SCC instructor suspended following investigation | News

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Southeastern Community College suspended a part-time instructor after an investigation revealed he had given students study guides with similar questions to a state exam.

Jonathan Smith was suspended on July 17, according to information released by the school. On July 16, SCC released a statement saying they were "satisfied with the results of the investigation, which states that the instructor did not know the material compromised the state examination."

In a letter to Smith and others at SCC dated July 6, the Department of Health and Human Services said it was a serious matter, but determined that no action would be taken against the instructor.

Jim Jones, with the Dept. of Health and Human Services, said the department is working on an agreement with students that they feel is best for all parties involved. He said SCC is willing to offer all students effected by the investigation a total of 16 hours of instruction at no cost, instead of retaking the state test. The class would be taught by an instructor approved by the college.

Once the college provides verification that the students have completed the course work, they will be reinstated to the same EMS classification they had prior to the test issue. While the deal is not finalized, the state and SCC are hoping to start classes as soon as Sunday.

SCC spokesperson Justin Smith said the instructor was placed on unpaid suspension until the school receives a final determination from the Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Smith has been a part-time instructor for the college since 2009 and this is the first time he has been suspended from the school.

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