University of Michigan's 1st social media director resigns after resume inaccuracy revealed

RikiTikiTavi

Mon, Dec 17, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.

I somewhat agree with what zigziggityzoo said. In many fields that are new and growing there is no college program that leads to a base of expertise because there's not yet a good definition of the needs. In such a case one can be very good at the task and yet not have credentials to affirm so. But when a degree is specified as "required", you have to assume that what you claim will be confirmed, maybe not immeidately. I think, uh, misrepresenting the case is down a lot since a very public example cost the journalist a Pulitzer Prize. Gracious of the school to acknowledge that her work was top notch. Appropriate and professional of her to simply resign.

kris

Fri, Dec 14, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.

Wow, what a drama here and on reddit. I wonder if the ex-husband gave her a chance to come clean to the U before publicly exposing her. I wonder why he didn't do it months or even years earlier.

Hemenway

Fri, Dec 14, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.

Can we all agree, and I hope we can, that lying in any form is a shameful act that cannot be tolerated? If the answer no, then we have a problem much larger then this discussion.

huh7891

Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 1:33 a.m.

WDIV reports her ex ratted her out...what is the saying..hell hath no fury like a man scorned...

aarog

Fri, Dec 14, 2012 : 6:42 a.m.

He says he's trying to build a case about her lies including lies about him abusing their child: http://www.reddit.com/r/uofm/comments/14f6ef/um_social_medi Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned...

YpsiGirl4Ever

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:05 p.m.

Oops... Either one has a undergrad degree, or they don't. Wonder how many other folks with the degree, minus the A2 News.com connections, got rejected for the potential job?

einy

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.

I'm guessing there was no reference check for her hire too.

Paul Wiener

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.

There's no need for A2.com to smear this woman's name across the county. Her lie, or lapse in judgment, or mistake, didn't really harm anyone and concerns only her and the U of M. Her firing or resignation by themselves will make her future career search difficult enough. Now she'll have to contend with the public humiliation and shameful record that comes from a small town newspaper's need to make news out of a neighbor's personal mistake. This is supposed to be a supportive community. The story says as much about the U of M as about Ms. Miller, but the UM will never suffer from its poor judgment, as the documentary "Black and Blue," recently shown on TV, has just proven. I suspect that many other jobs., at UM and elsewhere, are staffed by people who are technically "unquaiified," though god knows a college degree doesn't guarantee anyone's competence at anything.

Derek DeVries

Wed, Jan 2, 2013 : 4:26 a.m.

If anyone, a Social Media Director for an elite university should be well aware of 1) how easy it is to uncover deception nowadays and 2) how global news and information are nowadays as a result of social media and the powerful algorithms that recommend content when queried by search engines. A college degree doesn't guarantee competence, but it does show (as an earlier commentor mentioned) one's stamina for completing goals. Moreover, this position in particular required a college degree because it was in service of an institution of higher education. That the applicant thought so little of higher education as to falsify credentials on a resume for such a position speaks volumes.

Paul Wiener

Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 4:38 p.m.

I made my comments after reading hundreds of replies to this sad story from goody-two-shoes like you. Your remarks only prove my point: there's a tremendous amount of vitriol in this small town.

Nicholas Urfe

Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.

She smeared her own name by making her personal brand "Liar". Any humiliation is solely her own doing. As for damage, her actions damage every one of us who conduct ourselves honestly. And the people who got the degree, but were passed over in favor of someone who lied about getting the degree. Her actions damaged the reputation of the university, and put the credentials of all its employees into question. The University now must spend time hiring a non-Liar.

John S Wolter

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 8:36 p.m.

Finding good marketing people who know social networking is a challenge. Too bad that she made a mistake. I'm sure she will find new employment with her talents in demand. Instead the University might have demoted her and set a reduced pay to keep her expertise at hand; apparently not this time. Here are some lists of successful people without degrees, add your own links... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_college_dropout_billionaires http://www.businessinsider.com/the-15-richest-people-without-college-degrees-2010-11?op=1 http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/100-top-entrepreneurs-who-succeeded-without-a-college-degree/ I practice software and systems engineering and I did not _yet_ finish my degree. As a result I'm always being extra careful to cover issues, less my sorted pass becomes the issue. While I have 139 credits with some extra mathematics, physics, and engineering classes, it comes down to a yes or no qualification with many companies. I can say there is a prejudice against those without degrees, even with broad experience. I've seen employees with degrees from far lesser programs than the UM College of Engineering holding significant responsibilities. I've watched them perform poorly but continue in their positions. It is fair however to raise the discussion. The part that is most important are the hiring skills and practices of hiring managers. Do they have not only technical knowledge but can they evaluate candidates with respect to their company's needs? The defensive approach in hiring is choose people who meet agreed company specifications. Cheers

Hemenway

Fri, Dec 14, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.

Henry Kloss, (1929-2002) Audio Engineer

kms

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.

I'm sure U-M could have found a way to retain Miller if they wanted to. By all accounts she's smart, talented and evidently very successful at her job. After all, U-M hardly blinked when 2 football players...Clark and Touissant...committed actual crimes. However, if it was determined that she repeatedly lied in all of her job applications in the 8 years since she supposedly graduated...well, that would indicate a serious lapse in moral character. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up quite successful with her own business someday.

rasquat

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.

also, this is pretty infuriating when there are tons of people with actual college degrees (even multiple degrees! even from UM!) who would LOVE to take this job, who would do a good job, and who, you know, are actually qualified. i'm glad she left...here's to hoping that an honest and qualified person takes her place.

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.

And many of those people with degrees and experience are working at the U as contractors. Trust me, I know this from personal experience.

rasquat

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.

so did AA News and AnnArbor.com think she went to Columbia College, too? also: what does a social media director do exactly?

1959Viking

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.

Was she any good at the job?

rich

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.

At every university it is a requirement that someone in HR verifies degrees before someone is hired....what happened at UM?

JRW

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.

I think this is true at UM only for faculty, not staff.....but that may change now with this higher profile position and the obvious fabrication on the resume.

JRW

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.

In the headline, calling this an "inaccuracy" is not accurate. It was a lie on a resume, folks. Either you have a degree or you don't.

JRW

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.

Problem: If UM had let her stay, then her honestly about anything else could be called into question. Once you lose the trust of those around you, it's hard to be effective in any job. I suspect she cut a deal with UM, admitted culpability, got a good "reference" letter from supervisor Rudgers, and agreed to resign rather than be fired. In her next job interviews, she can fabricate something about leaving the job so soon....bad fit, family issues, etc. She will move on relatively unscathed. She's only 31, and is in "marketing" after all, she will figure out her next moves. Maybe UM learned a lesson here......especially when hiring a very young person for a high level job.....check things out.

kms

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.

Maybe True2Blue76 will hire her...he seems to be a fan

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 6:10 p.m.

Except, her resignation is known to the public and is very embarrassing professionally. Her cool job at UM, regardless of flawless references from people she duped, will cast a shadow over her career. She needs to complete her degree and maybe she can move on. If someone hires her knowing the game she played, I guess she'll be in good company with fellow liars.

JRW

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.

Miller said the misinformation was "an honest mistake." "My intention was never to deceive the university, but I acknowledge that I made a mistake, and I'm very sorry," she said in an email to AnnArbor.com on Tuesday. _______ Help me out here. How do you make a "mistake" on your job application on stating that you have a degree that you in fact do not have? Either you graduated or you didn't. Methinks she figured no one would follow-up, and for a year that worked. So she collected a big salary and learned a lesson. Lying will catch up to you eventually. My question is who spilled the beans? The UM doesn't go around checking on degrees for staff a year into a position. Someone must have triggered the inquiry into whether or not she had the degree..........How did this even come up for this person after so much time had passed since the hiring? Here's a thought: for jobs "requiring" a degree, simply ask the candidates to submit a copy of the degree itself! For online apps, just upload a pdf. Problem solved.

SuperFreckleFace

Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.

Submitting a pdf won't cut it. We had a girl in my office that was close to graduation from U of M. She got a job offer before finishing that last class. She took her boyfriend's diploma (he actually graduated from the same college she was going to graduate from) whited out his name, typed up her name in Word with an Old English Script and Voila, instant diploma. It took our HR department about 6 months to figure it out. U of M said that their Old English Script is different than Word's Old English Script. The job did not require a Bachelor's but because she lied she was fired.

bunnyabbot

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.

Lying on a resume is bad (even if a degree is NOT needed to do your job well) and $100,000 for this position, geez! way too much. and... Sweet Jesus, I read some of the link another poster left. This divorced couple needs to have a judge make them go to some co-parent sessions and need to learn to keep their private crap off the internet.

