Alleged Academic Misconduct Report Procedure
Faculty and all staff are required to report and act on all suspected incidents of academic misconduct, whether deliberate or accidental. Students must refuse to participate in acts of academic misconduct and are encouraged to notify faculty/other staff of perceived acts of academic misconduct. Should you be alerted about an alleged act of academic misconduct, the following is an overview of the allegation review and final academic decision process:
1. Faculty Review Suspected Academic Misconduct
If academic misconduct is suspected, faculty will explore the situation, including meeting with the student to discuss the matter and share suspected evidence.
Timeline: Faculty notifies student as soon as possible. Student has three working days to respond.
2. An Academic Integrity Incident Report is Filed
Faculty are required to submit an Academic Integrity Incident Report when there is reasonable belief of academic misconduct. For minor academic misconduct, a Quick Report – Formal Learning Opportunity may be submitted. If the Academic Administrator determines the learner has no previous academic misconduct on record and is eligible for a Formal Learning Opportunity, the learner will be notified of the finding and the Formal Learning Opportunity assigned.
Note: Students have the right to appeal the academic decision based on policy AA19: Academic Appeal.
If the learner is not eligible for a Formal Learning Opportunity, or if a Formal Learning Opportunity is not recommended, the matter proceeds through the academic misconduct process. In this case, an Academic Misconduct Reporting Form is submitted.
Timeline: Following the learner’s response or non-response, faculty submit the appropriate Academic Integrity Incident Report and supporting documentation to the Academic Administrator.
3. A Meeting with an Academic Administrator is Requested
4. The Student Attends a Meeting
Students are invited to meet with the designated Academic Administrator to discuss the allegation, review the evidence, and provide their perspective and any supporting documentation.
Timeline: Students have four (4) working days once the email is received to respond to the meeting request.
5. A Decision is Made
The Academic Administrator reviews evidence and determines whether academic misconduct occurred. The student and the professor/staff member are notified in writing of the decision and any resulting sanctions.
Timeline: The Academic Administrator issues a written decision within five (5) working days of the meeting with the student, or following the student’s non-response to the meeting request.
6. Sanctions Are Imposed (If Applicable)
If academic misconduct is determined to have occurred, academic sanctions will be imposed in accordance with policy AA48: Academic Integrity.
Note: Students have the right to appeal the academic decision based on policy AA19: Academic Appeal.
Timeline: Students have five working days from when their final report was sent to start the appeal process.