Police probe doesn’t disrupt students’ day-to-day routine
Any Mesa Community College student who regularly checks their e-mail is likely to have read Chancellor Rufus Glasper’s pledge to all students, saying high standards of education would not be compromised despite the ongoing money scandal across Maricopa Community College campuses.
Informed students, though, are doubtful considering the gravity of the charges being brought against key school officials, including MCC President Larry Christiansen. Some are concerned the ongoing scandal will affect them in one way another.
“The biggest concern we have had from students is that they are afraid their tuition money has been used,” said ASMCC President Faiana Prescott.
A big part of the problem is confusion. While students did receive a letter assuring them all was well on the district’s educational front, the letter did little to inform students on what the administration is trying to do to clear up the ongoing investigation.
“Surprisingly, we have not had a lot of students asking us questions about the scandal or voicing concerns,” Prescott said.
Lack of student feedback, though, is based on the fact that many students are unaware of what is exactly going on across the Maricopa Community College system. Few know that the president of their school is under investigation for his part in the money scandal.
Chris Chesrown, district spokeswoman, said, “It makes it difficult to answer questions when all the information is in their hands.” Chesrown added that they don’t have any records, and that they cannot provide records to reporters.
In fact, during the Legend’s ongoing attempt to interview students about their thoughts of the events, many had no real knowledge of what was going on, despite the fact that the campus was covered with police officers during the first couple days of school.
Some administrators feel the sheriff’s investigation has not been clear cut enough for them to be able to explain what is going on to students.
“It seemed like the deputies were here just taking stuff and didn’t really know what they were taking,” said Capt. Lynn Bray, acting head of campus security.
Despite confusion, leaders of student clubs on campus encourage students to ask questions.
“We will always talk to anyone who has questions,” said Prescott, “and we urge students to inform themselves.”“Learning goes on each and every day, in every classroom, that has not been disrupted, and is illustrated by student and faculty contributions to the school,” Chesrown said.
Volume
44, Issue 9. Today is
Davy Berrey/Mesa Legend
Larry
Christiansen
MCC President
Actions under his leadership are under investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Of-fice and County Attorney Andrew Thomas.
Rufus Glasper
District
Chancellor
Requests an external third party investigation and has created an internal policy review panel.
Pinny Sheoran
Executive Director,
Business and
Industry Institute
Placed on paid administrative leave by Glasper pending the results of the Sheriff’s Office investigation.