Alan Goldsmith

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.

"Miller, 31-years-old at the time of her hire, is a former advertising copywriter and journalist with the Ann Arbor News and contributor for AnnArbor.com".

YpsiGirl4Ever

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.

Thanks Kellie. Blame does not belong with you, as your just reporting the story. The blame lies with both U of M and Ann Arbor.com's H.R. Department for failure to verify Miller's degree with a simple background check.

kms

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.

Thanks for the clarification Kellie...I do see your point. For me, though, it is a stretch to think that one would not be aware of failing to graduate. Earning a bachelor's degree is a big deal for friends and family that typically involves attending a ceremony and having a celebratory party. Also, you would get a paper diploma that most folks either frame or make sure is secured along with other important documents like birth certificates and passports.

Kellie Woodhouse

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.

No protection going on here. Miller has told us she made 'a mistake.' When I followed up with her several times on whether or not she knew about her graduation status, my requests went unanswered. That's noted in the article. Although it is a very real possibility, I can't declare that the misinformation is an intentional lie or a mistake, because that would be making assumptions about motive. We've put the information out there and let readers form their own decisions. The university and Jordan haven't given me anything on motive aside from saying it was "a mistake." In fact, when I asked university spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald again today about intentionality, he said he didn't know. "That's a question only Jordan can answer," he said.

kms

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.

Yes and annarbor.com is curiously silent... despite the fact that many have asked...about whether Miller also lied on that application. Even their headline describes Miller's action more benignly as an "inaccuracy" while the Detroit Free Press headline bluntly says "U-M's social media director quits over a lie on resume". Protecting a friend, probably...

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.

A large percentage of us would Never, Ever lie on a resume. But as we spend time in the corporate world, we realize that a lot of people are not constrained by such limitations. A surprising number act solely in their own self interest. It really is a shocker for many of us, especially those from small midwest towns. I was shocked to hear how some of my Umich undergrad classmates cheated to get into business school. One, now a multi-time CEO, has since sold a couple of companies. He is charismatic and oh so charming. People are effusive about him. But he is conniving. I wish I could say that he was a rare exception. Most people have no idea what goes on behind closed doors among C-level executives, and VP's. I wish I could say that people who lie and otherwise compromise themselves to get ahead were more rare. It is more that they are not caught. If any of this shocks you, then you have lived a sheltered life. It's a dirty world. Honor starves.

Hemenway

Fri, Dec 14, 2012 : 3:23 a.m.

I agree with you and I'm not selling out either. Tell the truth and live with that reality. That we see dishonesty in out political leaders, athletes, corporate captains, and clergy make this all the more important. Thanks for your comment.

rasquat

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.

c-level executives are conniving cheaters? ...you don't say...

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.

From many comments we can be certain that this matter of deceptive resumes is crucial. Now all these moralists should be marching on U of M: demanding thorough reviews of EVERY U of M employee resume!! Go H.R. Department! You've got a gigantic job ahead of you. (Will check back with you and your cohorts at AA.com in about a decade.) Oh, while you're at it, we're sure all the resumes of Human Resources personnel will be checked too. Best of luck in 2022. Above is not advocating dishonesty - instead it just highlights the absurdities apparent when people insist on deciding things based on "feelings" in strong preference over facts. Honesty is the best policy - no one's disputing that. But do the people making these statements (assertions) about Ms. Miller's have perfect records of honesty? Let those without sin cast the first stone: applies here. Lets define terms here: (noun) résumé:a short statement of the important details of something. In practice: a résumé is secondary to actual work history in determining "qualifications" or the desirability of the job candidate. The particular point of having a college degree is even open to question when applied to this job. Forcing this situation into a morally absolute corner is just taking the easy way out. But Ms. Miller might better be judged on the matter of tactical response: should she have resigned in the face of this discovery (her mis-stating her possession of a degree)? I think not - rather it would have served everyone better if she'd confessed her deception and pointed to her accomplishments while actually DOING THE JOB she was hired to do. A SMART U of M personnel department might then have shown mercy and thereby gained the position of expecting GRATITUDE from Ms. Miller. Any further dishonesty on her part would have drawn justifiable dismissal. But nooo, instead we have to have this pseudo debate over irrelevancies.

YpsiArbor

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.

If lying is irrelevant, then why do we have any standards at all for jobs? Why list requirements? Open it to a free-for-all, luckiest person gets hired. Sounds supremely professional! Way to build trust and credibility.

DJBudSonic

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:54 p.m.

More evidence that "social media" is mostly B.S. The one exception might be comment sections, which is where a great deal of information can be found, as we have seen.

val i. vanorden

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.

She was hired in Feb. and fired in Dec., it took U of M that long to check her credentials? I'd say she beat the system and has a book due out soon on just how she did it, maybe an appearance on GMA or like program...

RWBill

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.

That is a heck of a salary!

southsiderez

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.

No question a foolish move to falsify a degree, when it is very easy to fact-check. Definitely grounds for termination. That said, between this and the ex's comments on reddit, this is perhaps the most disturbing public flogging I have ever seen anywhere. (I don't know this woman or anyone involved.) And the uninformed comments about "I can tweet for $100K a year!" Social media is a huge, huge deal for organizations in both the public and private sectors, and many higher ups don't have a clue what to do about it. I guarantee you a "social media consultant agency" charges a heck of a lot more. People essentially live their lives in social media these days, as evidenced by this comment post. The irony is that between this site and reddit, social media plays such a strong role in the public flogging of this woman. Anyway, try to have some heart, people. Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah.

LXIX

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.

Sometimes when people are well-connected, professional decisions like the two made by Rudgers are easy to wave through based upon the "trust" of an established elite rather than too careful an examination of the facts. That question of how this could actually happen was raised by others and still not addressed. While this backwords princess' tale could easily be expanded and thus entangle many others including the news, real estate, media business community, etc. perhaps the University will instead just consider cleaning up its own social profile and circle of bffs to avert these little dramas in the future.

dexterreader

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2 p.m.

I, too, wonder how she could not know her college degree status?? Do applicants think this information won't come out eventually? Someone, somewhere is either going to discover it at some point, OR tell on you. Better to just be honest up front. Then again, I've always heard it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. :)

conundrummy

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:38 p.m.

Yes this was a no no . Ok, we have close to 300 comments on this young woman's mistake. You all have had your say, flogging, tar and feathering, jers, whitty comments, snears, some support, but all in all a major public attack for her mistake. I am sure we have all made mistakes that never faced the public scrunity that this is receiving. This needs to stop now and this posting removed. She has heard all of you loud and clear and also lost this job. Please I beg you all to let it go and let her face the consequences that her employer doles out, before all of you saints push this woman, who is a daughter to somebody, to place you may all regret. Merry Christmas.

YpsiGirl4Ever

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:16 p.m.

Ummm.... she made a CHOICE to lie about a degree she'd not received. For those who work hard in college earning good grades to graduate, Miller's actions in a insult.

kms

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.

Do tell, liekko...what do you mean about a concealed part of the story? Between this article and the Reddit thread I can't imagine what would be concealed....but I admit, I'm intrigued..please share!

liekkio

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.

kms, you are almost onto the concealed part of the story with your last paragraph: "Yes she is somebody's daughter".

kms

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3 p.m.

I might have had some sympathy for her if she hadn't made the disingenuous public comments about her actions being "an honest mistake" and that she didn't intend to mislead the university. She deliberately and intentionally lied and if she had admitted as much saying something along the lines of ...I knew I was qualified but feared I wouldn't get an interview so I fudged my resume..etc....well then, I think people would more readily forgive. She had a high-profile, high paying job that she obtained through fraudulent statements at the expense of honest applicants. Yes she is somebody's daughter and I wonder if her parents knew she was lying to obtain lucrative positions. I have four kids and we will definitely be discussing this.

pseudo

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.

This is more than a mistake and it is one of the most common lies told by applicants. As a result, it is one of the easiest things to verify in a background check - (minimal cost to a common website that is used almost universally now). The is a flunk/fail by the University of Michigan. There are some simple questions to ask: are there standardized hiring practices across the university ? Hireing is actually a regulated task given the Federal and state dollars involved. Please explain who this hiring process did not comply with regulations and their requirements? And don't even get me started about paying someone 100K to set up Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Wolf's Bane

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:32 p.m.

A photo is worth a thousand words: http://imgur.com/a/RLn96 Her ex-husband sure does not sound happy.

Goober

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:18 p.m.

An honest mistake? I don't think so.

Bubba43

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:42 a.m.

Liar, liar pants on fire!

Carole

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.

