Two Former ENMU Students Investigated for Computer Abuse
By: Press Release
Issue date: 3/1/10 Section: News
PORTALES--On Jan. 20 the Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) Police Department initiated a criminal investigation of two students who had amended their student information and grades in the ENMU database. Acting independently, the students appropriated log-in and password information from employees authorized to enter grades. The two students have been dismissed from the university.
According to ENMU Police Chief Brad Mauldin, this investigation has resulted in the arrest of one student for "Computer Abuse," a 4th degree felony under New Mexico Law. Charges for the other student are pending, but it is anticipated that this student will also be charged with "Computer Abuse." Possible additional charges related to a financial loss to the University due to the student receiving financial aid grants for which their actual grades did not qualify them.
Steven Gamble, ENMU president, said, "I would like to stress to all students and employees that incidents of this nature will be vigorously pursued criminally and administratively."
Chief Mauldin stated, "It is a 4th degree felony for any person without authorization to alter, destroy, amend, or falsely enter any information into databases owned and maintained by ENMU. Furthermore, if this act results in a financial loss then the penalties for such activity can be greater with additional charges being sought."
According to Crystal Creekmore, registrar, ENMU is requiring a higher level of password security. All locks to the registrar's doors have been changed and staff in records and registrar will change their passwords multiple times each semester before and during the grading process. Grades will be processed and reviewed at least twice a day during midterms and finals. The review will capture any unauthorized grade entries or changes and should make any irregular grade activity immediately apparent. Grades must now be changed manually by the registrar. As part of the new process, the registrar will query the database to determine any irregular time gaps between grades entered and grades finalized. If there are gaps, the registrar will contact the instructor to verify the grade for that student.
According to ENMU Police Chief Brad Mauldin, this investigation has resulted in the arrest of one student for "Computer Abuse," a 4th degree felony under New Mexico Law. Charges for the other student are pending, but it is anticipated that this student will also be charged with "Computer Abuse." Possible additional charges related to a financial loss to the University due to the student receiving financial aid grants for which their actual grades did not qualify them.
Steven Gamble, ENMU president, said, "I would like to stress to all students and employees that incidents of this nature will be vigorously pursued criminally and administratively."
Chief Mauldin stated, "It is a 4th degree felony for any person without authorization to alter, destroy, amend, or falsely enter any information into databases owned and maintained by ENMU. Furthermore, if this act results in a financial loss then the penalties for such activity can be greater with additional charges being sought."
According to Crystal Creekmore, registrar, ENMU is requiring a higher level of password security. All locks to the registrar's doors have been changed and staff in records and registrar will change their passwords multiple times each semester before and during the grading process. Grades will be processed and reviewed at least twice a day during midterms and finals. The review will capture any unauthorized grade entries or changes and should make any irregular grade activity immediately apparent. Grades must now be changed manually by the registrar. As part of the new process, the registrar will query the database to determine any irregular time gaps between grades entered and grades finalized. If there are gaps, the registrar will contact the instructor to verify the grade for that student.