Goce Delchev University in Shtip suspends two staff and revokes access to student records
UGD in Shtip suspended two employees and blocked their access to the electronic student records while police probe alleged manipulation of e-indexes.
The rectorate of Goce Delchev University (UGD) in Shtip has suspended the positions of two employees who are under criminal proceedings and revoked their system and administrative privileges in the electronic student records system, the university said.
Details of the allegations and seized items
The police are prosecuting the head of the electronic index and an archive adviser from the university on suspicion of computer fraud and abuse of official position. Investigators allege that, in exchange for varying sums of money and over an extended period, the head of the electronic index registered exams for students from Turkey after the legal deadline, allowed exams after the registration system had closed, deleted grades and credits in e-indexes so students could enrol in a new semester or academic year, and entered records indicating that those students had paid the required tuition.
During a search of the suspect's home, authorities seized three laptops, four phones, USB sticks, documentation, and money.
The rectorate said the checks concern a limited number of cases connected to student enrollment procedures and assured that student dossiers and records outside those cases have not been affected. All data suspected of having been entered illegitimately by the employees are part of the ongoing investigation and will be processed appropriately after its completion by the competent authorities.
The university added that the electronic system contains digital mechanisms and logs that record all interventions, which makes it possible to determine any individual responsibility for the changes.
UGD announced full cooperation with the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Shtip and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and said it will not provide further comments while proceedings continue. The university also invited students, professors and staff to report any suspicions of abuse of office freely and anonymously, noting that information on reporting corruption in higher education is published on the university's website.
Photo: press material from the event
