An investigation into cheating among students at Auburn’s Harrison School of Pharmacy is underway, the university said Thursday.

“Once we became aware of an issue within a contained group of students, we acted in accordance with university and school policy and took immediate action to investigate and take all appropriate steps," Harrison School of Pharmacy Dean Richard Hansen said in a statement to AL.com. "We hold academic integrity very seriously and are working diligently to address the situation as quickly as possible.”

Auburn could not immediately be reached about how many pharmacy students are suspected of cheating or what cheating methods were used.

Hansen reportedly sent out an email to faculty and staff at the school saying the school learned last week that there may be “widespread cheating” among first- through third-year pharmacy school students, according to a copy of the email obtained by WRBL. The dean went on to say that he “offered leniency” to students who come forward and urged staff not to discuss the potential cheating with students.

“This is a very delicate issue so please do not address this with your student or mentees,” Hansen wrote. “If you would like any more information you may contact me directly. If any students approach you about the investigation please refer them to me or [Associate Dean for Academic Programs] Dr. [Paul] Jungnickel.”