It can sometimes be challenging to accuse a student of an Academic Integrity violation. Below are some tips to help you navigate the process.
Beginning the Process
- When a possible violation comes to your attention, send an email to Dean of Undergraduate Advising Support Office, Molly Watkins molly.watkins@case.edu with a concise summary of the concern. As needed, cc your department chair or other key people who would need to be aware of the concern.
- Dean Watkins may have clarifying questions, but if she agrees that there is a possible violation she will send you a blank Academic Integrity Report form.
Scheduling a Meeting with the Student
- Request a meeting as soon as possible. If the student doesn't respond within a day or two, you may want to send a follow up request or try to catch the student before or after class.
- Sometimes a student will not respond. Don't necessarily take this as an affront to you. The student just may be embarrassed or scared of the possible outcome.
- If you are unable to meet with the student (in person or remotely), or the student is not responsive, you may forward the completed but unsigned violation form and any relevant materials to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards. The office will follow up further and/or schedule a hearing.
Meeting with the Student
- Meet with the student in private. If you are concerned about meeting with the student alone for any reason, request another faculty member or administrator sit in on the meeting. Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards staff are also available to sit in if it would be helpful.
- Try not to take a possible violation personally. Often there is not malicious intent on the part of the student. In many cases, the violation stems from a lack of understanding of the assignment, poor time management, or the student feeling overwhelmed.
- Calmly explain your perspective on what happened and why you believe the student violated the Academic Integrity policy.
- Give the student an opportunity to explain their perspective on what happened.
- Refer the student to or confer with appropriate resources such as Health and Counseling Services, International Student Services, Undergraduate Advising Support Office, or Student Conduct & Community Standards.
- Complete the Academic Integrity Form with the student then forward all relevant materials to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards at studentconduct@case.edu
The Academic Integrity Hearing
- If there is a need for an Academic Integrity Hearing (you request, the student requests, or it is not a first violation), the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards staff will inform you when the hearing will take place.
- If you would like to, you may participate in a portion of the hearing to give your perspective to the hearing panel. The panel and the student will have an opportunity to ask you questions.
- You will receive a copy of the hearing decision within a few days of the hearing.
- Students may appeal their decision. If there is any change to the outcome on appeal, you will be notified.