Honest mistake, please. And, I hope she did not resign with a year's salary like many UM employees (higher ones, not the average Joe) gets.

say it plain

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:35 a.m.

OMG, and LOL. This little tidbit brings me such immense pleasure to hear....it's just too funny! The leader of mindless self-promotion via 'managing' facebook and twitter feeds isn't what she seemed/claimed/promoted herself to be?! Say it ain't so! Couldn't be bothered to *actually* finish college, that deeply necessary expenditure that UM and the rest of the college-bubble universe is advertising as the path to great wisdom and growth as a person!? Just too too funny.

utownie

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.

Did anyone check her travel expenses? She oft tweeted from afar -- did anyone travel with her?

kms

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11 a.m.

If I had been her boss, I would be angry for having been so willingly deceived. Miller was supposed to have graduated in 2004, so she has probably been lying on multiple applications for many jobs ever since. And for her to call what she's done "an honest mistake" is even worse in that she's not owning up to what she did. There's nothing honest about deliberately lying on both an application and on a resume. I don't know who would hire her now....it will be pretty difficult to spin this in an interview. Perhaps she would be better off starting her own consulting business.

YpsiGirl4Ever

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:19 p.m.

I would not want her consulting for my company (if I owed one) after this, just saying.

Goober

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.

Who wants to hire a liar and a cheat?

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 7:35 a.m.

From the article, it appears she did a good job and had related experience, so isn't ability to do the job relevant? WHY insert a temptation to lie (like "required degree") in job applications? The real joke here is that a college degree actually speaks to competence in a specific job. What does the job of "media director" actually entail - and did this person do those tasks, have those abilities? I'm all for education but have known several people with degrees who work in high pay prestige positions while being largely incompetent in day to day tasks (like writing coherently). They got the job because they had the degree - and that's about all they had in the way of ability. I also know people without a degree who manage to overcome the "degree required barrier" and get promoted repeatedly until they reach the top position in their field. They got promoted because of their superior ability to do the job - better than others who have degrees. So Ms. Millier is guilty of dishonesty, but how honest is the requirement that a degree is required to do that job?? (Similar to the fiction which insists that a football player must graduate in order to play football for a university like, for example, the University of Michigan.) LOL! Bring this lady back and give her a slap on the wrist (loss of a week's pay). Tell her: don't do that again - and be done with it. :-)

cibachrome

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:12 a.m.

The 'proof of lies' exhibit is just what the husband needs t in court to nullify his ex's claims against him. If you are a proven liar, then ALL your testimoney can be questioned and perhaps stricken. Her statement that it was an 'honest mistake' with be on the lips of every cross-examination attorney Dan hires to clear his name. I wouldn't be the least surprised if this issue was conjured up by Dan's attorney. I'd shout checkmate if I were him. !

Hemenway

Fri, Dec 14, 2012 : 2:36 a.m.

Check, this isnt over...

eze

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:11 a.m.

I don't care whether or not she had a degree but why on earth is the university wasting $100,000 a year on a "social media director"? This is why higher education is so expensive!

LindaJ

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:08 a.m.

When her hiring was first announced in annarbor.com, along with her picture, my reaction was that she looked very unprofessional in her relaxed, leggy pose. What was the paper -- or the U-M -- trying to say about her, or her position (job) through that photo? I was puzzled. And now this! I wish her well; apparently she's talented. I hope she'll recover, regroup, and revise her resumé.

YpsiArbor

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:49 a.m.

It doesn't really matter what people think about the importance of the job, the skills required, how to "use" facebook and twitter, the compensation, or whether or not she was doing the job well. Bottom line, you do not lie on your resume. And I didn't need a college degree to learn that. Miller lied, she lost the job she lied to get. Lesson learned?

theDoorsofPreception

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:01 a.m.

I hope she learned. If she had to repay that 100K salary, I bet she learned. It should stand to show that even without a proper college degree some people are smart enough to do the job that someone who has a degree are paid to do. SO why not pay them slightly less and get the same quality job. This rather than pay someone more money who may or may not do quality work. "Oh I went to college for a while but it wasn't working out finacially or personally but I feel I can do the job very effectively." VS. "Yes, I graduated college, which my parents paid for and I never went to class. I passed my classes, barely, because my girlfriend helped me (we are no longer together). I should be able to do this cause I (my parents) paid a lot of money for my degree."

cibachrome

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:47 a.m.

Watch for her as the next City of Ann Arbor Art Acquisition Czar. Probably will double her former salary, no question that her ethics fits right in, and she can live in Camp Take Notice. I hereby give up the movie rights to this saga.

JRW

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.

Hahahaha I love this. I also can see her as the next A2 Art Acquisition Czar. Maybe by her next application for that job (this month), she'll have her master's degree in art! No degree? No problem!

Ben Connor Barrie

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:20 a.m.

It looks like the anonymous accusations against Ms. Miller were made by her ex husband Dan as part of a heated custody battle: http://www.damnarbor.com/2012/12/the-jordan-miller-story-part-deux.html Also, by his admission, it sounds like she only had an incomplete in one class. I know she still technically didn't get her degree, but it seems like she was doing a fine job. We can all imagine scenarios where we might have walked at graduation and gotten a good job afterward and meant to finish that incomplete but after nobody seemed to care it just seemed pointless.

kms

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.

Geez Ben you gotta be kidding. No... I cannot imagine a scenario whereby I would lie repeatedly on job applications and resumes about a degree I did not earn.

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 8:13 a.m.

@YpsiArbor: it turns out that there is a standard by which such things as this are judged: it's whether or not material damage to the employer resulted from the lie. In this case -quite obviously!-there was no such damage to U of M as a result of Ms. Miller's mis-stating her college education. Rather, it was U of M's use of a faux "requirement" which tempted her to conceal her lack of a (probably irrelevant) college degree. So Mr. Barrie is correct - although it's understandable that many people are deceived into believing in U of M's false employment doctrine. :-)

YpsiArbor

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:31 a.m.

Are you kidding? So lying on your resume is all right as long as it's "close enough"? For one thing, we don't KNOW how far she was from a degree. But what MATTERS here is honesty to your employer. She lied. Big lie, small lie, who is to say? You either got a degree or you did not. It's not murky. When you didn't get a degree, and you say you did, it's a lie. Fireable offense.

a2citizen

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:15 a.m.

The inside story: http://www.reddit.com/r/uofm/comments/14f6ef/um_social_media_director_jordan_miller_lies_on

dexterreader

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.

Thank you for posting this link. It certainly gives a "little bit" more info than the aa.com article.

a2citizen

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.

I certainly hope her ex-husband gets his visitation rights restored. This story came about because of his FOIA.

ILJ

Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 2:58 a.m.

I think in trying to make his ex-wife look bad, he has made himself look worse. If he thought the court was not favorably disposed toward him before, just wait until the next time he steps in front of the judge. This stunt makes him look like the opposite of a mature, responsible, even-tempered person.

Former Employee

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:55 a.m.

You can get fired from your job for lying or distorting or twisting the truth?! Look out Mr. Obama.

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 8:06 a.m.

Yeah, Mr. Obama, you'd better not lie and distort the facts: or you'll end up like Mr. Willard Mitt Romney. (perfect example of a liar and one who relies on party propaganda to advance himself in the eyes of the public). Romney / Palin in 2016!! Eh?? LOL!

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:37 a.m.

What a ridiculous situation! Miss Miller knew she did not have a BA degree and UofM failed to vet someone for such a high profile, high paying new position. It makes me wonder exactly why she got hired in the first place, surely it was her lovely smile. Not! Here I am, working my butt off to obtain my Master's degree in Communication so that I can even be interviewed for a social media director position, and this woman misrepresents her education credentials, and gets hired in a posh job. I'm just flabbergasted and frankly, also disgusted in how my alma mater allowed themselves to be duped into hiring Jordan Miller.

kms

Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.

Trublue: you're certainly going to a lot of trouble making excuses for Miller's behavior. I wonder if you're not a relative of hers or something. It's hard to take you seriously when you describe lying as "cutting through red tape."

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 7:59 a.m.

Be consoled: college degrees are overrated and full of assumptions about ability - which often as not doesn't exist. Also, you're far from being the only one running in the Job Applicant Rat Race which is set up to get the rats racing, by the way. Racing and spending themselves into debt to pay for that not-really-needed "education." Ms. Miller (not "Miss") knew she didn't have a degree - but she also knew that the U of M 'required' a degree (a useless one at that) to get the job. So she took the expedient measure and told them she did have a degree - that's just cutting through red tape, an inconsequential matter because she PROVED she could do that job by doing it well. So there's no net loss for anyone as a result of that lie - the STANDARD by which such things are judged. The "ridiculous situation" you probably mean is that the U of M has requirements which really have no bearing on ability, it's just academic arrogance and pretense on display. :-)

Lewanster

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.

