Academic Conduct: Penalties and Reporting Procedures

Because they undermine the whole nature of academic life, all forms of cheating, plagiarism, and misrepresenting academic records are considered serious offenses in the academic community. In the event of violations, penalties will be imposed based on the degree of the offense. The individual
instructor has the right and responsibility to make the course grade reflect a student's academic dishonesty. At the instructor’s discretion, the student may receive a reduced or failing grade for a single piece of work or for the entire course in which there was academic dishonesty.

In cases of suspected academic dishonesty, the instructor initiates a ‘Confidential Suspected Violation of Academic Honesty Report’, making every effort to reach student by phone, email, and other modes of communication in order to discuss the circumstances. After 15 working days, the instructor completes the report—with or without an accompanying discussion with the student—sending a copy to the student and the original to the Academic Affairs Office, together with supporting documentation. These documents remain confidentially in the Academic Affairs Office, unless a copy to the student’s permanent academic file is indicated by the instructor.

The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs shall endeavor to determine the extent of possible academic misconduct. If evidence of prior academic dishonesty is on record with the Academic Affairs Office, the student may be subject to suspension or dismissal from the University. All penalties may be appealed by the student according to the procedures outlined in the appeal process. In all cases the confidentiality of the students and or the faculty members shall be upheld.