What is the Code of Academic Integrity?
The Code of Academic Integrity at the University of Arizona, along with the Student Code of Conduct, addresses the components of academic integrity and honesty at the school. The standards begin by stating, “Integrity and ethical behavior are expected of every student in all academic work. This Academic Integrity principle stands for honesty in all class work, and ethical conduct in all labs and clinical assignments.” The Code does not apply to the university's medical or law schools.
What Behavior does the Student Code of Conduct Prohibit?
The Student Code of Conduct prohibits all behavior that is a form of academic dishonesty. Examples of violations are listed on the website and include helping another student attempt to violate the Code of Academic Integrity, submitting a work that was previously submitted to a class, cheating, and plagiarism. Other actions may qualify as violations, so it's important to keep in mind the guiding principle that anything that is academically dishonest falls into this category.
What are the Academic Integrity Procedures at the University of Arizona?
If you are beginning the process of being investigated for academic integrity, a good resource on the website is this flowchart. It outlines the broad strokes of the procedures that will occur, including timeline components. At several stages of the process, you may elect to appeal the decision; however, it's best to ensure that you're well-prepared from the start. The procedures begin with a conference with a faculty member who suspects an alleged violation. If the faculty member determines that it is more likely than not that the suspected violation took place, then they will file the appropriate paperwork and recommend a sanction. You may appeal their decision to the Dean. After the Dean reviews the evidence, depending on the circumstances of the case, you may be able to appeal the decision and go to a University Hearing Board.
What if I Want to Appeal a Faculty Member's Decision?
If a faculty member believes an alleged violation has occurred, they have 15 days to meet with the student and discuss the incident. You'll receive written notice, and after the meeting, the faculty member will complete a Record of Faculty-Student Conference form if a “preponderance of the evidence” demonstrates that it's likely the alleged violation took place. As a student, you have 10 days to appeal this decision by filling out the Request for Appeal to the Dean of the College. Within 15 days of receiving the request, the Dean's office will schedule a hearing for the appeal. The hearing will take place within 30 days of receiving the appeal. Usually, the Dean's decision is final; however, a case may qualify for an appeal to the University Hearing Board.
What Happens at the Hearing Board?
At the Hearing Board, the procedures listed in policy 5-403 apply, with some adjustments, as listed under the Appeal to University Hearing Board section in the Code of Academic Integrity. The key things to know about the Hearing Board meeting are that no later than 5 days before the hearing, both parties will exchange evidence as listed in part 3e. The hearing will begin opening statements, first by the University Representative, and then by the student or their advisor. Witnesses will present and be questioned, the student will present and be questioned, and either party may present evidence that was disclosed beforehand. The Hearing Board members will deliberate and create a recommendation for the Provost as to whether or not the violation occurred. The Provost will consider their recommendation and then make a decision.
What if I'm in Medical School or Law School at the University of Arizona?
If you are in graduate school as a medical student or law student at the University of Arizona, your guidelines for academic integrity are outlined by your specific college. You've worked incredibly hard to get to your graduate studies and invested large amounts of time, money, and energy. With so much at stake, you want to make sure that you're aware of the procedures and processes that apply to your particular course of study.
If you are a student at the College of Law, you are expected to follow both the Student Code of Conduct and the Honor Code from the College of Law. If, after the preliminary investigation, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs determines that an Honor Code violation did occur, but you contest it, then your case will proceed to an Honor Council hearing.
If you are a student in the College of Medicine, your parameters will be the Honor Code from the College of Medicine and the University's Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity. The Honor Code “is intended to promote an atmosphere of confidence and trust among students. The governing philosophy and premise of this Honor Code is that students striving to enter the medical profession are required to adhere to professional and ethical standards.” If there is a suspected Honor Code violation, the Chair of the Honor Code Committee, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, and a student member of the committee will meet to determine if “the allegation, if true, would constitute prohibited conduct.”
Whether you are a medical student or a law student, it's important that you review your college's specific Honor Code so that you can understand the process that will occur. With so much money, time, and effort spent on getting as far as you have with your academic career, you deserve to protect your investments and not risk losing it all.
Experienced Academic Integrity Attorney-Advisor
If you or a loved one is currently facing charges of academic integrity violations at the University of Arizona, you want to make certain that you have an experienced and qualified attorney-advisor who can help you navigate the procedures and processes at the school. With all that you've sacrificed and worked for, don't throw it all away with a mark on your permanent academic record. Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have helped countless students across the nation fight for their due process. He won't quit until he succeeds. Contact us today at 888.535.3686 or online to discuss the specifics of your circumstances.