She is a LIAR ! There is no way that she did not know whether she graduated from college or not. And since when does a social media person get paid 100K. No wonder I pay so much to send my son to UM. Heck - I'll take the job...I have a college degree in journalism (and can prove it!) and am really good at social media.

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 7:43 a.m.

RE: "and am really good at social media." -- No, you aren't. You just flunked your course in effective use of social media with this comment. :-)

GetRealA2

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.

Alas, whilst preparing her resume on her iPhone, she was no doubt distracted by trying to simultaneously facebook, tweet, twitter, iPad, iPod, YouTube, text, e-mail, and who knows what else? The iPhone screen was way too small to put in all of her credentials. By the time she got to "college degrees," the fingers of this eminently qualified "social media giant" were, like, totally numb. OMG, give her a break!

JBK

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:18 a.m.

Hire Kellie Woodhouse!:) She has a degree!

Tim Hornton

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.

I have a degree in Feminist Literature Studies, does that make me qualified LOL.

Tim Hornton

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.

Something was not right with this whole story from the beginning but now it makes since since she was an employee with AAnews. I was wondering why the higher education writer even did a personal interview story on this as well not to long ago. Who really cares about a social media job when there are hundreds more important jobs with UM and AAnews never does a story about them let alone two stories... now make that Three. I will give AAnews credit though (something they usually don't deserve) for exposing the truth and admitting Miller was a prior employee with them.

Kyle Mattson

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:33 a.m.

Hi Tim- Our coverage of this position traces back to when the it was first posted in 2011 as it was a notable new role added to the University: http://bit.ly/aadc-umsm11 In the subsequent stories about Miller's hiring we saw notable conversation regarding the position's importance within the University emerge and felt it worthy of a follow-up as the role neared its one-year anniversary. Also, just for reference Ms Miller and Woodhouse were not employed at the same time here at AnnArbor.com.

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:05 a.m.

"Who really cares about a social media job when there are hundreds more important jobs with UM and AAnews never does a story about them let alone two stories... " Apparently the many people who commented on the story thought otherwise. Those other jobs you mention.. Were they subject to termination due to false claims on a resume? No? Do you really not see the difference? Perhaps you missed the many other media cover on this story. Coverage that was published before this piece. In this town it is news when an employee lies on a resume and loses a job at umich.

Nick Danger

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.

If she can do the job let her have it . This women was obviously competent and probaly more so then a lot of people with the over rated deploma.

YpsiArbor

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:34 a.m.

University employees are role models for students. We want them role modeling lying on their resume? Maybe this should be a new course, offered through social media: Lie to Get Hired 101.

aggatt

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:36 a.m.

but lying on her resume says a lot about her character, and that's why she should have been fired, not because she was doing a bad job

LXIX

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:35 a.m.

How Michigan marketeers can save face at the University and then the rest of the planet - one degree at a time. (Oops. Spoiled it for sure. Correction note. Let's make it "one employee" at a time. ) All right now, which one of you comedians stole my backspace key?

APWBD123

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:26 a.m.

While I know my statement is going to go agaist the grain I cannot help but feel that many of us are being rather judgemental, not only in that we don't know the entirity of the situation, but also in that as much as we are quick to jump on others perceived untruthfullness, perhaps we need to look ourselves in the mirror and recognize that we lie all the time, fudge the truth, round the edges, tell half truths,etc. and yet villify when someone does the same. Perhaps she had applied to the University in her final semester of school, assuming by the time she would be interviewed or hired, she would have completed her degree and so just thougt it easiest to include the degree she was sure to get so that she could be employed right after graduation (with student loans who wouldn't be terrified? ) Unfortunetly, maybe she failed her final chemistry class, or needed to take 2 more credits, or couldnt afford her last semester; just a few scenarios. Meanwhile the univeristy is offering a generous salary, in a director level position (based on the information she included in her resume) and so , she simply kept the information to her self and either decided to simply ignore it hoping it wouldn come up, or was planning on reenrolling for the winter semster to finish up her coursework,.... etc. While our first impression is to villify this young lady for her dishonesty, perhaps we might consider our own similar personal failings, and, while certainly not condoing her behavior, would show greater pity and compassion on someone who undoubtably has learned an important lesson. But hey, its way easyier to blame and bully people so lets do that right?....

APWBD123

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.

@ replys - Well, yes. Any way one looks at it she did lie. What I was simply trying to point out is that .... a.) She lied (to get a job she performed very successfully), b.) was found out - c.) resigned in shame d.) was justly or unjustly humiliated on a public forum - f.) Is a single mother who probally needed a decent job, wanted to keep custody of her kid, knew she could perform the responsibliies of the position, and so lied in order to accomplish the former. e.) Everyone lies to protect themselves, their family, their egos, etc. - f.) People should get off their high horses and just keep their comments to themselves. Aparently that maxim we all learned in kindergarten "If you dont have anything nice to say about someone, dont say anything" doesnt apply to adults.

YpsiArbor

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.

Don't make ridiculous excuses. She knew she didn't have a degree. Everyone knows whether or not they have a degree. She lied. Thankfully, she was found out. You don't like consequences, fine. But lies have consequences.

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.

@APWBD123: You forgot one. Perhaps the most probable excuse of all: Maybe the dog ate her diploma.

aggatt

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:37 a.m.

she should have graduated back in 2004, and didn't apply for this job until last year, so I don't think those scenarios work out... she clearly lied.

LA

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.

nope. read her ex-husbands article. http://www.reddit.com/user/citizenthrowawayx

APWBD123

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:27 a.m.

villify someone for doing the same.... sorry

tosviol8or

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.

Overstating credentials is the very essence of marketing. So what's the problem? Seems like that would be indicative of ability, not a disqualifier.

Badge

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.

I wonder did she ask for severence.

tosviol8or

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.

Lying auses you to lose your job? Watch out, Snyder!

Joe

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.

Is a donation to the UM Athletic Department required to apply for this job???

Badge

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:13 a.m.

It was all a mistake. What she really meant was that she likes Colombian Coffee.

walker101

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:13 a.m.

Where's the union when you need them, she could of kept her job or at least found another for more money.

Ron Granger

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.

Oh, the reddit thread with the background on this is verrrry, verrry interesting. The NPR piece also had a lot more detail than the a2.com piece.

Tesla

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:31 a.m.

don't feel sorry for her. She's taken care of very well. :)

LA

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.

actually, I feel sorry for HIM!!! And most of all, their child.

1bit

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:51 a.m.

I agree, Ron. It certainly gives the appearance of someone who would lie to accomplish whatever their end goal may be.

Ron Granger

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:45 a.m.

From the documents I see, she materially lied in this matter. That makes her a liar. I don't see anyone disputing that as fact. So it seems that he is in a custody battle with someone willing to lie about at least one very important thing. Does it lend credibility to his claim that she frequently lies about other serious things? It appears that way to me.

Tesla

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:32 a.m.

He's a vindictive jealous ex who is in a custody battle he is losing.

lynel

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.

Reading her ex-husband's rant makes me feel a bit sorry for her.

Roadman

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.

U-M is at fault for not confirming credentials before her hire. There was a Friend of Court employee from Washtenaw County who was terminated from a previous social work position at a local hospital for misrepresenting on a job application she had an MSW degree. The state board of social work revoked her state license. The misrepresentation was caught by the hospital after she had been hired. In that case the hospital should have verified her claimed MSW before hiring her. The MSW issue was raised during her later testimony in a child custody case. These two embarrassing cases illustrate that human resources departments must use due diligence in verifying credentials before hiring decisions are made.

Wolf's Bane

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:21 p.m.

Yes!

Wolf's Bane

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:57 a.m.

Being dishonest on an application is no good, but I think in this case, it's really a double edged sword; I mean we all know that she would have never been considered for the position if she had been honest, right? This despite doing a stellar job. Now, she is disgraced and all because the University did NOT verify her education. Shame on the U.

Wolf's Bane

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:20 p.m.

One lousy phone call and all if this would have never happened. Think of all the waste.

Laurie Burg

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:21 a.m.

She is disgraced because she LIED and was caught! Yes, the U should have bothered to check her claims. However it is not their fault, nor anyone else's but her own that she is now disgraced.

Michigan Man

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.

I thought U of M had the smartest people in the nation?

Tru2Blu76

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.

You thought correctly! This is as good as it gets. ;-) [Don't expect better.]

5c0++ H4d13y

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.

