Quick Guide to Following SSU’s Academic Misconduct Policy
Individual faculty members are responsible for investigating instances of academic misconduct in their classes; determining sanctions; and completing appropriate paperwork.
Step 1:
Investigate
If you suspect a student may have engaged in academic misconduct, do some investigating. If you are a part-time instructor or a new faculty member, reach out to your Chair or Program Director for help.
If you find the student has likely committed an academic conduct violation, email the Interim Dean of Students (Jeff Hamilton: jhamilton@shawnee.edu) to find out whether the student has a history of academic misconduct.
Step 2:
Ensure the Student Doesn’t Drop the Class
Next, notify the Registrar (Tami Sheets: tsheets@shawnee.edu) of the charge and request that she place a registration hold on the student’s account.
Step 3:
Notify the Student of the Charge
Email the student (using SSU accounts only) to arrange a meeting and discuss the allegations. Students may choose to have the Ombudsperson present (as an advisor only).
During the meeting, explain what you have discovered; review the work in question with the student; explain possible sanctions; and listen to the student’s side of things before proceeding.
If the student doesn’t respond to your email within 5 business days, you may proceed with Step #4.
Step 4:
Determine Sanctions
See full policy (link below) for more detail.
Consider the student’s perspective and the evidence, and then determine if you would like to proceed. If you decide to proceed, determine the sanction based on the severity of the offense:
Some offenses are incidental, meaning the student didn’t willfully engage in academic misconduct. Possible sanctions include giving a written warning or allowing a student to rewrite an assignment.
Some offenses are general, meaning they are deliberate acts of misconduct. Possible sanctions include receiving a zero on the assignment or an F in the course.
Some are severe, meaning there is a pattern of violations or misconduct in graduate coursework. Possible sanctions include an F for the course or expulsion from the program. Severe offenses are also referred to the Dean of Students for possible additional sanctions.
Step 5:
Inform the Student and Complete the Reporting Form
Email the student within 3 business days of your meeting. Inform the student of the sanction you are imposing and that they have 5 business days to appeal the decision to the appropriate Academic Dean.
Fill out and submit the Academic Misconduct Reporting Form
For the full Academic Misconduct Policy, refer to the Student Conduct Code