|
An instructor who suspects a student of violating the policy on academic honesty with regard to an assignment, requirement, examination, test, or quiz will consult with the department chair or another full-time faculty member in the department, using a blind copy of the work in question, to verify the violation. If they agree that a violation has taken place, the instructor will, in almost all cases, assign either a grade of 0 to the work in question or a failing grade in the course in which the violation occurred.
The student must be informed in writing of the alleged violation and penalty; and a copy of this memo must be sent to the Seminary Dean. A record of the violation will be kept in the Seminary Dean's Office and a copy of the record in the Office of Vocation and Enrollment until the student completes the degree or certification program, at which point all references to the incident will be removed from the student's permanent record. Anonymous information will be maintained by the Office of Academic Affairs for statistical purposes only.
The institution strongly recommends that any finding of academic impropriety be disclosed to the student's faculty advisor, to assist the student in understanding the implications of the finding and to assist the advisor in counseling the student. The Seminary Dean will request that a student involved in academic disciplinary proceedings provide written authorization to disclose the results to the academic advisor for the limited purposes set forth in this section.
Accusations of violations of the Academic Honesty Policy must be presented to the Seminary Dean by the end of the drop/add period of the subsequent term. No charges may be brought after that date.
A faculty member who wishes to impose a penalty other than course failure or assignment failure must confer with the Seminary Dean before notifying the student of the penalty.
Students wishing to appeal either the charge of dishonesty or the penalty should first consult with the faculty member. If dissatisfied with the result of that consultation, students should meet with the department chair. To seek an appeal beyond this, students should do so in writing to the Seminary Admissions and Standing Committee, chaired by the Director of Vocation and Enrollment. Student appeals must be filed within one month of the instructor's filing of the violation. The faculty member will be asked to explain in writing the charge and circumstances surrounding it. Letters from material witnesses may be submitted by either the faculty member or the student, but letters in support of the student's character will not be accepted or considered by the Admissions and Standing Committee.
Students charged with a second violation of the Academic Honesty Policy will be referred automatically to the Admissions and Standing Committee, which will exclude its student members to review the matter. As with student appeals of charges or penalties, the faculty member and the student in question will submit a written explanation of the situation. If the charge is found to be valid, the committee will determine whether the penalty was sufficient and reasonable. At this point, the student could be suspended or dismissed.
If the Admissions and Standing Committee determines that suspension or dismissal is reasonable and advisable, the student will be informed of this action in writing. If an appeal is requested, a formal hearing will be held. Its procedure will be recorded and transcribed. No parents or friends may be present. Material witnesses will be asked to submit testimony in writing and may be asked to testify in person. No character witnesses or written statements from such parties are permitted. Students may consult with their academic advisor in preparing an appeal or defense before the Admissions and Standing Committee. A recommendation for dismissal in this case requires consideration by and approval of the full time Seminary faculty and Dean (see Standards of Conduct and Dismissal from the Seminary). The president of the College may elect to hear appeals of suspensions or expulsions.
In the event of a third charge, the case will be automatically referred to the Admissions and Standing Committee for a formal hearing, following the procedure described above. Should the committee determine that a student has violated this policy for the third time, the result shall be immediate dismissal without the necessity of a Seminary faculty vote. The president of the College may elect to hear appeals of the decision.
Any member of the Admissions and Standing Committee who feels he or she has a conflict of interest in reviewing the case must be recused from discussion and voting. Student members of the Admissions and Standing Committee may not hear or review academic honesty cases. For a case to be reviewed, a simple quorum is required. If more than two faculty or administrative members of the committee recuse themselves from deliberations, the Seminary Dean will appoint ad hoc replacements from the faculty to review the case.
Students may not withdraw from a course in which they have been charged with a breach of this policy. If the charge is overturned by the committee, the student may choose to withdraw with a W from the course without assessment of a late fee.
Plagiarism
Cheating
Helping or Hindering Others
Falsification
Other Inappropriate Behaviors
Consequences of Violating the Academic Honesty Policy
Student Rights with Regard to Academic Honesty Allegations
Faculty Rights with Regard to Academic Honesty Allegations
|