Someone finked on her, huh?

theDoorsofPreception

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:22 a.m.

is that like Ray Finkle??? "Laces out Dan!!"

lynel

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.

her ex-husband. Involved in a custody suit.

A2comments

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.

She should have been fired before she could quit.

jrigglem

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:32 a.m.

I work at the U, have a bachelor's degree and can't seem to get an interview for a job that pays more than 30k. I can tweet and update statuses...can I have the job?

rosewater

Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.

try HR...there's a few people there that don't even have an undergrad degrees but manage to pull in between 60 to 90K

towncryer

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:21 a.m.

are you a cute blonde, lol? seems that might help.

BC

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:29 a.m.

I know somebody who hadn't "graduated" and thought they had for years. The problem? A $12 late fee at the school library. Luckily they didn't encounter any problems because of it, and has since taken care of it.

oyxclean

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:11 a.m.

This was more than a missed "late fee". She knew that she did not have the required number of classes. Then she lied.

Dog Guy

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.

In 1963 I was admitted to Rackham based on my degrees in applied anachronology from Starfleet Academy. U. of M. might be miffed in 150 years when the SA Registrar's Office opens.

HB11

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.

Did someone at AA.com have an ax to grind with this girl? From the column, I infer that AA.com was the first to find out this information, but to what end?

HB11

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.

Thanks kms!

LA

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:52 a.m.

http://www.reddit.com/user/citizenthrowawayx

kms

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:05 a.m.

she was exposed by her ex-husband who explains the reasons on the Reddit thread referenced in the Michigan Daily article. (hyper-links don't seem to work here so I won't bother)

Nicholas Urfe

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:55 p.m.

How much does umich pay the VP of HR? Fire them.

YpsiArbor

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:41 a.m.

It wasn't HR. It was the unit who hired her. Find out who her boss is, and take it up with them.

Nicholas Urfe

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.

Excuse me - they probably can't be fired. I guess I meant "golden parachute them out".

cibachrome

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:46 p.m.

Ah yes. The Old Art History degree scheme. Certainly a degree worthy of contributing to the the Asian onslaught of superior education practices. So what year was the Mona Lisa painted, Jordan? I'll bet Rick Harrison knows a lot more about art history than she does. Go Tweet that, Twitterites....

ryan

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:44 p.m.

All these people who are saying things like "I know how to use Facebook, pay me 100K!" are total idiots. I'm sure this job is way more than just posting to Facebook or Twitter. It is running the entire communications department for an internationally known university, and I don't know Jordan but I do know that she has an impressive resume and is completely qualified base on what I know about her. I know people in my field of design without college degrees who make very close to that. Sometimes it isn't about having a specific degree. I know people with masters degrees who are completely unemployable. Sometimes it is about skills and chops, which she clearly has. Also, it wasn't like she was performing surgery. There is no state required license to perform marketing.

YpsiArbor

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:44 a.m.

Um... she is nowhere NEAR "running the entire communications department for an internationally known university." She was the social media director. Hopefully you are capable of reading a job description.

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:36 a.m.

She lied about having a BA degree to procure a posh job at an "internationally known university", where people beg to attend and pay $30k a year in tuition to obtain a BA degree.

Angry Moderate

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:18 a.m.

"she has an impressive resume" Gee. I wonder why.

eastA2

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:53 a.m.

The reason UM is internationally acclaimed is because of its professors and its sports. Professors bring in tuition money and grants money (with an overhead of about 50% that directly pays for HR, social media, building and maintenance, etc.). When you start paying all of these administrators more than faculty, you have a problem. A major issue with all of these high paying non-faculty/non-research positions is that they do *not* generate revenue directly. And no I am not a faculty member.....

BobbyJohn

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:21 a.m.

She ia a liar, and therefore not trustworthy.

Elijah Shalis

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:21 a.m.

She lied about a foundational fact and a requirement for the job. She is untrustworthy.

huh7891

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:30 p.m.

Don't they do a background check...reference check..pretty simple...wow! Honest mistake..last I knew you get a copy of your degree and transcripts to support degree earned..has it changed since 20 some yrs ago?

PersonX

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:25 p.m.

How can the UM justify paying someone with a BA (supposedly), who is supposed to twit or whatever, more that any incoming regular junior faculty member with a PhD? Such things seem typical of the present administration ... Ye-gads, she worked for this blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Fate

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:22 p.m.

"Fake it, until you make it." Or until someone finds out you faked it. She should go back, finish those credits and get her bacherlor's degree. She seems more than competent but that little paper degree is going to be a stumbling block until she gets it.

YpsiArbor

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:45 a.m.

Seems like LYING will be a stumbling block until she "gets it."

towncryer

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:24 a.m.

Ironically, I think "google search" may be her new stumbling block for the future.

Steven Murphy

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.

I am an unemployed janitor and somewhere I've got a GED certificate out there. And for what it's worth, someone once told me that I have a nice personality. I know those aren't the most substantial credentials in the world, but if you'd give me the job I'd be willing to do it for $40,000-per-year. Thanks in advance for your consideration!

music to my ear

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:14 p.m.

soooooo ms Rudgers did not do her homework my word.

Ypsi Eastsider

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.

Did Miller also give Ann Arbor News or AnnArbor.com an inaccurate resume or application when she applied for a job?

theDoorsofPreception

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:54 a.m.

dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnnn! (sound of impending doom)

David

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:33 p.m.

excellent question!!!

transplant

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.

Hey, I work at UM and have a degree! I'll take the job for $70,000 and promise I'll be stellar.

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:32 a.m.

Hey transplant, if you're blonde and have a great smile, I think you should apply for the job now! Good luck. LOL!

Nicholas Urfe

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:54 p.m.

Post your photo and we'll judge whether you have the right image for a marketing job. You'll need to be very cute.

MichU

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:42 p.m.

...or a related field in making up stuff. Is that how it is?

zeeba

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.

If you create a frivolous position, you have to expect that you'll get frivolous applicants. That should be obvious.

David

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:32 p.m.

the smoking gun http://imgur.com/a/RLn96

oyxclean

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.

Thanks David. Wow, ugly stuff.

ryan

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.

Why is the word YES written in all capital letters and part of the line above it is missing? Cool Photoshop work bro.

DNB

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.

Wow, it's still posted there. What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.

David

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:36 p.m.

oyxclean: Its still there. try this: http://www.reddit.com/user/citizenthrowawayx

oyxclean

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.

Looks like it was removed.

aajeff

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:19 p.m.

Smoking gun is right! Wonder if it was the UM that did the check back in August that you uncovered? If so, she stayed employed until now? Maybe more to this. Regardless......she lied, pure and simple.

jen777

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:29 p.m.

it is not about the degree but the lying on the application. i am aware of twoother employees let go for the same reason

hmsp

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:06 a.m.

Lot of ex Google employees working for Twoother now...

Unusual Suspect

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.

I don't see why a college degree is required to use Twitter or Facebook.

Craig Lounsbury

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.

I agree with others who find it hard to believe she didn't know she graduated. I went to Eastern Michigan, Mesa Community College and Arizona State between 1970 and 1973. There is no confusion in my head that I did NOT graduate. It is a bit ironic that her position existed in part through the work of 3 rather famous college drop outs....Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Not sure if those twitter guys graduated either.

hmsp

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:05 a.m.

"There is no confusion in my head that I did NOT graduate." Dude, you're a better man than I... IIRC...

Jim Mulchay

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:12 p.m.

I wonder who is in charge of "Human Resources"? One might have expected them to have checked the applicant's resumes.

capersdaddy

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.

jordan: you should continue in social media, you got/did the job and former boss' published/public "stellar" recommendation - you also have tremendous scrutiny and attention right now - use the publicity wisely, and i could see you having success as a consultant or start your own biz, and in a few years, the U will hire you back at four times the pay. good luck. and seriously, no more un-truths, and play nicely with others, that reddit user had it in for you, what happened to upset someone so? that would be good to figure out, then keep calm and carry on.

Some Guy in 734

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:45 p.m.

Four times the salary? That's dean-level.

Elijah Shalis

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:07 p.m.

I have a BA and actually graduated. Can I have the 100k job? I know how to use twitter and facebook lol

Bogie

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:05 p.m.

Great HR department you have their, U of M.

theDoorsofPreception

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:20 a.m.

"there"

kms

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.

The whistleblower's documents posted on Reddit clearly show a deliberate deception....a 'YES" marked next to "degree obtained." I would imagine future employment will be difficult for Miller..no degree and this high-profile incident. Clearly she could do the job but the deception certainly casts doubts as to her character.

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:29 a.m.

Yup. Future potential employers will Google her name and this saga will pop up front and center. Then it will be up to them to decide to hire a person who lied about her education to get a job. And that stuff written at Reddit... dang... this is Days of Our Lives territory. How is she going to explain that to on her next interview?

nickcarraweigh

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.

