Public Relations Are Taking A Huge Hit As Debate Lingers

Ryerson University Student Chris Avenir has a Facebook page that he used with his fellow classmates to share notes, and ideas during study for a college technology class. His instructor discovered the site, and gave Mr. Avenir a failing grade.

Toronto- If you have listened to the news recently you have likely heard of the case:

Ryerson University Student Chris Avenir has a Facebook page that he used with his fellow classmates to share notes, and ideas during study for a college technology class. His instructor discovered the site, and gave Mr. Avenir a failing grade.

Further, his professor hauled Chris Avenir before a University Academic Board, and charged him with Academic misconduct. Initially Chris Avenir was found guilty, and expelled. Then, Avenir appealed the decision before a Ryerson Faculty committee and their decision is pending.

If it were just that simple, it would be no problem. But the backlash and negative publicity that the university has been suffering has been considerable. Notable authorities on both sides of the issue, both in the technology world and the Academic world have been lining up, with opinions flying fast and thick.

On one side, say the supporters of Mr. Avenir, it is just like being in class. Its merely technology, right? And it is merely a method of sharing notes, similar to a meeting in the library to study, and everyone knows that method of studying is allowed, right?

On the other side, are the academic purists. This is cheating they say, information available to anyone, and it amounts to academic dishonesty. Students should not be able to post messages and course material, including answers to study questions, on the Internet, or host such web pages, according to the purists.

No matter which side you come down on, one this is certain. Ryerson University at large is taking a lot of heat, and should Mr. Avenir be expelled then they are likely to take a lot more negative PR before the issue is through.

Should the committee who is debating Chris Avenir’s fate decide on expulsion, then he has one last avenue: an appeal to the Ryerson Faculty Senate Committee. This would be his last stand, however, and it is one that would finally settle the matter once and for all.