University police are investigating claims that a 23-year old student, not currently enrolled at Ball State, has deceived the university by claiming disabilities, receiving in return money and accommodations.
Robert Fey, assistant chief of police, said the student is being investigated under the violations of deception and forgery. The student claimed to have cancer and deafness.
University police have not released further information about the student other than that she is enrolled in the Teachers College.
In claiming such disabilities the student received not only special accommodations but also monetary support. Fey declined to comment on the amount of money the student received and said the investigation has not yet concluded.
"A representative from the dean of students' office shared that a student may have perpetrated a deception against Ball State and other individuals with in the university community," Fey said of the case.
"The substance of the allegation is that the suspect falsely claimed severe medical illness and may have falsified medical documents," he said.
Fey also declined to comment on what types of accommodations the student might have received.
Richard Harris, director of Ball State's disability services, said a student with cancer typically receives elevator keys, more accessible parking and priority class scheduling.
Harris said students with cancer often receive letters from the disability services office so that professors can be made aware of students' conditions which in turn may excuse medical-related absences.
He said hearing impaired students might have note takers, who are student employees, offered to such students.
After working with the disability services program for 30 years, Harris said his feelings regarding Ball State police's investigation of this student are much like everyone else's.
"My personal feelings would be very similarly to that of 99 out of 100 people walking down the street," Harris said. "If someone would do such a thing for monetary or any other gain I would have a very low opinion of that."
Harris said his office deals with more than 500 students, which makes it nearly impossible to run thorough background checks on students' claims.
"What we are doing now with verification forms is very specific," he said. "We were one of the first schools to go to that approach six or seven years ago. Previous to that it was whatever came on letterhead or prescription note pads from doctors."
"Even if we had the time and staff I don't think we would do a background check," Harris said. "Often we do return materials that have been improperly filled out. At some point we have to accept that what comes from physicians is correct. We generally make a very very good effort to make sure that it has been properly prepared."
Fey said the case could be sent to prosecutors within 30 to 60 days, once the investigation is complete
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