The University must provide due process before imposing a disciplinary action against a student. In all circumstances, the student is presumed innocent, and the University has the burden of proof.
In the event an instructor suspects a student may have plagiarized or cheated, the instructor will invite the student to meet with the course instructor and the department chair (or designated faculty member) to ask the student how they completed the work in question. Students have seven (7) days to respond to the invitation to schedule a meeting with the instructor and chair. Within seven (7) days after the meeting, the instructor will inform the student whether the evidence supports an academic offense.
After the meeting, or if a student does not respond within seven (7) business days, the instructor may determine whether the evidence supports an academic offense.
If the evidence does not support an offense occurred:
The instructor will inform the student no offense was found. If the course policies listed in the syllabus or the assignment instructions were not followed, the instructor may inform the student the grade on the assignment will be reduced.
If the evidence supports that the action is an offense:
The instructor informs the student and forwards the evidence to the hearing clerk. A hearing panel will be convened to review the evidence to determine if an offense occurred, and if so, the proper penalty to be applied. The following procedures will begin:
How to Appeal a Hearing Decision
Honor Codes, if they apply to the situation
Please note that a student determined to have committed an academic offense may not withdraw from the course. If a student withdraws, the Registrar will reinstate the student in the course.