If we needed it, yet more proof universities do not actually educate anymore. They provide credentials. And since universities nearly universally lie about what they actually charge for these credentials, an estimate of about $125,000 for the various fees, levies, emoluments, and immantizing the escatcholns seems to be the going rate for such credentialing from UM.

JBK

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:52 p.m.

Her Linkedin account does notlist Columbia as her school: Jordan Miller Director of Social Media at University of Michigan Location Greater Detroit Area Industry Marketing and Advertising Previous Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Organic, AnnArbor.com Education Art History at American University of Paris Here is her Linkedin profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanbmiller

Emily

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.

More importantly, her profile picture is her blowing up a balloon. Not a great professional image, unless you're a birthday clown. *shudder*

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:39 p.m.

Any comments from former editors at the university? You know you talked to the guy who did the hiring at The Ann Arbor News (Rick Fitzgerald). Banks from outside of Ann Arbor think Rick Fitzgerald has always worked for the University of Michigan.

MyOpinion

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:39 p.m.

Maybe she needed a degree in social media; yes, that is now a college major bit.ly/VRVrrW

Former Employee

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.

I use to work in that department, and let's just say there were lose rules. One person in a management position actually claimed unworked overtime hours - for YEARS. Hardly put in 30 hours per week on average actually. Everybody knew it, but couldn't do anything for fear of losing their job. Some actually reported it. But nothing was ever done - only ignored. Great use of public tax dollars.

UtrespassM

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 6:17 a.m.

The "Except" employee does not collect overtime pay.

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:25 a.m.

Why does this info not surprise me?

Jayzoh

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.

The fault lies on both sides. It would seem that the hiring committee was not doing a thorough job of checking her credentials before making the hire. Was there perhaps a short cut made for her due to some other factor that is not being made public? I sense someone is feeling privately guilty about this. To the commenter who suggests she should pay the U back, bah. Because the university allowed her to get the job, she should not have to repay her already earned income. What a preposterous suggestion!

BobbyJohn

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:17 a.m.

She was paid under false pretenses since she did not meet the qualifications of her job. She should pay back any costs associated with finding a replacement.

Scott

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:33 p.m.

"It was an honest mistake". This lady will go far. i suggest politician or CEO as possible career goals. Chances are you couldn't swing a dead cat around your place of work these days without hitting a few pathological liars.

Unusual Suspect

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.

Sonny, are you implying she hasn't paid her taxes?

SonnyDog09

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:17 a.m.

I'm expecting to see that she has been nominated for BHO's cabinet any day now.

Brandon M.

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.

An unfortunate turn of events, but the goal of where the Social Media Department shouldn't be hindered by this. A lot of great initiatives were started in the past year and hopefully will continue. The UM students account is great and while not everyone might get "it" but social media is the way the world is heading. While people on the outside might not see a true "value" of the position and importance of a vibrant social media identity, it is important for the University of Michigan. It provides an outlet and space for students, as well as the different schools under the Michigan name to express themselves. As someone who works with social media for my workplace, you cannot underestimate the importance of creating a community through it.

Jayzoh

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.

The fact that the job paid so well is not a factor in this case, and should not be pegged to the matter of college degree. There are in fact wildly successful full time profs with no college degree, but they have earned their credibility in other ways and were honest with the university. What's more, successful business owners can earn millions a year with less than a high school degree, but with street smarts, audacity,embracing of risk taking, and a sense of adventure. It is not clear why the position of UM Director of Social Media should require any degree whatsoever. I may be wrong, but it would not appear to be like an academic or advisory position requiring scholarship where scholarship is necessary. It does not require a college degree to adhere to social media guidelines. Obviously, from her stellar performance at this job, she was not lacking in skills, ability or knowledge. However, as this is a university position, the requirement of a college degree is a baseline formality. It demonstrates personal stamina, achievement, integrity etc. In this case, it is her honesty that is now scrutiny, following her shadowy statement of Friday, even though she has now resigned. I feel bad for her, for she is obviously smart, talented, motivated, effective, a socially high functioning person and perfect for such a job, but a flaw has spoiled it. It is the ME flaw, that of secretly being above the rules and getting away with it. And now with this flaw and blot on her record, she may be weeded out on future job applications. She will have much higher hurdles to jump through to reestablish her credibility. What a pity she did this to herself; what a waste of talent!

ThinkingOne

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:20 a.m.

Right on point, Jayzoh. Excellent post.

a2why

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.

Of course its clear why UofM would require a degree for a Director position... Not having that requirement flies in the face of the entire notion of paying an enormous tuition to get a diploma (which UofM just happens to sell).

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.

Interview caption: UofM HR manager-"I see you attended "x" college. Did you receive your bachelors degree?" Applicant-"I, uh, don't believe in labels and, uh...why would I want to put myself in a box like that?"

JBK

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:25 p.m.

Not sure about the rest of you, but I clearly knew when I graduated from WSU with my BS and EMU with my MS. How can someone make a mistake like that? NOT.

Free Radical Scavenger

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.

I don't care if she lied. Jordan Miller is awesome.

towncryer

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:33 a.m.

So she should get a high salary because she smiles "purdy"? It's becoming clearer why this little fact-check was overlooked.

PineyWoodsGuy

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.

Roger on that! The lady definitely has a $100K smile! No doubt about it, she will land on her feet somewhere, maybe at a higher salary . . .

Ypsi Russell

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.

That's the point everybody before you has overlooked. She'll land on her feet ok.

capersdaddy

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:29 p.m.

i wonder if you know her, or were just trying to rack up the highest negative voter score - in this context, you're swimming upstream.

Jaime

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.

An honest mistake? Really? Someone should know whether or not they graduated from college. An why didn't the University verify the credentials of someone who is going to be in that position?

Kellie Woodhouse

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.

Readers: U-M spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald just told me that the school plans to fill the social media director position again in the future. He also told me that no disciplinary action was taken against Jordan Miller prior to her resignation.

UtrespassM

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:57 a.m.

Can you get a copy of her resume and the job application form? Why was no disciplinary action taken? She didn't lie? or UM only fire the honest employee who was not willing to cheat.

BobbyJohn

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:15 a.m.

There is now the extra expense and effort for finding a replacement for Social Media director. She should be charged the cost. Take it out of any leftover comp daus, vacation days or sick days in her account and sue for the rest.

smokeblwr

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:06 p.m.

Did I say I'm not a doctor?

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.

Lot of people go to college for 8 years....they're called doctors.

smokeblwr

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:22 p.m.

I can tweet and text and could use the bitcoins associated with this position. I even graduated from college after 8 years of trying!

Audion Man

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.

What a typical boondoggle. There were many people, probably in place that could have done this job. But they had to go with some overhyped person from the outside- and look what you get. Empty hype and an embarrassing oversight! Our tech gadflies FAIL us again!

ThinkingOne

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:16 a.m.

I truly don't understand the use of 'us'. How exactly were 'we' failed? They didn't follow through on the graduation verification. But the employee did a good job and when the non-graduation came up, the employee is now gone. I just don't get how you seem to be taking this so personally on behalf of all of 'us'. Things happen; then you move on.

Andy

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.

My boyfriend works with some comm types at one of the schools and they always have some crazy stories about what goes on centrally.

Andy

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.

UM OVPComm has a fetish for hiring outside people. Some people seem to really like shiny objects. They don't appear to value UM experience, and so we end up with a thick layer of under qualified and overpaid senior management with no institutional knowledge and a suspicion of experienced staff.

a2why

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.

Does this mean Ann Arbor News/AA.com don't do background checks either? By the way, I find it somewhat amusing that the online ads on my view of this story is showing advertising for online bachelor degrees.

oldguy

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.

Hard to imagine not knowing if you graduated or not. Bad girl.

northside

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.

In the online world you can be whoever you want to be. She's perfect for the job!

hmsp

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.

Dude, I don't know if I graduated or not. I kinda think I didn't. But that was the early 70s, and a lot was unclear...

smokeblwr

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.

America's Greatest Generation....

elganned

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.

What the devil does a 'Social Meida Director" do, anyway? Is that like a Social Director on a cruise ship?

Kellie Woodhouse

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.

Here's a Q and A I conducted with her in November: http://www.annarbor.com/news/jordan-miller-university-of-michigan-social-media/

Ben Freed

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.

Brings back memories of George O'Leary at Notre Dame http://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/15/sports/notre-dame-coach-resigns-after-5-days-and-a-few-lies.html?pagewanted=all

Lifetime AA ND Fan

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.

