Summary of Academic Integrity Procedures

All members of the University community share the responsibility for maintaining an environment of academic integrity since academic dishonesty is a threat to the University. Acts of academic dishonesty include: a) unauthorized assistance on an examination; b) falsification or invention of data; c) unauthorized collaboration on an academic exercise; d) plagiarism; e) misappropriation of resource materials; f) any unauthorized access of an instructor's files or computer account; or g) any other serious violation of academic integrity as established by the instructor.

It is the responsibility of the instructor to determine whether a violation has occurred. An act of academic dishonesty may be either a serious violation or, if unintentional or a non-serious violation of course rules, an infraction. If the instructor determines that an infraction or serious violation has occurred, the instructor can impose penalties that may include: a) reduction in grade; b) withdrawal from the course; c) a requirement that all or part of the course be retaken; and d) a requirement that additional work be undertaken in connection with the course or exercise. A written summary of the investigation and penalties will be prepared by the instructor, and a copy will be given to the affected student or students. If the instructor determines that a serious violation has occurred, or if the student or students affected wish to appeal the determination of infraction, a hearing committee will be activated by the dean of the school and be composed of the associate dean, a faculty member and student of the school involved, and two faculty from other schools.

The hearing committee reviews the written record, and consults separately with the instructor and the accused student or students. If the hearing committee determines that a serious violation has occurred, it also will determine sanctions to be applied which may include: a) expulsion from the University; b) suspension from the University; c) a letter of censure; and d) imposition of a period of probation. If the hearing committee determines that no serious violation or infraction has occurred, it will request the instructor to take action consistent with that determination. If the hearing committee determines that expulsion is the appropriate sanction, or in the event of two dissenting votes on the committee, the student or students adversely affected by the decision may appeal to the Provost.

 

 

Disciplinary Action in Forgery Cases

Any case of forgery regarding registration will be referred by the Registrar to the Office of Student Affairs, where the following actions will be taken:

1. The student will be officially placed on disciplinary probation for one full semester.
2. A copy of a disciplinary letter will inform the Registrar that the student will be required to go through the next registration at thirty (30) credit hours below his/her actual standing. For second semester seniors, twenty-five (25) hours of community service will be required before graduation.