College of Engineering - Academic Misconduct Process: Guide for Faculty

What should I do if I encounter a student who I suspect has committed academic misconduct?

The instructor MUST meet with the student to explain that he or she suspects academic misconduct and what he or she feels the student cheated and/or plagiarized on the particular exam, test, homework assignment, etc. If more than one student is involved, it is recommended that the instructor meet with each student separately.

There are two options to proceed:

1. The instructor formally sends the case to the Associate Dean in the Office of Academic Affairs:
   • Instructor assigns the student an "X" grade until the case is resolved by the AD. The instructor DOES NOT give the student a score of zero on the assignment/exam in question, or on the final grade. Giving a score of zero might imply the student is guilty before the hearing.
   • The case is then forwarded to the AD with a written description of the allegation on the Report of Academic Misconduct Form along with the original assignment or exam in a sealed envelope marked "CONFIDENTIAL" to Box 352180.
   • At this point, the instructor does not need to do anything further until the case is resolved by the AD.

   Once the case is resolved, a copy of the final letter and report will be sent to the instructor notifying him/her of the AD's decision. Instructions will be provided in the letter and report indicating whether or not the instructor should: (a) if student is found guilty, "assign a score of zero on the exam, homework, etc. in question and calculate the final grade for the course reflecting the zero score"; OR (b) if student is not guilty, "assign the appropriate score for the assignment or exam and recalculate the final grade for the course reflecting exoneration." CASE IS CLOSED.

2. Informal resolution:

   It is encouraged that the instructor and the student work together to resolve the situation. See example of one way an instructor may handle an academic misconduct situation.

   Following is a guide to the instructor on how he or she can resolve the case directly with the student:

   • If the student admits that he or she is guilty of cheating/plagiarizing, the instructor should reduce the score as appropriate on the assignment or test in question. ONLY the score of the assignment or test in question should be reduced or given a zero, and the final grade for the course should be calculated accordingly. No other assignments or tests should be affected by this decision. The instructor may send an informal report to the Associate Dean in the College of Engineering. Please note that the report is available to the student on request. Case is closed.
   • If the student states that he or she is not guilty, and after discussing the situation the instructor feels that the student is telling the truth and is not guilty, the instructor should regrade the assignment or test as if academic misconduct did not occur. No report is necessary. Case is closed.
   • If the student states that he or she is not guilty and the instructor still feels academic misconduct occurred, then the instructor should let the student know that the case will be forwarded to the Associate Dean (AD) in the College of Engineering and that the AD will be contacting the student to resolve the case.

   PLEASE NOTE: If the informal resolution is not successful, i.e., the instructor and student are not able to resolve the case, please use option 1. above.

What happens to the case after it is sent to the Associate Dean's office?

Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Process for details. If you have questions, please contact the AD's staff at 543-8590.