He was our last undefeated coach!

Andy

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.

Weird, I thought Ms. Rudger's title was U-M Vice President for Intergalactic Communications... my bad.

Technojunkie

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.

She had to be fired because they can't let it be known that an expensive university degree isn't required in order to be capable of performing at a high-paying job.

aggatt

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:55 a.m.

no, they said she performed her job well. She had to resign because they would have fired her for lying on her resume. Fabricating something like that really shows you her true character.

eastA2

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.

What is more scandalous to me is that someone w/o a bachelor's can be earning 100K, which is more than most assistant or even associate professors earn. This is an academic institution (teaching and research oriented) - since when do these types of position garner such a high wage...? Don't you think they could find 2 people at 50K each, and who could do almost 2x the amount of this type of work?

eastA2

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:33 p.m.

I just wonder about the role of social media at an academic institution like UM. It is important for communications, of course. However, does it really improve UM's "brand" or people's view of UM as a quality academic institution? I see a blurring between approaches/attitudes that work in a business setting and those that are useful in an academic setting. I don't see that the two always have the same needs or culture....

Blue Marker

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.

@smokeblwr, Too soon.

LuvAA

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.

You'd be surprised at what some companies are investing in people to promote their image through social media. They are becoming common positions in the last year or so that I've noticed, or they are carving a position out within the marketing department to handle social media. In the past, employees were discouraged from using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Now, it's encouraged to have a profile for businesses and employees. Who has the time and money to keep up with it all? Hence, the social media director is born!

smokeblwr

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.

At least they don't have to be in a union anymore...amirite?

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.

I woudl assume for a salary that high, UofM would require a masters degree of some sort.

Eep

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.

Every single plumber, electrician, carpenter, and painter employed by the university earns more than many assistant professors, and more than almost all lecturers, instructors, and adjuncts in the arts and humanities.

Lizzy Alfs

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.

I think some people are right that inaccuracies/lies on resumes probably happen more often than we think. Don't forget the Yahoo CEO earlier this year! In case anyone is interested, here are 7 other execs: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2523-yahoo-ceo-resume.html

Elizabeth

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 5:04 a.m.

In Ms Miller's defense, many of these people completely fabricated stories. It is unclear on the reddit page if she was the one that entered that information about her degree into the Michigan database. She did create a resume that was misleading, but it appears as though she was truly enrolled at some point in the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism program at Columbia College. That puts her at least a little bit of a moral step above people that fabricate jobs and education that were never even remotely true.

1bit

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:40 a.m.

Lizzy, you are forgetting the infamous Jayson Blair at the New York Times. http://tinyurl.com/cf3zbbz

dancinginmysoul

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:18 a.m.

Sorry about all the errors there. My smartphone failed me.

dancinginmysoul

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:26 p.m.

I can clearly remember in both my undergraduate AND graduate school to make my CV "sexy." Never lie, but puff yourself up. Embellish if you will. There's a pretty big difference between graduating or not graduating, so it's hard to see this as a "simple misunderstanding.". U of M is Top rated academic institution. To not verify the degree of a new hire is so lunacy. Especially when this verification occurs for other positions and was a posted requirement for the position. If Yahoo doesn't verify the background of its CEO, it's bad form but that's really it. Yahoo is a business. It's hard to say if Yahoo-as a business- has the same long reaching impact as an Institution like U of M. Yes the U is a business, but it's business is educating thousands of people, not to mention contributions to medicine and law as well as research in hundreds of fields. Respect for respect. It's embarrassing really, especially when you realize a simple phone call could have avoided this situation entirely.

Kellie Woodhouse

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.

This has definitely been a discussion in the newsroom. I agree Lizzy, and thanks for the link.

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.

But me me and you, just normal Jack and Diane, we don't put a college on our resume under the context/pretext that we were awarded a degree when in actuality, we were not. Now, that being said, I've had my present college listed on my resume while I was still attending, however, I noted an anticipated graduation date with it as well. I think most of us don't fabricate/lie on our resumes, but it probably happens for a certain percentage of the population more than we think.

dancinginmysoul

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.

So the U created a position at $100,000 a year and never verified the new hire's background? And people are worried the 3 survival choppers are a waste of money? Hell my 10 year old daughter would be happy to do this job for $50 a week and a kit kat.

oyxclean

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.

No kidding. I could see this as a $50,000/year job at most. Experienced nurses at the U only make $80,000.

dancinginmysoul

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:05 p.m.

Sorry I meant Copters.

Bonsai

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.

twix

Nicholas Urfe

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.

This shows four important and amusing things: 1. The "need" for a degree was a farce - she could do the job without a degree. But the University is in the business of expensive degrees, and nothing must undermine the illusion of their importance. 2. Don't lie on your resume 3. Terrible due diligence 4. The honor code does not apply to the working world, even at umich It also raises the ugly question of how many other dishonest umich employees were hired over honest candidates. Not just degrees, but grade inflation.

SEC Fan

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:13 a.m.

uh...I understand 1 through 3, but how to you extrapolate #4 from this?

A2ron

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.

Seems odd that Miller would think working for a respected university at six figures annually would not require a BA. Wish there was somewhere she could have checked that... Oh yeah, Job Requirements on the posting.

Sarah

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.

https://www.michigandaily.com/news/12social-media-director-resigns-amid-allegations11 http://www.reddit.com/r/uofm/comments/14f6ef/um_social_media_director_jordan_miller_lies_on http://imgur.com/a/RLn96

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:17 a.m.

Wow! I feel like eating popcorn while reading that. Looks like the Ex did the job that U of M completely failed to do.

chubbybunny

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:05 a.m.

The courts page really shows a lot of stuff on her police run-ins. Wow.

kms

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.

The Reddit thread has a statement by Miller's ex-husband stating the reasons he exposed her. Interesting, if not rather sad...

smokeblwr

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.

https://secure.courts.michigan.gov/jis/

Ben Connor Barrie

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.

The Redditor who posted the documents said this: "Some people will probably think I'm a vindictive jerk for doing this but there is more at stake here than just her job and my reputation. I take no pleasure in this at all but I had no choice. Let's just say I don't appreciate people lying about me in court and filing false police reports. What you see here is just the tip of the iceberg." Intriguing no? Anyone know how to find those police reports/court documents?

smokeblwr

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.

Wow! Pretty sweet stuff. I wonder what the reddit poster meant by "being screwed over by this woman". Sounded like this started with some interoffice politics and hath ended in a public de-pantsing (metaphorically). Ah, the irony of the Social Media directory being taken down by social media itself!

MDavid

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.

Agree the position is overpaid and that misrepresentation of ones education might speak to ones character. However, at some point one would think real world experience would trump a bachelors degree in marketing, communications, or journalism that was granted 10 years ago, especially in light of the positive comments made by the UM Global Communications VP.

Jojo B

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.

Experience DOES trump a BA (IMO), but lying trumps experience. Thinking back to the 90s, it wasn't the BJ that got Bill Clinton in trouble, it was lying about it.

smokeblwr

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:36 p.m.

So, knowing how to use Facebook and Twitter requires a college degree? Maybe she did it for #tehLULZ #LOL #YOLO

dancinginmysoul

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.

You win the Internet.

A A Resident

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.

"I appreciate all the talent and insight Jordan Miller brought to elevating the university's social space," Rudgers said in a statement Tuesday. "Her work has been stellar, and she has established a solid foundation from which to build and grow." So did she do a good job or a bad job? Was her major failing that her degree situation didn't support the notion that a university degree equals smarts and competence, which U of M might want to promote for financial reasons?

theDoorsofPreception

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:41 a.m.

A A Resisdent, I suggest you look up the definition of the word integrity. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/integrity?s=t

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:49 a.m.

A2 Resident, the lady lied about her education credentials. You can get fired for that. She has no integrity.

A A Resident

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.

Do you have any personal knowledge that she left because of fraud? Or was she run out of town because she wasn't the ideal "poster child" for needing a degree, which the University happens to sell?

aareader

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.

A condition of virtually all employment is do not lie on your application. If you do ... you are history. Fraud is fraud.

Ariel

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.

This is very unfortunate since it sounds like Jordan did great work while employed, but the basic requirement for this position was a Bachelor's Degree. How do you not know if you graduated from college?

justwonderingY

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:56 p.m.

There are a few things you KNOW about ones life. Like if we graduated college, if we gave birth, if we ran a marathon. There are distinctions along the way: I was one credit short of graduating....or perhaps the popular "I walked but I have to finish my senior thesis." There is this thing you are sent when you complete requirements for graduation...it's called a diploma. If you didn't get one....it matters not that you walked, or had your name in the program. You didn't complete the requirements for graduation. It's just that simple. Now -- whether or not she is talented, doing a great job - that's a different story. UM doesn't have a policy to dismiss administrative staff for lying on their UM application. I'm wondering why they didn't stand behind her and say "this is a deeply troubling matter and we are working with Jordan to resolve the situation."

