Resume Fraud: Punish or Forgive?

Resume fraud is grounds for termination, but should that always be the punishment? The case of the highly regarded dean of admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology presents a case study for the consideration of that question.

The dean had worked at M.I.T. for 30 years before it was discovered that she had regularly represented herself as having degrees from three universities when, in fact, she had one degree from yet another university. Over her three-decade tenure with M.I.T., she had become well-known in college admissions circles. She was also well-respected by M.I.T. applicants and their parents.

Three years after she resigned from M.I.T. once her misrepresentations came to light, she’s making a comeback as a consultant on what she knows best: college admissions. Although she’s consulted with a few colleges and universities and been approached to be a dean of admissions again, she’s decided against that course of action.

She consults for parents and students and is on a mission to take the increasing stress out of the college admissions process. She doesn’t design strategies to get students into college but helps parents support their children through this tension-filled process.

Now back to the initial question. Learning of misrepresentations made by a key employee is disappointing — maybe to the point of being an unforgivable offense. But when this comes to light three decades after exemplary service, it’s important, yet perhaps more difficult, for the punishment to fit the indiscretion. The initial shock and damage done may be too much to allow the employee to stay with some type of lesser discipline imposed. At the time, looking down the road three years is difficult to do.

There’s no right or wrong answer to the question. It just deserves thoughtful consideration, not a one-size-fits-all result.

1. 

   Carol Cummings says:

   December 8, 2009 at 9:33 pm

   Marilee Jones is a consumate three decade-long liar.

   Ever since she was caught (only because of a tip-off) she has steadfastly refused to discuss her fraud (‘I’ve put that behind me,” she said this week). Well we haven’t Ms Jones!

   Jones got her MIT job 30 years ago in part because she lied on her application by saying she had degrees from three universities.

   How many people applied for that position but had only (say) one degree, and so missed out to her? That’s what makes it so wrong now that Jones is being allowed to re-enter the academic consulting industry.

   There can no forgiveness for Jones whilst she refuses to admit her fraud and wrongdoing in a meaningful way.
2. 

   John Phillips says:

   December 8, 2009 at 11:23 pm

   Carol,

   Thanks for your comment. I, of course, have no personal knowledge of this situation. Based on your allegations, it sounds like you perhaps do.

   One problem with resume fraud (and this goes for other transgressions as well) is that if you forgive one employee, you may set a precedent that will bite you later on. That said, 30 years is a long time to wait to discipline (terminate) someone for resume fraud, particularly if it’s true that she had done a good job during the 30-year period. Admittedly, you can’t discipline someone for something you don’t know anything about. It still seems to me that, in theory, this is a case example of why this sort of thing should be handled on a case by case basis. I’m not saying that M.I.T. didn’t handle it properly. It’s just a reminder that there are some close calls that need careful consideration before being made. Whenever there’s a close call, not everyone will agree with the decision made.

   Your opinion may be right, but I’m a believer in second chances, even when a person doesn’t come as clean as one might like.

   Thanks for your input.

   John
3. 

   Jamie Mac says:

   December 11, 2009 at 6:48 pm

   I think Carol is way out of bounds. Did Carol never lie one time in her 20s? And once you make that mistake, in this case, you can’t go back.

   The only reason this is even news is *BECAUSE* Marilee was such a great dean. If this happened to any other person, it wouldn’t be news.

   Her talent and good work are undeniable, and 30 years of amazing work trumps one mistake made back in the 70s. If she wasn’t good, she never would have been promoted anyway. Did you ever think about that?

   If Carol wants to hold grudges over people that never affected her, it really shows Carol has a cold stone for a heart, and is probably a nasty person in real life, unforgiving to every other human she encounters.

   Besides Carol, what good admissions advice can you give? Let me guess: none. So I’d take Marilee’s advice over yours any day. ANY DAY.

   It’s unfortunate that you are such a sad, mean-spirited, and unforgiving soul, Carol.
4. 

   John Phillips says:

   December 11, 2009 at 11:11 pm

   Jamie,

   I’ll let your and Carol fight it out. As I’ve indicated, I have no personal knowledge of the situation. I was just trying to make a point based on the New York Times article.

   Thanks for your comment.