AFA Cadets Accused Of Cheating On Calculus Exam

The Air Force Academy announced Wednesday that up to 78 cadets used unauthorized resources during an online Mathematics 142 (Calculus) Fundamental Skills Exam (FSE). According to Academy officials, the cadets independently accessed a web math website that was authorized for use on homework, but not for the exam.

The Academy says that each cadet acted on his or her own. Mathematics 142 is a freshman calculus course.

Most of the cadets have taken full responsibility for their actions, and as a result have begun an intensive, individualized six month remediation program. During this program, they will participate in reflection, journaling, and mentoring with senior officers and cadet honor representatives.

“Penalties for cadets can range from honor probation to disenrollment, and that process is being worked through the Cadet Honor Code,” said Lt. Col. John Bryan, Academy Director of Public Affairs. “Cadet Honor Representatives along with USAFA staff are fully engaged to determine who potentially had an unfair advantage in taking the basic FSE test. The fact that many of these cadets owned up to their mistakes tells us our process in developing these leaders of character is working.”