On Fabricating Academic Credentials

　　News reports about fabricating academic credentials recently have triggered hot discussion among the public. In particular, such celebrities as managers, stars and writers who are found fraudulent in their educational backgrounds have posed such negative influence that  some people concern credit crisis may occur in employment market. We realize the urgency of finding out the hidden reasons in igniting such an “epidemic” as well as the cures.

　　On one hand, the huge benefits brought by academic credentials lore some people to cheat. With the progress of society, greater importance has been attached to knowledge and to academic credentials. A lot of successful high-flyers with good educational backgrounds set examples. As a Chinese old saying goes, “books lead you to golden houses”. Gradually, a belief is formed that the higher academic qualifications you earn, the more successful you will be. Though we never deny the first priority of education and knowledge, excessive attention on academic credentials will have adverse effects to some extend. For example, while most people work hard to pursue higher degrees, some choice to fabricate their academic qualifications in order to enjoy better positions, fame and respects but without efforts.

　　On the other hand, inadequate supervision is an important factor. First, we have to admit that there are weak links in the academic supervision system. Dishonest people may take the advantages of loopholes in law and regulations. Second, corrupt inspectors may trade their power for money by helping those notable persons cheat on educational backgrounds. Third, relatively mild penalties contribute to the growth of cases of fraudulent academic qualifications.

　　Of course, there are other reasons such as advanced pirate technology, ect.

　　To ensure fair competition in job market and redress the wrong tendency of cheating, we must take measures to cure the “epidemic” of fabricating academic credentials. As far as I’m concerned, the most important part is to perfect supervision mechanism. First of all, improve relevant law and regulations, so that academic qualifications can be granted, examined and withdrew in accordance with law and regulations. Then strength should be intensified in inspecting both inspectors themselves and those suspicious of cheating on educational backgrounds. Last, in the principle of punishment fitting the crime, offenders should be strictly punished as a warning to others. In addition, paying more attention on people’s development in an all-round way is conducive to break the employment pattern ruled by diploma.

　　In a word, book is the ladder to human progress, while fabricating academic credentials is the trap in the path to success.

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