Academic Honesty

When a faculty member has evidence of questionable academic behavior, they shall first document the issue on the college’s template for charges of academic misconduct, gathering their evidence and notes. The faculty member then must make a genuine attempt (recommended in writing) to meet with the student to discuss the charges and speak with the student regarding the evidence. Should a student not respond to a request for a meeting in 72 business hours, not counting weekends nor college-recognized holidays or breaks, the faculty member may proceed to forward their charges to the college’s academic integrity officer.

From there, the faculty member may choose to forward the charges to the college’s academic integrity officer, or they may choose to use the incident as an educational opportunity. If after this conversation the faculty member has found evidence that the student has knowingly or with culpable negligence committed an act of academic misconduct and chooses to proceed with disciplinary action, he or she shall first inform the student and then file a formal charge with the Office of Academic Affairs. In addition to a written explanation of the charge on the college’s template, the faculty member will provide both the evidence that substantiates the charge and their recommended penalty for the charge.

The academic integrity officer will review the submitted charge and conduct an investigation, the nature of which is to be determined by the officer based on the specifics of the case. The academic integrity officer will always attempt to schedule a meeting with the student and discuss both the charge and the evidence. Should the student not respond to a request for a meeting in 72 hours, not counting weekends nor college-recognized holidays or breaks, the officer may proceed to close the case and submit their findings and judgment.

The purpose of the meeting with the academic integrity officer is to allow both the officer and the student an opportunity to converse. The student has the right to review the evidence submitted, if they so choose, in advance of the meeting with the academic integrity officer. They also may present any relevant information or materials during the meeting that speaks to the charges and the case. This is the opportunity for the student to be heard and to share their perspectives on the incident. The academic integrity officer will describe the charges, review the possible penalties/sanctions, and determine the outcomes of the case. 

The academic integrity officer will inform the student of their findings, and any penalty, in writing, with a copy to the faculty or staff member who raised the charge so that the penalty may be enacted. Final copies of the findings are sent to the Registrar's Office and Dean of Students or designee.

The full academic integrity policy is available in the Office of Academic Affairs.