Referring a Case of Academic Misconduct

Steps faculty take prior to referring a case to the Office of Student Conduct:

  1. Syllabus Policy
    • Faculty members are empowered to handle issues of academic misconduct within their classes according to the policies they set forth in their syllabi.

  2. Departmental/Program Policies & Procedures
    • Every faculty member should explore what the departmental/program policies and procedures are for academic misconduct.

  3. Written Documentation
    • It is highly recommended that faculty retain written documentation of the act of academic misconduct, of the opportunity for due process, and of the measures taken with students. Due process includes:
      1. notifying the student of the concern of misconduct
      2. providing the student an opportunity to respond to the allegations
      3. providing the student with another party to review the resolution (i.e. appeal).

  4. Office of Student Conduct Referral
    • Referral to the OSC may be deemed appropriate in addition to the academic outcome determined by the faculty member.

Faculty completes Incident Report and forwards necessary copies of documentation or communications. The Office of Student Conduct collects and reviews formal material and creates formal case file.

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Steps the Office of Student Conduct takes after faculty refer a case:

  1. Upon review, the Office of Student Conduct schedules a hearing with the student.
    • Hearing will be with the Director of Student Conduct or the University Committee on Discipline
    • Most faculty are not required to be present during hearing process

  2. Responsibility is determined.

  3. Disciplinary sanctions are applied as applicable.
    • Disciplinary sanctions range from administrative warning to dismissal
    • Academic outcomes can only be applied by faculty

  4. All students have the right to appeal in the conduct process subject to the policy on appeals.

  5. Faculty is notified of the Office of Student Conduct’s decision.