Kellie Woodhouse

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.

Unfortunately I am not certain, which is why I am careful to note the letter is a current practice.

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.

So no personal responsbility on Miller to keep track of which classes she needs to take to graduate? Did UofM ask for a copy of her Diploma or transcipt from her college? Sorry, if I'm going to drop $100k/yr on an employee, if the requirements call for a college degree, proof will be procured.

SuperiorMother

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.

But Kellie, was that the practice 8 years ago?

Kellie Woodhouse

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:09 p.m.

Under current practices Columbia College sends letters to students who don't meet graduation requirements, I was told.

LuvAA

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.

"I appreciate all the talent and insight Jordan Miller brought to elevating the university's social space," Rudgers said in a statement Tuesday. "Her work has been stellar, and she has established a solid foundation from which to build and grow." If her work was "stellar" and the department was happy, why did they not do anything to retain her, even if it's in another position? Sometimes, experience can outweigh the piece of paper of a degree. As for not having graduated, what about giving her time to finish (unless there's more to the story)?. Sounds like someone else is after her job possibly with that call to the hotline.

mady

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.

luvaa, I agree but I will doubtless get buried under an avalanche of "no votes" from all the armchair judges here. bring it on anyway!

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.

Miller declined to say whether she knew her graduation status. That's the CYA way of saying I lied. "If" she lied, then UofM, in wanting to maintain it's stellar integrity, can terminate her regardless of her executing her job responsibilities and exceeding them. Period. And if it is someone else's way of getting after a job, it still shows malfesance on UofM's part for not confirming someone met the qualifications required to be offered a job.

GoNavy

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.

Not graduating from college is not a "resume inaccuracy." It's a lie.

simone66

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:46 a.m.

You got that right GoNavy, and "Honest mistake" is PR-ish Communication/Marketing crap talk for 'I got busted'!

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.

"Miller has declined to say whether or not she was aware of her graduation status. She has also declined to say how many credits shy of graduation she is." So she attended a college and just waited for the school to send her a congratulatory email saying "Hey, you've completed enough credit hours to attend commencement next month"? She either knew and she lied on the resume or literally is ignorant about her collegiate status and lied on the resume anyway. She got paid $100k/year and didn't even have a bachelors degree. Shame on UofM for not doing due dilegence for a position that pays that much. Let's see 5yrs experience, actual bachelors & masters degree....maybe I'll check their job board. If they pay someone w/o a degree that much........

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.

@Blue-you are correct. I meant in a related field (under the Marketing umbrella)

Blue Marker

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.

It's hard to have 5 years of experience in that job. Social Media is still an infant.

zigziggityzoo

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.

So her work had been stellar... Requiring a college degree is a sort of measuring stick to derive whether a candidate will be good at a job. Once they've proven they're good at the job, does it even matter anymore? Yes, I get that lying is bad, if the deception was intentional. But if it was not intentional...

mady

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.

Zig, for what it's worth, I agree with you. if her work was stellar and she proved herself in the workplace, the degree is just a piece of paper....bring on the haters....

zigziggityzoo

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:24 a.m.

Say I put that I attended University X studying Y from 2000 to 2004 on my resume, but do not list a degree. All of this is 100% true. Now say you read that resume and interpret that to mean that I earned a 4-year degree in study Y from University X. Is that my fault that you misinterpreted that, or is it yours?

jen777

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:26 p.m.

hard to believe saying you have a degree you do not have is an oversight. applicants sign a statement that what is in application is true. she is let go for not telling the truth

zigziggityzoo

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:52 p.m.

@aareader In most cases? In more than half of cases the degree is not even in the field in which one practices. And again, this is the "measuring stick" aspect of the degree. Once you have proven yourself, the value of that measuring stick is overshadowed by actual successes in the field of choice.

theDoorsofPreception

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.

I agree with you Napalm. Look at Petraeus, he didn't do anything millions haven't done (including FDR, among other presidents) but its the bigger picture. If you can't be trusted to submit an honest resume, why should we trust what your tweeting about UofM? I wish I could graduate now! One more semester :-(

aareader

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.

In most cases the degree is a measure that you have training in the skills and goal attainment expected to help one be successful. A degree is also a "ticket" to be considered for the position. In all cases lying or misrepresenting yourself is a strong indicator you may be not trustworthy in meeting your responsibilities. When so many others do play by the rules they will be the better choice.

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.

Let your yes be yes and your no be no.

Napalm.Morning

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.

For some of us honesty still matters--its called standards. If you are proven to be dishonest in one fairly important facet of your life whose to say where your ethical compass will spin next? BTW I, for one, actually KNOW if I graduated.

Elaine F. Owsley

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.

This comes as close to a really silly B movie plot as one can get. Does she have to return her salary, having received it under false pretenses?

Eep

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.

Unfortunately (depending on your perspective), the answer to that question is "no." She was hired to do certain work at a certain salary, and as far as we know she did the work. The University could potentially sue her for any actual damages they sustained as a result of her alleged fraud, but those damages wouldn't be related to her salary - they could be nothing, an amount lower than her salary, or even an amount higher than her salary. The chances of this actually happening are approximately zero.

EyeHeartA2

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.

So, lets see here: 1. No diploma 2. No name on the graduation program 3. No credit audit. 4. No transcript ending with degree earned Yep, I sure this blindsided her as much as the university. I am quite sure it was indeed an "honest mistake". Yep, that's it.

EyeHeartA2

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:08 a.m.

^^^Not sure what your point is, but of course there are nurses without degrees, it isn't required. There are not any doctors without degrees, since by definition a doctor has an advanced degree, so it isn't possible.

UtrespassM

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:45 a.m.

Are there any doctors, nurses without any degree and licence?

Napalm.Morning

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.

Honest mistake? . . so she knows she lied, or is that a kinder gentler politically correct version of "I blatantly lied to my employer". . .

EyeHeartA2

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 3:11 a.m.

Ding, Ding, Ding. We have a winner!

ddjames

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.

This is probably more common then we are aware at all levels and in all career areas.

Kellie Woodhouse

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.

Yes, that seems to be a common thought among readers. I was disappointed when U-M told me they don't track discoveries of inaccurate employment applications. Let me know if you can think of another way to request this data. My email is kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com.

sellers

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.

I bet it does. While at university or college education is very useful, it's not the only method to success and is not a free pass to success. I work with a host of folks who are great contributors and hold no formal degree, and have come to know many who hold many formal degrees and struggle to provide the value one would desire. Companies need to be more careful on stating degree is a filter, as it breads people to misrepresent to get past filters. Let's set people up for success, not failure. To that end - you need to be responsible for misrepresenting data. I didn't see her resume/CV so I can't judge myself, but I have seen some that suggest a degree but don't have one. Be careful.

Napalm.Morning

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.

Well if she had been a "community organizer" that would qualify her for. . .oh, nevermind. Gotta know yer audience. . .

EyeHeartA2

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.

"Fitzgerald said the school's compliance hotline was first notified of the potential inaccuracy on Miller's application on Thursday night." "Miller, 31-years-old at the time of her hire, is a former advertising copywriter and journalist with the Ann Arbor News and contributor for AnnArbor.com." Interesting history. Wonder who called the hotline?

kms

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:38 p.m.

it was her ex-husband. Check the link in the Michigan Daily for the thread on Reddit.

Gorc

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:06 p.m.

Did Ann Arbor.com have an axe to grind?

djm12652

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.

Wonder who did a check into her history?

Jammers02

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.

Hire Lindsay Blackwell!!!!

A2comments

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.

She was overpaid for the role, and U of M was very negligent in this area.

Thaddeus

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.

I think the better analogy is that the vast majority of UofM staff are grossly UNDER-paid. Like at other employers, most people so much so that anyone who is making six-figures appears over-paid. If wages had kept with the times, $100K/ znnually would be a rather low wage....

oyxclean

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:02 p.m.

I know professors that don't make nearly that much :/

John Tuttle

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.

I would hereby like to throw my hat in the ring to fill this newly vacated position. I can guarantee I graduated college :)

StopCrying

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:37 p.m.

Mark farted?

redwingshero

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.

UofM does not have the now vacated position posted for external applicants as of today.

arborani

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.

Tsk, tsk.

UtrespassM

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 7:30 a.m.

I am so sorry for her son.

University of Michigan's 1st social media director resigns after resume inaccuracy revealed

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