Being accused of violating the University's academic integrity policy can be a challenging experience. Below are some tips to help students navigate the process.
Meeting with the Faculty Member
- When a faculty member asks to meet about an alleged Academic Integrity violation, don't ignore the request or unnecessarily delay the meeting.
- Don't be defensive or rude in the meeting. A faculty member alleging you violated the Academic Integrity policy is not a personal attack against you.
- When meeting with the faculty member, work to understand what the allegation includes. Explain your perspective in a calm and concise way.
- If you are responsible then accept responsibility.
- If you disagree you are responsible or disagree with the sanction (except for the minimum of failure in the assignment), request an Academic Integrity hearing. Requesting a hearing is part of your due process. If this is your first violation, the hearing panel cannot impose sanctions that are more than what the faculty member proposes.
- If this is not your first violation of the Academic Integrity policy, do not share this with the faculty member. The faculty member should not be aware of this and should treat your case as if it is a first violation.
The Academic Integrity Hearing
If you request a hearing, if the faculty member requests a hearing or if this is not your first violation, then an Academic Integrity Hearing will be scheduled by the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards.
- You will receive a notification for the hearing via email about 3-5 business days in advance. The notification will have instructions for preparing and attending the hearing.
- In preparation for the hearing, you will be able to review in advance the information the hearing panel will be considering.
- You may prepare opening and closing statements for the hearing. You may submit the opening statement beforehand for the hearing panel to review.
- Be prepared to answer questions the hearing panel may have for you.
- You may bring an advisor to the hearing. This person does not participate in the hearing but can advise you quietly and provide support.
- The faculty member may participate for a portion of the hearing (it's up to them). You and the hearing panel will have an opportunity to ask the faculty member questions.
- Normally, you will receive the decision verbally at the end of the hearing. You will receive a written decision a few days later.
Appeals
- If you disagree with the outcome of the hearing, you may appeal the decision.
- An appeal form will be included with your outcome letter. Complete the form and attach a statement explaining what you are appealing.
- Your appeal must be submitted by the due date.
- The appeal panel will not meet with you. They will review all the hearing materials, the outcome letter, any prior violations and your appeal petition.
- The appeal panel will render one of three decisions:
- To deny your appeal
- To return your case to the original panel for reconsideration
- To modify your sanctions
Completing the Ethics Tutorial
- Completion of the Ethics Tutorial includes meetings with your Four-Year Advisor and online modules on topics related to Academic Integrity.
- You will receive a notification explaining instructions on how to complete the Ethics Tutorial.
- Schedule appointments in a timely manner. Timeslots fill up quickly.
- Failure to complete the Ethics Tutorial by your due date will likely lead to a registration hold being placed on your account.