Goce Delčev University–Štip suspends two employees after grade‑manipulation probe
UGD suspended employment and removed system access for two employees while the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Štip investigates alleged manipulation of grades; both were ordered eight days' detention on November 4.
Goce Delčev University–Štip (UGD) has placed the employment of two staff members on hold and revoked their access to the university electronic system after the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Štip launched proceedings for abuse of office and computer fraud.
The two employees are suspected of manipulating exam points and grades and of registering semesters for students who had not met the required conditions.
UGD said that, in accordance with legal provisions, the positions of the two employees were immediately suspended and all system and administrative privileges in the electronic student records system were removed. The university added that the measure will remain in force until the case is fully clarified.
Protection of records and technical controls
"Protection of records: The check is focused on a limited number of cases related to student enrollment procedures; in this context we want to assure the public that student files and the students' records outside these cases are not affected. Any data possibly illegitimately entered by the suspected persons are subject to the investigation and will be appropriately processed after the investigation by the competent authorities is completed. System control: We inform the public that the UGD electronic system contains sophisticated digital mechanisms and logs that record all interventions and make it possible to locate any individual responsibility," the university said.
UGD also stated that it remains in full and open cooperation with the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Interior until the matter is finally resolved, and that it will not provide comments on the ongoing procedure while it continues.
The university urged students, faculty and staff to report any suspicions of misuse of official position freely and anonymously. UGD said it has published detailed information on how to report corruption in higher education on its website. Both employees were ordered an eight-day detention measure on November 4.
Photo: press material from the event
