“Intellectual integrity is critical to the foundation of all academic work,” says Rensselaer in a statement about academic dishonesty. As such, the institute confirms that the school will mete out punitive measures for all counts of academic misconduct.
You might remember hearing stern warnings such as this during your orientation at Rensselaer. At the time, you weren't worried.
Now, as you face allegations of academic misconduct, you might start to worry. You might wonder if your past actions are going to dictate your future. You might wonder what you can do to clean up the mess you've made.
Fortunately, you do have options. Work with a seasoned, skilled student defense advisor today to protect your academic future, both at Rensselaer and afterward.
Rensselaer's Academic Misconduct Policy and You
If you're wondering what's going to happen next, what punishments you may face, or even, simply, the full nature of the allegations against you at Rensselaer, your best bet is to scour the academic dishonesty policy at the institute. This document is dense, but it contains information regarding the specific actions that Rensselaer considers punishable - as well as, crucially, information about the steps that the institute will take to adjudicate your case.
At the Lento Law Firm, we can analyze Rensselaer's academic misconduct policy through the lens of years of experience - catching every nuance, understanding the meaning of every footnote. However, it's a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with this document, as well.
For starters, the academic dishonesty policy at Rensselaer includes the following list of examples of academic dishonesty:
- Academic fraud
- Collaboration
- Copying
- Cribbing
- Fabrication
- Plagiarism
- Sabotage
- Substitution
The institute also notes that any student who attempts to commit any of these actions or assists another student in doing so violates this policy. If you currently stand accused of one of these infractions (or another under the umbrella term of ‘academic dishonesty'), you should be aware that Rensselaer will continue due process by launching an investigation into your guilt before meting out punitive actions.
Additionally, there are two main routes, at Rensselaer, regarding the consequences you may experience. Firstly - and most simply - your instructor may administer a grade penalty. Secondly, you may also enter the judicial process at the institute.
The severity of your alleged infraction will go a long way towards determining which path you take.
What Happens after an Allegation of Academic Misconduct at Rensselaer Institute?
If a teacher believes that you may be guilty of academic institute, they will follow these steps (outlined in the Academic Dishonesty policy):
- Within 10 days of the suspected incident, your teacher will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your situation.
- At the meeting, you will have the opportunity to review the evidence your teacher has gathered and provide your own perspective on the event.
- After your meeting, your teacher will look for more evidence - which may include speaking to other students. At the end of this process, in conjunction with the institute, your teacher will administer a grade penalty (if warranted) and decide whether to refer you to the institute for further sanctions.
- Within five business days of your meeting with your teacher, they will make a decision and communicate to you your next steps (and any grade penalties). This communication will be in writing.
- The Dean of Students Office at Rensselaer will perform an additional investigation into the nature of your misconduct, if necessary, and determine the nature of any further punishment. Depending on the severity of your actions, consequences may include a formal warning, probation, suspension, and even expulsion.
This process can be scary. It can also happen very quickly. It's important to realize that there's a lot at stake - above and beyond your current collegiate reputation!
Since this is the case, you need to act quickly. Hiring a reputable student defense advisor needs to be one of your first strategies for fighting your charges.
What Should You Do if You Learn that You Stand Accused of Academic Misconduct at RPI?
It's easy to get overwhelmed, confused, and scared when you learn about the allegations against you, particularly if this is your first brush with your school's disciplinary system. Remember these four steps to start your defense process off on the right foot:
- Calm down and compose yourself. More than anything, don't panic and say or do something you shouldn't in the heat of the moment. Do not admit anything or explain anything.
- Find your school's code of conduct and start learning about what may happen. Notice, in particular, if there's anything discrepant between what Rensselaer is doing and what documentation says should be happening.
- Write down everything you remember about the incident. Gather all information possible, even details you don't believe to be relevant.
- Contact an academic misconduct violation advisor. The earlier, the better: A student defense advisor will have the experience and expertise necessary to get you where you need to be.
Contact a Skilled Student Defense Advisor Today for the Assistance You Need
When you're facing academic misconduct at Rensselaer, it's easy to feel like you're suddenly all alone. With the ramifications of your actions threatening your previously bright future, you may wonder: What is it that you're supposed to do now?
Reach out for help. At the Lento Law Firm, that's exactly what we offer. You're in the right place.
Joseph D. Lento is an experienced academic misconduct defense advisor that can help you with every step that you need to take. He can help assess your situation, collect information and evidence for your case, and help build a strong case to suggest your innocence. If you hire Joseph D. Lento early on in your academic misconduct case, he will help you work towards a favorable outcome. Over the course of many years, attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have defended thousands of students nationwide - successfully. We can help you, too. Call us at 888-535-3686 or reach out online.
