Colorado Technical University was founded by two Air Force Colonels who saw education as a way to help U.S. veterans transition back to civilian life. CTU remains focused on helping those who have served in the military, and its academic integrity standards are consistent with the high standards of the military branches. Failure to abide by CTU's Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy will become part of your permanent student record and can jeopardize your school standing.
Incidents of academic misconduct will be documented in your student file and may be reported to the Student Conduct Committee, which can lead to your dismissal from the school. This becomes a part of your permanent record and can hinder you from admission to other schools and even from future employment opportunities.
What sorts of conduct does CTU consider to be academic dishonesty?
CTU’s Student Conduct Policy encompasses a list of behaviors that are considered inconsistent with the best interests of the University. These include academic dishonesty and engaging in conduct that violates the University's Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy.
Here are some examples of academic dishonesty:
Cheating includes copying someone else's work, assisting another person during an exam, possessing unauthorized copies of an exam (including old exams, if it's without the professor's permission), or failing to follow exam rules.
Plagiarism involves submitting work from another source as your own. This includes direct quotations that fail to cite the source or use quotation marks. Paraphrasing a source is also considered plagiarism, unless you include a citation to the original source.
You can even plagiarize yourself: Submitting work that was written for another class is considered plagiarism, unless your professor has given you permission. This includes work that you turned in at a different university.
The University considers plagiarism to be a serious matter of significant ethical and legal concern. It reserves the right to revoke degrees or credit awarded to any student who has made a significant misrepresentation or misattribution.
Aiding or abetting others in committing acts of academic dishonesty is a violation of the Student Conduct Policy.
CTU'S Procedure for Adjudicating Academic Misconduct
Any CTU staff or faculty member who believes a student has committed academic misconduct is required to promptly send all pertinent details to the Provost Office/Chief Academic Officer. The Provost Office will investigate the incident and decide whether to forward the matter to the Student Conduct Committee, comprised of CTU faculty and administrative officials. The Committee will review the Provost's findings and make a recommendation to the Provost.
Depending on the severity of the academic misconduct, the Committee may impose a series of escalating penalties:
Official Reprimand: An oral statement and a warning. The appropriate University official will notify the student, who will be required to review the Academic Honesty Policy and Honor Code and affirm the CTU Honor Statement.
Official Written Notice: You may receive a written warning describing the academic misconduct and the specific tenet of the Student Conduct Policy you violated. A copy of the warning will be placed in your official student file. If the problem is not remedied, you will receive a second written warning or a final written warning, which will also be placed in your student file.
Suspension: The Student Conduct Committee may decide to suspend you from CTU for a finite period of time. During this time period, you will be barred from campus and from participating in classes or any other aspect of University life.
Dismissal: If the Student Conduct Committee finds that you have committed academic misconduct, the President or Provost may order that you be permanently unenrolled from CTU with no possibility of returning. Since dismissals are such a serious penalty, the Committee reviews them on a case-by-case basis, evaluating whether the particular circumstances warrant dismissal.
As serious as the potential immediate concerns that can result from a finding of responsibility and sanctions at CTU are, these concerns can pale to the potential long-term consequences. A finding of academic dishonesty at CTU can wreak havoc on future academic and professional goals even if a student found responsible is able to complete their degree.
Questions regarding past misconduct can haunt a student for years and this is why an accused student must present the strongest possible defense to academic misconduct allegations, regardless if caused by a mistake or poor decision. Working towards a fair disciplinary process and the best possible at Colorado Technical University is key to keeping present and future academic and professional doors open.
You Have the Right to Appeal
If found responsible, you may appeal a notice of dismissal to the Appeals Board by completing a Conduct Dismissal Appeal (found on the Virtual Campus Resource page) and sending it to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman may ask you for additional information and documentation. After reviewing your file, the Ombudsman will present the information to the Student Conduct Committee's Appeals Board.
The Appeals Board will look at your overall record to see whether you have received prior written warnings or committed other violations of academic honesty. It will also review your overall academic history. The Appeals Board will then take a formal vote and notify the President or Provost/Chief Academic Officer of its decision. The President or Provost/Chief Academic Officer will make a final review and then issue a final determination on the matter.
Am I allowed to have assistance in defending myself if I am accused of academic misconduct?
If you find out you've been reported to the Student Conduct Committee or receive a notice of dismissal, you have a right to respond and to defend yourself before any final action is taken.
But it's tough to go it alone in situations like this. You have the right to consult an experienced lawyer who is familiar with academic dishonesty procedures and can advise you on the best course of action. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law firm have helped hundreds of students nationwide who found themselves in similar situations. Attorney Lento and his team can help you overcome the challenges associated with academic misconduct allegations.
The Lento Law Firm specializes in defending students and staffers nationwide accused of wrongdoing by their schools.
Attorney Joseph D Lento is the tough, determined lawyer you want on your side when you find yourself facing academic misconduct charges. Attorney Lento is relentless and not afraid to take on difficult challenges. He has had years of experience helping students and others in the field of education successfully resolve claims against them. To arrange a case consultation, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out the firm's online contact link.
