Misrepresentation of academic credentials – Penalty

(a) A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing, that the person: (1) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education; (2) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or (3) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education. (b) Misrepresentation of academic credentials is a Class A misdemeanor. (c) Each institution of the University of Tennessee system and the state university and community college system shall include in any catalog, on the institution’s website and in any contract for employment in a position requiring academic credentials a warning that the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. The warning shall define the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials.