Four academics stood down by a Melbourne university for allegedly forcing students to buy unauthorised e-books to pass subjects was a "breach of trust", the student union says.
RMIT University says the academics, from the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, have been stood down with pay pending an investigation.
AAP understands that students in some business subjects had to complete mandatory online assessments via the e-book company website in order to pass.
"Forcing students to pay for any reading that isn't authorised under the curriculum is a breach of the trust between student and teacher," National Union of Students President Sophie Johnston told AAP.
"If it's for the staff members' personal gain (then) that is a serious abuse of power."
RMIT University would not confirm if the e-book tests were a compulsory part of students' curriculum, but said they were against policy.
"The alleged unauthorised sale of e-books in order to do online quizzes appears to go against University policy," the statement to AAP said.
"While academics are encouraged to publish and promote their work, materials and assessments must comply with university governance arrangements."
The university says students taught by the academics will not be impacted and classes will run as usual.
"Student wellbeing and the integrity of our programs are absolute priorities."
The RMIT University student union and the National Tertiary Education Union have been approached for comment.
