3. To verify academic transcripts, ask the person concerned to sign a statement giving you permission to contact the relevant university, to confirm that he or she has completed the courses listed. 4. Contact the relevant university for information about written verification of academic transcripts. There are eleven universities in New South Wales that issue degrees. Each university has systems in place to enable quick and easy verification of all academic documents issued under its name. Contact NSW universities through the telephone numbers listed on the back of this pamphlet. For further information about the higher education institutions that are recognised in New South Wales, and those that are not recognised, visit our website:
NSW UNIVERSITIES
Contact the Registrar or Student Records Officer: Australian Catholic University 61 2 9701 4022 Charles Sturt University 61 2 6338 4803 Macquarie University 61 2 9850 7354 Southern Cross University 61 2 6620 3213 University of New England 61 2 6773 2394 University of New South Wales 61 2 9385 3103 University of Newcastle 61 2 4921 2055 University of Sydney 61 2 9351 4109 University of Technology, Sydney 61 2 9514 1222 University of Western Sydney 61 2 4570 1476 University of Wollongong 61 2 4221 3927 [There may be a modest charge by universities to cover the cost of verifying academic transcripts.]
WWW.DET.NSW.EDU.AU/ ABOUTUS/HIGHEREDU/
Our community has a clear interest in ensuring that the qualifications claimed by applicants for professional, business and public service roles are genuine. Following the simple procedures outlined in this pamphlet will help stamp out the use of fake degrees.
IS THAT DEGREE GENUINE?
there is a growing trade worldwide in counterfeit university degree certificates and academic transcripts showing courses completed. australia is not immune – a study last year found that ‘fake’ degrees purportedly from reputable universities, including universities in new south wales, were readily available online from more than 40 different sources.
The growth of the worldwide web and increasingly sophisticated desktop publishing techniques mean that it is becoming all too easy to make and market authentic looking documents. These can be indistinguishable from the real thing – right down to the university crest, student identification number and signatures. For employers and professional bodies, the dangers of false documents are obvious. In some situations, it could mean that someone without proper qualifications gains a job, a position of trust or responsibility, or professional accreditation. For New South Wales universities, the cost is potential damage to their strong national and international reputations. For people caught manufacturing or using fake degrees, the penalty could be a prison sentence if prosecuted under the NSW Crimes Act 1900.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you are an employer, a little time and effort spent checking at an early stage will help to protect your investment in your business. If you are a professional registration or licensing body, or a person who selects staff, you have a responsibility to verify the authenticity of any qualifications presented to you. You can protect yourself and your organisation from unnecessary risk or damage by following these simple guidelines: 1. Never accept photocopies of academic qualifications or transcripts – insist on seeing the originals. 2. Telephone or check the website of the university concerned – most universities will confirm over the phone whether an individual is a graduate of their institution and some list graduates on their website.