Scholastic Dishonesty Violation Procedures
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When a faculty member has reason to suspect that a student has violated the University regulations concerning scholastic dishonesty, the faculty member shall meet with the student(s) involved and discuss the alleged violation and the evidence that supports the charge. After conferring with the student, the faculty member may dismiss the allegation or proceed with disciplinary action.
In any case in which the student accused of scholastic dishonesty does not dispute the facts upon which the charges are based and executes a written waiver of the hearing procedures, the faculty member may assess an academic penalty, shall inform the student of such in writing and shall report the disposition of the incident to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students may summon the student for additional information and for consideration of additional disciplinary action.
In a case in which the student accused of scholastic dishonesty disputes the facts upon which the charges are based, or chooses not to waive the right to a hearing, the faculty member shall refer the matter to the Dean of Students who shall proceed under section 50101.4.
A student may appeal the penalty decision of a faculty member by giving written notice to the Dean of Students within fourteen days from the date on which the decision was announced. The appeal is conducted in accordance with section 50101.7.
Definition
Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, misrepresenting facts, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor) or the attempt to commit such acts.
a. Cheating on a test includes
- Copying from another student’s test paper;
- Using during a test, materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
- Failing to comply with instruction given by the person administering the test which would include, but not be limited to, time restrictions, use of blue book, and seating arrangements;
- Possession during a test of materials which are not authorized by the person giving the test, such as class notes or specifically designed “crib notes.” The presence of textbooks constitutes a violation only if they have been specifically prohibited by the person administering the test;
- Using, buying, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of an unadministered test, test key, homework solution, or computer program;
- Collaborating with or seeking aid or receiving assistance from another student or individual during a test or in conjunction with another assignment without authority;
- Discussing the contents of an examination with another student who will take the examination or soliciting another student who has taken the test to obtain information regarding contents of the test;
- Divulging the contents of an examination, for the purpose of preserving questions for use by another, when the instructor has designated that the examination is not to be removed from the examination room or not to be returned to or kept by the student;
- Substituting for another student or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self to take a test, a course, or any course-related assignment;
- Paying or offering money or other valuable thing to, or coercing another person to obtain an unadministered test, test key, homework solution, or computer program, or information about an unadministered test, test key, homework solution, or computer program;
- Falsifying research data, laboratory reports, and/or other academic work offered for credit;
- Taking, keeping, misplacing, or damaging the property of the University, or of another, if the student knows or reasonably should know that an unfair advantage would be gained by such conduct.
b. “Plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to
the appropriation of, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means material that is attributable in whole or in part to another source, including words, ideas, illustrations, structure, computer code, other expression and media, and presenting that material as one’s own academic work being offered for credit.
c. “Collusion” includes, but is not limited to
the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing academic assignments offered for credit or collaboration with another person to commit a violation of any section of the rules of scholastic dishonesty.
d. “Falsifying academic records” includes, but is not limited to
altering or assisting in the altering of any official record of the University or the University of Texas System, and/or submitting false information or omitting requested information that is required for or related to any academic record of the University or University of Texas System. Academic records include, but are not limited to, applications for admission, the awarding of a degree, grade reports, test papers, registration materials, grade change forms, and reporting forms used by the Office of the Registrar. A former student who engages in such conduct is subject to a bar against admission, revocation of a degree, and withdrawal of a diploma.
e. “Misrepresenting facts” to the University or an agent of the University or the University of Texas System includes, but is not limited to
providing false grades or resumes; providing false or misleading information in an effort to receive postponement or an extension on a test quiz, or other assignment for the purpose of obtaining an academic or financial benefit for oneself or another individual; or providing false or misleading information in an effort to injure another student academically or financially.
Scholastic Dishonesty Penalties
A student who is in violation of a University regulation concerning scholastic dishonesty may be subject to one or more of the penalties above. Penalties specific to scholastic dishonesty include:
50101.6.12 Written warning that further scholastic violations may result in more severe penalty.
50101.6.125 Educational program to enhance the student’s understanding of scholastic dishonesty.
50101.6.13 Resubmit assignment, paper or program.
50101.6.14 Retake exam.
50101.6.15 Reduced credit or zero on assignment, paper or program.
50101.6.16 Reduced credit or zero on exam.
50101.6.17 Reduced final grade for the course.
50101.6.18 Failing grade for the course.
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