenty-five students who used fake sick notes after being absent during exams have been expelled from UJ for five years, of which three are suspended.

Two of these students were fifth-year law students.

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An additional 25 students were expelled for other reasons, including having unauthorised notes on their phones, plagiarism, producing fraudulent matric results, and assault.

Van Vuuren says they go to great lengths to verify the sick notes and, if they suspect something, they will contact the medical professional.

“Before these actually go over to a student disciplinary, we really do our due diligence.”

- Bettine van Vuuren, Registrar - University of Johannesburg

She adds that UJ gives students plenty of options if they are struggling before exams, so they do not feel the need to resort to fraud.

This includes tutor groups, office hours with professors, supplementary exams and a chancellor’s exam if they do not pass.

“Having said that, there is always more to be done.”

- Bettine van Vuuren, Registrar - University of Johannesburg

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.