Investigation reveals over 200 misclassified Flagler students

Historic City News has learned from a report released today that the investigation conducted by Melissa Nelson, of the McGuire-Woods law firm in Jacksonville, reveals that score tampering at Flagler College in St. Augustine went back at least six more years than originally reported.

The 33 page investigative report was commissioned by the Flagler College Board of Trustees after former Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marc Williar, resigned his position; admitting to “upgrading test scores” of incoming students. The investigation revealed hundreds of students were misclassified, with some failing their classes at Flagler because altered grades placed them in programs too advanced for their skills.

“It is difficult because, obviously, people want to talk about what happened, why it happened and how it could have been prevented,” said Flagler College President, William Abare.

Williar took responsibility for changing and misreporting SAT and ACT test scores, high school grade point averages, and high school class ranks of entering freshman, beginning in fall 2010. But the newly released report shows the alteration of school scores dates back to 2004. The investigation found a staffer did question missing records in July of 2013, but was told by an office administrator, “No further time should be devoted to the issue.”

“All of this can be attributed to one individual,” said Abare. “And one individual doesn’t define who we are as an institution.”

The main recommendation that came out of the report deals with how the college will handle data going forward. They’ll have more than one set of eyes looking at the information. And the list of needed changes include limited security access to student record information, and safe harbors for confidential reporting of misconduct.

In one televised report, it was learned that of the 223 students who were misplaced due to the grade altering, one third failed classes. Abare says the students who failed will be given the option of expunging the course from their academic record.