Scholastic Dishonesty

Scholastic Dishonesty Violation Procedures

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1.7 Scholastic Dishonesty Violation Procedures

1.71 The Responsibility of the Faculty

Under the authority delegated by the Dean of Students, a faculty member who has reason to suspect that a student has violated a university rule or an administrative rule concerning scholastic dishonesty is advised to take action as recommended by the following guidelines. During the disposition of the case, the student must be allowed to attend all classes and complete all assignments until the procedures herein are complete unless the Dean of Students has taken interim disciplinary action pursuant to Regent's Rules and Regulations, Rule 50101, Section 4.1.

1.711 Guidelines

When there is reason to believe that scholastic dishonesty has occurred, the faculty member should gather all pertinent evidence (such as test, reports, computer programs, and other academic assignments) and identify any possible witnesses. Accusations that a student has cheated should be made in private and the investigation of a cheating incident should be handled as a confidential matter. If the incident occurs during an exam, the faculty member may ask a student suspected of cheating to move to another desk, but the student should be allowed to complete the exam in question. After conferring with the student, the faculty member may dismiss the allegation or proceed with disciplinary action.

The faculty member shall meet with the student to discuss the allegations and the evidence that supports the charge. At this meeting the student should be informed that he/she has a right to a hearing. In this meeting every effort should be made to preserve the basic teacher/student relationship. The student should be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations but may not be forced to comment. As a result of this meeting, the faculty member may dismiss the charges or, proceed under subsection (a) or (b) below:

(a) In any case in which the student accused of scholastic dishonesty does not dispute the facts upon which the charges are based and executes a written waiver of hearing, the faculty member may recommend an academic penalty as specified below, shall inform the student of such action in writing and must report the disposition of the incident to the Dean of Students. A Faculty Disposition form will be provided for that purpose by the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will review each form and, if circumstances warrant, may impose additional penalties. Certain types of scholastic dishonesty, such as substituting for someone on an exam or having someone substitute for the student, or altering academic records, may involve a penalty other than those specified below. In cases such as these, or if the faculty member wishes to recommend a penalty other than those penalties outlined in Section 1.6., above, the faculty member must contact the Dean of Students immediately. After the Dean of Student's review, if the Dean of Students approves the disposition the Dean will inform the student of the final decision via US mail.

(b) In a case in which the student accused of scholastic dishonesty disputes the facts upon which the charges are based, or chooses not to waive the right to a hearing, the faculty member shall refer the matter to the Dean of Students who shall proceed under Section 1.5. Relevant documents (or copies) should be forwarded with the referral. If the student is in possession of any relevant documents, the faculty member may request those documents. If the student refuses to relinquish these documents, the faculty member should note the request and the student's refusal on the referral form. During the disposition of the case, the student must be allowed to attend all classes and complete all assignments until the procedures are complete unless the Dean of Students has taken interim disciplinary action under Section 1.53.

A student may appeal the penalty recommendation of a faculty member by giving written notice to the Dean of Students within fourteen days from the date on which the decision was announced. The appeal is conducted in accordance with Section 1.56. If the student disagrees with the decision of the Dean of Students, the student may request a hearing as described in Section 1.57.

1.72 Scholastic Dishonesty Sanctions

A student who is in violation of a University regulation concerning scholastic dishonesty may be subject to one or more of the sanctions in Section 1.6, above. Sanctions specific to scholastic dishonesty, recommended by the faculty member and imposed by the Dean of Students include:

1.721 Written warning that further scholastic violations may result in more severe sanction.

1.722 Educational program to enhance the student's understanding of scholastic dishonesty.

1.723 Resubmit assignment, paper or program. (Specify requirements and due date).

1.724 Retake exam.

1.725 Reduced credit or zero on assignment, paper or program.

1.726 Reduced credit or zero on exam. (Specify grade.)

1.727 Reduced final grade for the course.

1.728 Failing grade for the course. (Specify grade.)

1.729 Denial of degree.

1.730 Revocation of degree and withdrawal of diploma.

1.73 Appeal

1.731 A student may appeal a disciplinary sanction assessed by the Dean in accordance with Section 1.711 immediately above. Either the Dean or the student may appeal the decision of the Hearing Officer. An appeal shall be in accordance with the following procedures:

1.732 Appeal Procedures. The appealing party must submit a written appeal stating the specific reasons for the appeal and any argument to the president with a copy to the other party. The appeal must be stamped as received by the President's office no later than 14 days after the appealing party has been notified of the sanction assessed by the Dean or the decision of the Hearing Officer. If the notice of sanction assessed by the Dean or the decision of the Hearing Officer is sent by mail, the date the notice or decision is mailed initiates the 14-day period for the appeal. The non-appealing party may submit a response to the appeal which must be received by the President's Office no later than 5 days after receipt of the appeal with a copy to the other party. An appeal of the sanction assessed by the Dean in accordance with Section 1.56 immediately above will be reviewed solely on the basis of the written argument of the student and the Dean. The appeal of the decision of the Hearing Officer will be reviewed solely on the basis of the record from the hearing. The Dean will submit the record from the hearing to the president as soon as it is available to the Dean. At the discretion of the president, both parties may present oral argument in an appeal from the decision of the Hearing Officer.

1.733 President's Authority. The president may approve, reject, or modify the decision in question or may require that the original hearing be reopened for the presentation of additional evidence and reconsideration of the decision. It is provided, however, upon a finding of responsibility in a case involving the illegal use, possession, and/or sale of a drug or narcotic on campus, the sanction may not be reduced below the recommended sanction prescribed by Section 1.33.

1.734 Communication of Decision. The action of the president shall be communicated in writing to the student and the Dean within 30 days after the appeal and related documents have been received. The decision of the president is the final appellate review.

1.74 Disciplinary Record

The university shall maintain a permanent written disciplinary record for every student assessed a sanction of suspension, expulsion, denial or revocation of degree, and/or withdrawal of diploma. A record of scholastic dishonesty shall be maintained for at least five years unless the record is permanent in conjunction with the above stated sanctions. A disciplinary record shall reflect the nature of the charge, the disposition of the charge, the sanction assessed, and any other pertinent information. This disciplinary record shall be maintained by the Office of the Dean of Students. It shall be treated as confidential and shall not be accessible to or used by anyone other than the Dean or university officials with legitimate educational interests, except upon written authorization of the student or in accordance with applicable State or federal laws or court order or subpoena.