When you get into college, you are focused on making friends and figuring out what you want your future to look like. Who will you marry? Will you get married? What kind of car will you be able to drive? Where will you live? What job do you want? You never imagine facing academic misconduct proceedings. So, when you are accused of violating Rochester Institute of Technology's academic integrity policy, it can come as quite a shock. Suddenly, your dreams are in jeopardy. Unfortunately, this means that unprepared students run the risk of suffering more severe sanctions than necessary.
College students are given the opportunity to work with an attorney-advisor who will help them navigate these complex proceedings. Attorney-advisors work tirelessly to gather evidence, question witnesses, and build strategic defenses that are sure to get the best possible outcome for your case. The Lento Law Firm has helped hundreds of college students in similar situations. You do not have to figure this out alone; call the office today.
Academic Misconduct at Rochester Institute of Technology
At Rochester Institute of Technology, students are expected to maintain a standard of personal and professional integrity. They define academic integrity as “creating and engaging with scholarship in an honest and responsible manner regardless of workload or level of stress.” A breach of academic integrity would represent academic misconduct.
While the definition of academic misconduct varies, it normally involves any conduct that gives a student an unfair advantage over other students. At RIT, it includes:
- Plagiarism: using another's ideas, words, or results without giving them credit
- Cheating: using course materials, information, or devices during an exam or assignment without permission
- Submitting a paper or project to more than one course without explicit permission
- Submitting work previously done in high school or another school without permission
Rochester Institute of Technology Academic Dishonesty Procedure
At RIT, the course instructor must bring the claim of academic misconduct, as well as any evidence and sanctions to the student and the instructor's academic unit head and Dean's Office. The Dean's Office will forward the notice to the Office of Student Conduct and the student's home academic unit.
The instructor will set up a meeting with the student to discuss the accusations of academic misconduct. The matter will be closed during this meeting unless the student challenges the accusations. If the student does challenge these accusations, there will be a second meeting with the academic unit head. During that meeting, the student and instructor will both present their arguments. If an agreement cannot be made, the instructor or student will arrange another meeting with the Dean's designee.
The Dean's designee will convene the Academic Integrity Committee (AIC) for a hearing on the matter. You will have at least seven days to prepare for this hearing. During the hearing, you will be allowed to present witnesses, exhibit evidence, as well as cross-examine any evidence or witnesses the instructor may present. At the end of the hearing, the AIC will determine if you are at fault for committing academic misconduct. They will also outline specific sanctions for you. Possible sanctions may include anything from a failing grade on the assignment or exam to suspension or expulsion from the institution.
Appealing an Academic Misconduct Decision at Rochester Institute of Technology
Both the instructor and the student have the opportunity to appeal the AIC's decision. This appeal is made to the Academic Appeals Sub-Committee within seven business days following electronic receipt of the AIC's decision. In your appeal, you must state not only your desire to challenge their decision but also the basis for the appeal. Appeals are limited to a review of the recording of the original hearing, supporting documentation, and/or the finding on the grounds listed below:
- Whether the decision-making process or hearing was conducted fairly in light of the accusations and evidence exhibited
- Whether there was enough evidence to support the AIC's decision
- Whether the decision was applicable based on the violation
- There is new evidence that was not readily available during the hearing and will probably affect the outcome of the decision
- Whether the AIC was biased or had a conflict of interest
The Academic Appeals Sub-Committee will review the appeal within fourteen business days of the close of the AIC hearing. They will either recommend the original sanctions be reduced, revoked, or upheld, or send the matter back to the AIC for another look.
How an Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Allegations of academic misconduct violations can have long-term effects outside of the bounds of the sanctions imposed. For example, if you are found responsible for committing academic misconduct and sanctioned with suspension or expulsion, those penalties will be noted on transcripts. When you try to apply to another college or graduate school to continue your education, you will have to explain them to any admissions counselor you meet. This is especially true if you hope to attend law school or gain entrance to your state's bar exam, as past examples of honesty and ethics play a key role in future integrity characteristics.
If you are accused of violating academic integrity at Rochester Institute of Technology, it is important you contact an attorney-advisor as soon as possible. Attorney-advisors, like Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm, will build strategic defenses that seek to lessen or completely alleviate any negative consequences you might face. Attorney Lento is a highly experienced attorney who has worked with hundreds of students across the county accused of academic misconduct. Call 888-535-3686 today to schedule your consultation.
