Intentional Dishonesty: Informal Resolution Procedures

If a faculty member suspects academic dishonesty on the part of a student, an informal resolution may be reached through a conversation between the faculty member and the student. If the student admits guilt or if the faculty member is convinced of an act of academic dishonesty on the part of the student, then the faculty member and student may resolve the instance of academic dishonesty informally without invoking the Office of Academic Affairs or the Academic Integrity Committee. Appropriate sanctions, such as loss of credit on an assignment or failure in the course, should be levied.

If resolved informally, the instance of academic dishonesty should be reported within five business days to the Office of Academic Affairs. Appropriate documents should include the signatures of both the faculty member and the student, affirming an informal resolution of academic dishonesty. Along with this informal resolution form, documentation of the details of the case of academic dishonesty should also be submitted to the office of the VPAA. Documentation may include a report detailing plagiarism, an admission of guilt on the part of the student, witness testimony, or any other relevant information.

If the student denies the charge of academic dishonesty, or if the faculty member does not feel as if the case has been suitably resolved, then an appeal may be made to the Academic Integrity Committee. Such an appeal must be made in person or in a letter to the Office of Academic Affairs.

Faculty members are encouraged to resolve perceived minor instances of academic dishonesty through the informal resolution process. (Please refer to Section II of the current policy for definitions of minor offenses). Faculty members are also encouraged to resolve instances of academic dishonesty by first- or second-year students through the informal resolution process.

Even if the case is resolved informally, second or third offenses of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Integrity Committee for possible additional disciplinary action.