This worksheet outlines basic procedures for handling a case of academic dishonesty. It is based on the Academic Honesty Policy contained in Section B-II.H of the Faculty Handbook portion of the Academic Charter. The policy also appears as Appendix D of the Student Code published by the Office of Student Affairs.

Items of Special Importance All cases of alleged dishonesty where the student is penalized in any manner must be reported in writing to the student's academic dean. Reporting of grades where a penalty is imposed requires special care. See Step 6 below. Note especially the use of NGR (no grade received) in certain cases while an appeal is pending. If a penalty of a failing grade in the course is assigned, a WF is reported to the registrar. A student accused of a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy shall be permitted to continue in the class pending final disposition of the case. (The instructor may check with the Chair of the Academic Honesty Committee to determine if an appeal is in process.) Documents alleging or referencing an act of academic dishonesty should be treated with strictest confidentiality and must not be included in a student's departmental file or transmitted by the instructor to persons other than those directly involved with the case.

Steps to take upon recognition of a suspected case of dishonesty:

1. Collect and retain materials needed to document the infraction. Keep originals of all written materials; students should be given copies of these papers if they are requested. In a classroom incident, get names of students who may be asked to provide relevant information. Set up a meeting with the student(s).
2. Review the Academic Honesty Policy, especially the table that summarizes types of violations and penalties.
3. Meet with the student(s) and describe the charge(s) and evidence. Keep a written record of this meeting. A student has the right to examine and challenge the evidence and present evidence in his/her behalf.
4. Decide (within 10 days of the conference) whether or not a formal charge will be filed. If it appears no infraction has occurred, the student must be informed and no punitive action(s) may be taken.
5. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, the instructor must inform in writing the dean of the college in which the student is officially enrolled. (Pre-major students are referred to Arts and Sciences.) This notice must identify the nature of the offense and the penalty imposed.
6.  
   1. *If the penalty is partial or no credit, and the appeal deadline has passed with no appeal, or if the instructor's decision in the case has been upheld on final appeal, the instructor shall calculate the penalty into the course grade and report the grade on the class grade sheet. Otherwise, the instructor shall report an NGR (no grade received).
   2. *If the penalty is withdrawal from the course and assignment of a grade of "WF," and the appeal deadline has passed with no appeal, or if the instructor's decision in the case has been upheld on final appeal, the instructor shall report the penalty on the class grade sheet. Otherwise the instructor shall report an NGR (no grade received).
7. Within five days of receipt of the notice from the instructor, the student's dean will inform the student of: 1) the nature of the charge and the penalty imposed; 2) the right to a consultation with the dean or his/her designate; and 3) the right of the student to appeal to the Academic Honesty Committee.
8. If the student files a written appeal, the Chair of the Academic Honesty Committee will inform the instructor of the steps to be followed in the appeals process.

*Section quoted directly from the Charter.

Prepared by the Academic Honesty Committee, Spring 1993.

[see pages 21-29 of 1999/2000 Student Handbook for full policy statement]