UI Spokeswoman: Law School Data Prompts ‘Vigilant’ Investigation

A University of Illinois spokeswoman says an investigation into College of Law profile data is an example of a new climate on the Urbana campus.

The assistant dean of admissions in the college has been placed on administrative leave concerning median test scores and grade point averages point averages that had been exaggerated for the class of 2014.

U of I spokeswoman Robin Kaler said the new climate established by the Board of Trustees and new administrators will distance the university from the 2009 admissions scandal.

"Any organization this large--there are going to be things that happen," she said. "There are going to be mistakes made, there are going to be bad judgments, that sort of thing. I think what sets us apart is how it's been handled. And that's really what's most important for the university, and the integrity of the U of I."

The Daily Illini and News Gazette are both reporting that the admissions dean who was placed on leave is Paul Pless. Kaler wouldn't confirm that information, but would say that assistant dean for academic affairs John Columbo has taken over those duties.

The university's ethics office received a tip last month and the reported inaccuracies were discovered Friday.