<p>I attend a small college where the class sizes range from 8-15 students. In all my classes, on every test, the same group of students have been cheating and not getting caught. They cheat by cell phones, leaving class, or just looking at study guides during the test. I haven't cheated and don't intent to. But I want someone at the school to know whats going on so some changes can be made. Is it okay to talk to a professor I know well about it? I'm not planning on giving any names, I just want the tests to be fair. Any suggestions on what I should say and the reaction I can expect? PLEASE HELP! Thank you!</p>
<p>If I were you I would do this anonymously. I would type a letter and place it in a sealed envelope and put it in the professor's mailbox/under his door. In the letter I would name no names, but I would describe in exact detail how this group of people had been cheating and how many there were. I would suggest to the professor that he/she wait for the next test before catching the whole group in the act. I would say that the reason I'm doing this anonymously is because I don't want this to become a credibility issue where its my word vs theirs and nothing gets done. I'd also explain why I was doing this so it doesn't seem like a prank.
I would then say that if he/she wants me to do anything in relation to this he'd better get evidence first and after say something in class for me to meet him.
This is all assuming you want to do this, I'm sure many people will try to dissuade you but I'd point out this group of people have been cheating on every test and have done extensive planning. They don't deserve the benefit of the doubt. Imagine if these people become doctors, lawyers, engineers, construction workers, accountants, etc. Would you want somebody who was frequently a cheater in a small college class working in a professional setting with/for you? Who knows what damage they could do.
Also, be careful to keep your identity secret if you can, for your own sake.</p>
<p>I'd definitely let the professor know, either through a fairly simple email or through an anonymous note. Depending on the situation and my relationship with the professor, I might also try an email along the lines of "What would you want us to do if an academically dishonest situation arose?" or like you said, talking to another professor for advice.</p>
<p>If you leave an anonymous note, try not to surround it with too much mystery (i.e. don't go to crazy extremes to maintain your anonymity and be vague...keep it simple). Otherwise, at least in my mind, it just comes off as a bit dramatic.</p>
<p>But I think this is definitely something that should be brought to the professor's attention. Just try not to let yourself sound tattle-taley, because you'll lose credibility. But definitely, definitely address this. Good for you for recognizing that need in the first place.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for your great advice! I will definitely say something!</p>
<p>I would do longdaysahead's suggestion including names, dates, exact actions documented in the letter, preferably in a nice chart. Catching them in the act would be perfect.</p>
<p>It would be motivated by my own grade. (they're screwing up the curve making it in their favor at my expense~ but I can cause them to get an F on the test shifting it in my favor at their expense~ SCORE! :) )</p>
<p>^ Sweet revenge :P</p>
<p>you guys swear like you never cheated before</p>
<p>get off the high horse and acknowledge the fact you have flaws also</p>
<p>the jealousy is obvious</p>
<p>there's a difference between cheating once or twice in your life and cheating consistently.</p>
<p>Sounds like you're the one on the high horse to me.</p>
<p>i don't think one could have made it to college by "cheating consistently"</p>
<p>I certainly know someone who's GPA was boosted from cheating. He still would have gone to college, but maybe not such a good one.</p>