If You Are Suspected of Misconduct
No one wants to believe that a student might have violated Furman's academic integrity policy. However, all course instructors are obligated to investigate any irregularity that appears in their students' coursework or any report that a student has behaved dishonestly. If the matter cannot be dismissed after investigation, the faculty member will confront the student and present him/her with the "Academic Integrity Violation Form" (AIVF). The form outlines the three options available to the student:
- Admit to the charge and accept the penalty in the course.
Additional penalties, such as suspension or expulsion, could be added by the Academic Discipline Committee. This committee, which consists of five faculty members and two students, plays an important role in adjudicating academic integrity disputes and potentially adding penalties for violations of the policy (see policy 190.6).
If you have violated the policy, it is much better to admit it immediately. Lying, which is also a violation of policy, will only
exacerbate the gravity of the situation.
- Admit to the charge, but appeal the penalty to the ADC.
Upon review, the Academic Discipline Committee might recommend a different penalty to the course instructor, but the instructor has ultimate authority over the grade in the course.
- Dispute the charge. This triggers a review by the Academic Discipline Committee.
If you dispute the charge, you should:
- Request a hearing by the Academic Discipline Committee by so indicating on the AIVF;
- Consult with the Associate Academic Dean about the hearing process and procedures;
- Gather all information and evidence supporting your case and submit it to the Associate Dean, who will forward it to the committee.
You will receive at least five days' advance notice of the time and place of the hearing, which will take place as soon as possible.
If you are found responsible for academic misconduct, a confidential file will be place in the Office of the Associate Academic Dean, where it will reside until five years after you leave Furman.
If you are found not responsible for academic misconduct, the record of the hearing will be retained for the same period of time.
Students are not permitted to change their registration status in a course (by withdrawing from the course or declaring it pass-fail) while a charge is pending or if they are found responsible for academic misconduct in the course. In addition, the Academic Discipline Committee may revoke pass-fail status if the student is found responsible for violating academic integrity in that course.