Academic misconduct includes all acts of dishonesty in any academically related matter and any knowing or intentional help or attempt to help another student commit an act of academic dishonesty. The University takes all reported incidences of academic misconduct seriously and seeks to ensure that they are dealt with efficiently and appropriately.
Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty. It consists of knowingly presenting in writing or in speech the intellectual or creative work of others as if it were one’s own. This includes:
- Failing to identify direct or word-for-word quotations by use of appropriate symbols and reference to the source.
- Restating in your own words the work (ideas, conclusions, words) of another without reference to the source.
- Presenting as your own the creative work (for instance, music or photographs) of another without proper acknowledgment.
Besides plagiarism, other forms of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:
- Submitting the same work in two or more courses without significant modifications or expansion and without the approval of the instructors involved.
- Submitting purchased, borrowed, copied or specially commissioned work as if it were one’s own.
- Knowingly permitting others to submit your work under their names.
- Copying the work of others during an examination or other academic exercise.
- Knowingly allowing others to copy your work during an examination or other academic exercise.
- Using “cheat sheets” or any other unauthorized form of assistance during an exam, quiz or other academic exercise.
- Manipulating or fabricating data to support erroneous conclusions.
- Allowing the use of another student’s identification or log in credentials to complete an academic requirement, including Arts and Lecture Events.
NOTE: AUTHORIZED HELP is encouraged and includes:
- Attendance at help sessions.
- Tutoring received with your instructor’s knowledge (responsible tutoring does not provide answers to specific assignments but focuses on general principles, concepts, rules and information, as well as on skills development).
- Work with Academic Resource Center and Tutoring Center staff done with the knowledge of your instructor.
The effect of cheating within a community is to destroy the environment of honesty and trust on which the community depends. A dishonest performance diminishes the achievement of those who have worked hard and demonstrated real mastery of a subject. For this reason, you are encouraged to confront peers who violate the standard of honesty by any form of cheating or plagiarism and, if necessary, to report their behavior to an appropriate authority (instructor, director or authorized university agency or body). No one but you can know if you should take the kind of action just described.
Sanctions:
Stage 0 - In a case of unintentional or doubtful plagiarism where the student does not receive an “F” in the assignment, the student receives an oral or written warning from the faculty member. No further communication or reporting is necessary.
Stage 1 - In a case of unintentional or doubtful plagiarism, the student receives a written warning from the faculty member. Whether the student receives an “F” for the assignment is up to the faculty member. The action is reported to the Admissions and Standards Committee.
Stage 2 - This stage is for an offense after a Stage 1 violation reported in a different course, or for a first offense in which the student knowingly and willfully engages in academic misconduct, as determined by the faculty member. Whether the student receives an “F” for the assignment or for the course is up to the faculty member. The action is reported to the Admissions and Standards Committee.
Stage 3 - Stage 3 is for a second Stage 2 violation on the same or different course. The penalty is an “F” in the course and suspension or dismissal from the University - a matter that is recorded on the student’s transcript. Decisions on suspension or dismissal are made by the Admissions and Standards Committee. Appeals to this decision must be directed to the Provost. Decisions by the Provost are final. Most students suspended for academic misconduct may not be readmitted until one calendar year from the date of their suspension.
Grade and Academic Misconduct Appeals
If a student believes a final course grade or academic misconduct charge is an unfair reflection of his or her performance in a given class, a review of the coursework may be requested. An appeal must be made within 30 days of the date the grade in the course was assigned and a decision reached by the end of the semester following the semester in which the appeal began. It is strongly encouraged to begin the appeal process as quickly as possible. It is highly recommended that students consult with their advisors when preparing grade and academic misconduct appeals.
- The appeal begins with a conference with the professor of the course. If the professor’s explanation of the grade or academic misconduct citation is satisfactory to the student, then the matter is resolved.
- If not resolved in the student/professor conference, the student must file a formal written appeal (including relevant documentation) to the chair of the department in which the class was offered.
- If the appeal is not resolved at the department chair level, it moves to the college dean.
- If the student is not satisfied with the recommendation from the College Dean, then the student may request that the appeal be forwarded, with accompanying documentation and additional commentary, if any, to the Admissions and Standards Committee. The Admissions and Standards Committee will render an opinion on such an appeal at the first scheduled meeting following receipt of the appeal. Decisions made by the Admissions and Standards Committee regarding appeals are final.
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