What to Do When You Are Accused of Academic Dishonesty
What does Academic Dishonesty mean?
According to the Academic Integrity Policy (C1000), Academic Dishonesty is
defined as “participating in acts by which a person fraudulently gains or
intentionally attempts to gain an unfair academic advantage thereby
compromising the integrity of the academic process.”
What are the penalties and sanctions for Academic Dishonesty?
Your instructor will make a determination of whether Academic Dishonesty
occurred and may impose an appropriate penalty. The maximum penalty
instructors are authorized to impose is a mark of zero on the piece of academic
work.
In some cases (serious or repeat violations), you may also be asked to appear at
a Hearing overseen by a Faculty Adjudicator. Faculty Adjudicators are authorized
to impose a broader range of sanctions, including an F in a course, suspension,
and even expulsion from the college (with transcript notation indicating
“Academic Discipline”).
It is important to note that every case has its own unique circumstances, and,
therefore, the sanctions received will vary.
My instructor has asked to meet with me about possible Academic
Dishonesty. What will happen at this meeting?
The purpose of this meeting is for the instructor to determine whether or not
Academic Dishonesty occurred. The instructor will explain his or her concerns
with your work, and you will be given an opportunity to respond. After the
meeting, the instructor will make a determination and inform you, in writing, of his
or her decision and any penalty.
Will academic integrity violations appear on my student record?
A record is kept of every violation of the policy. However, academic integrity
records are kept separate from official student records. In some instances,
though, penalties and sanctions for academic integrity violations may affect final
grades.
In the case of the more serious penalties for academic integrity violations, the
notation “Academic Discipline” will appear on official transcripts. In many cases,
this notation may be removed after two years at the student’s request.
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What if I want to contest my instructor’s decision and/or penalty?
You have the right to do this. The first step is to write to the Academic Integrity
Officer requesting a Hearing. This request must be made within ten days of
receiving written notice from your instructor. See the Letter or E-mail Template
for Student to Request a Hearing in the Student Resources section of the
Academic Integrity website.
What is a Hearing?
A Hearing is a formal meeting involving you, your instructor, and a trained
Faculty Adjudicator (FA). The FA listens to both sides of the story, examines all
relevant evidence, and makes a decision. The FA is authorized to overturn an
instructor’s decision, confirm that decision, and impose a wide range of
sanctions.
Who are the Faculty Adjudicators?
These are trained faculty members who oversee Hearings, serving as unbiased
decision makers.
Which cases go to a Hearing?
There are three situations that require a Hearing:
1. If this is the student’s second or subsequent violation of the policy
2. If the violation is deemed by the Academic Integrity Officer to be a serious
first offence
3. If the student wishes to dispute the instructor’s determination and/or
penalty.
Who can I talk to for advice?
The Academic Integrity Officer can provide advice regarding the policy and the
process. In addition, students can go to the Student Resource Centre for general
counseling.