Academic Misconduct

Plagiarism, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. A student guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, is immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed through regular College procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" grade or a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an "F" grade for the course. College sanctions for academic misconduct may include suspension or dismissal from the College.

When a student believes that he or she has been wrongfully accused of academic misconduct, he or she should:

seek resolution with the instructor; if resolution is unacceptable
seek resolution from the Department Head of the instructor; if resolution is unacceptable
seek resolution from the Academic Dean of the department; if resolution is unacceptable
file a grievance by presenting the facts of the case in writing, with any supporting documentation, to the Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, who will schedule a hearing before the Academic Appeals Committee

The student is responsible for moving though the process as expeditiously as possible and the grievance must go to the Academic Appeals Committee within thirty (30) days of the incident. The instructor charging the student with academic misconduct must report the incident, including all pertinent facts, to the Department Head within five (5) calendar work days (M-F) after the charge has been made. The incident report must include any action taken against the student by the instructor for the academic misconduct.

Members of the Academic Appeals Committee will review the incident report if the student files a grievance.