Furman University

Faculty Overview of Academic Integrity

• Academic integrity at Furman is governed by the university's Academic Integrity Policy (121.5). Faculty should take appropriate steps to promote and protect academic integrity, as well as to deter violations from occurring. Suggestions for doing so are found on this web site. 
• Faculty who suspect a student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy have certain obligations (121.5 and 190.6). Specifically, they should investigate the matter, gather evidence, and if necessary, seek advice from the Associate Academic Dean and the department chair. If, after investigation, the faculty member believes a violation has occurred, he/she should confront the student using the designated form and report the matter to the Associate Academic Dean.
• Furman students are not required to report suspected violations of academic integrity, but they are encouraged and empowered to do so by the policy.
• Disputed allegations of academic integrity are adjudicated by the Academic Discipline Committee (see 190.6). This committee consists of five faculty members and two students. 
• The professor has the authority to determine the grade penalty for violations of academic integrity. The Academic Discipline Committee (ADC) has the authority to impose penalties for violations beyond the grade in the course, such as revocation of pass-fail status, suspension, and/or expulsion from the university. In addition, students can appeal a grade penalty to the ADC, which may choose to recommend a different penalty to the professor. The course instructor retains authority over the grade in the course, however.

• Promote academic integrity orally, in writing, and by example;
• Attempt to deter violations from occurring;
• Clarify expectations within the specific course and invite students to ask for clarification;
• Investigate all suspected violations of the policy and confront the student if it seems "more likely than not" that a violation has occurred;
• Consult with the department chair and/or Associate Academic Dean as needed;
• Report suspected violations to the Associate Academic Dean.