Underground study ring busted

Posted on 03/25/08
Written by Chris Battaglia

(The Eyeopener) - Ryerson security officials have busted what they say is one of the largest and most sophisticated underground study rings in the history of the university. The announcement came at a press conference Monday, following a raid of the study ring's main headquarters, where investigators found study material related to over 10 different classes with a street value of more than 10,000 grade points.

"This is a proud day for Ryerson," said Herbert Kalanov, head of Ryerson security's special investigative unit, "we hope this will send a strong message to students: studying will not be tolerated here."

Among the contraband uncovered by the bust were essay writing tip sheets, summary notes for numerous political science textbooks, science problems with answers and explanations, expanded derivations of complex math formulas, and a copy of The Ted Rogers Guide to Becoming Ted Rogers by Ted Rogers.

Patricia Camembert, VP of academic misconduct who was responsible for investigating the bust, called underground studying an "epidemic that is plaguing Ryerson's classrooms." While she considers the bust a success, she stressed that this is only the tip of the iceberg.

"Underground studying is a serious problem. It usually starts innocently enough with someone passing around notes at a tutoring session. That's what we call a gateway study aid. Before you know it, you're dealing chemical engineering midterm tip-sheets in order to get your next English lit. book summary fix. It's a vicious cycle of addiction." According to Camembert, the consequences of this addiction are far-reaching and highly destructive.

"You'll never want to go out and drink your face off with your friends because you'll be too busy studying," she said, "and your marks will be so high all the time, people will barely recognize you… Most studiers end up alienating those who matter most in their lives just to score that extra grade point. It's madness."

A student implicated in the study ring bust simply had this to say, "all I wanted was an 'A' so that my mom would let me go out with my girlfriend on Saturday nights. And then things just spiralled out of control."

At the end of the press conference, Kalanov issued a plea to the student body, urging anyone with information on underground studying to come forward. "The only way we can put an end to all of this is with your help," he said, "If you have a friend or classmate you think might be involved in studying, or study-related activities, please report them to Ryerson security immediately. It's for their own good.