/Institutions/United-States-University/json/current/Student-Code-of-Conduct-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/United-States-University/json/current/Student-Code-of-Conduct-Handbook.json

VII. Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is defined as any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the institution or subvert the education process.

Examples of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:

1. Violation of course rules as contained in the course syllabus or other information provided the student;
2. Providing or received information through whatever source during exams and quizzes or providing or using unauthorized assistance in the laboratory, at the computer terminal, or on fieldwork;
3. Plagiarism, whether it occurs in the classroom (i.e., through the use of term papers or laboratory reports from any source other than the student's own work) or anywhere else within the United States University community;
4. Serving as, or enlisting the assistance of, a "ringer' or substitute for a student in the taking of examinations;
5. Alteration of grades or marks by the student in an effort to change the earned grade or credit;
6. Alteration of University forms used to drop or add courses to a program or unauthorized use of those forms;
7. Failure to report incidents of academic misconduct.

When a faculty member decides to bring a charge of academic misconduct, the faculty member shall notify the Program Dean of their department, or if no Program Dean exists, the Provost, before entering the charge against the student. The Program Dean shall be available to consult with and advise the faculty member throughout the subsequent proceedings. The faculty member will meet with the student and inform the student of the allegations. The faculty member will discuss the alleged violation with the student and will fairly consider the information provided by the student. After consideration, the faculty member will determine a sanction which can include (1) requesting the student to resubmit the assignment in question; (2) assigning a failing grade for the assignment in question or (3) recommending a failing grade in the course (such recommendation shall apply to serious cases of plagiarism and shall first be submitted to the Program Dean's office for approval). Continued or serious academic misconduct may result in dismissal from the University for a maximum of two sessions or expulsion from the University. The faculty member must document the meeting and decision to the Program Dean.

A student charged with academic misconduct may appeal the decision of the faculty member to the Program Dean. The Program Dean will review all pertinent information and render a decision. Students may appeal the decision of the Program Dean to the Provost. The decision of the Provost is final.

Any charge of academic misconduct outside the classroom may be brought by the administrator, faculty advisor, or faculty representative affiliated or otherwise involved with the organization or activity within which the misconduct allegedly took place. Additional sanctions as set forth in this Code may be imposed on the student.