Established in 1923, Texas Tech University (TTU) is one of the largest public universities in Texas. With over 60 research centers, 13 colleges, and some of the most beautiful campuses in the state, TTU offers students an opportunity to study in a diverse and exciting environment. Undergraduates have multiple career opportunities to choose from after finishing their programs or enroll in graduate courses also offered by TTU.
Due to TTU's high number of enrolled students, the administration established a comprehensive academic integrity policy that outlines ethical and behavioral expectations that students must follow. However, when mistakes happen, or allegations of misconduct hold no weight, they have crippling repercussions on student progress.
Academic misconduct policies are, at their core, a guideline to maintain a fair level playing field for all students. Yet when procedural errors or overly harsh penalties threaten a student's educational path, a legal advisor's guidance may be the only way to reduce their impact.
Academic Misconduct at Texas Tech University
TTU expects all students to demonstrate principles of academic integrity and honesty. Students must demonstrate ethical behavior, especially when it pertains to their academic progress. Gaining an unfair competitive advantage against peers goes against TTU's expectations of building trust and respect. The university's operating policies define academic misconduct as actions that include cheating, plagiarism, falsification, collusion, and any activity that misrepresents a student's effort.
Examples of academic misconduct outlined in the Student Handbook include:
Cheating
- Copying answers from another student's exam
- Allowing other students to copy answers
- Unauthorized assistance from another individual
- Using unsanctioned devices during exams or quizzes such as tablets or smartphones
- Purchasing a text or quiz from an online source or student websites
- Obtaining confidential material and using it for personal gain
- Purchasing software or any unauthorized material to use for cheating
Plagiarism
- Using another person's words, ideas, code, or material and passing it off as one's work
- Paraphrasing an idea without giving proper citation
- Self-plagiarism by submitting previously completed work as recent
Collusion
- Collaborating with another student to cheat on an academic exercise, test, or quiz
- The unauthorized assistance of another student or group
- Conspiring with others to commit an act of academic dishonesty
Misrepresenting Facts
- Falsifying grades on a transcript, resume, or certification
- Intentionally providing the wrong information to frame another student
- Providing false information to receive postponements or extensions on academic obligations
TTU also reserves the right to consider other acts not listed in its Handbook as forms of academic misconduct if they go against the principles of honesty. Without an experienced advisor by their side, some students could face exceedingly harsh penalties and lose their rights without knowing.
Academic Dishonesty Process at Texas Tech University
TTU appoints the Office of Student Conduct to investigate allegations and reports of academic misconduct by professors and students. Before instructors report the alleged misconduct, TTU encourages professors to speak to the student about their concerns and to resolve the issue between them. If there is no result, the Office of Student Conduct reviews the case and proposes sanctions.
What is different about TTU is that it publishes the penalties for each type of academic misconduct violation. The Academic Dishonesty Sanctioning Grid outlines the offense, pinpoints the breach in the Student Handbook, categorizes the violation based on severity, and proposes sanctions based on the number of infarctions. Students have the opportunity to understand what may occur during the hearing depending on the infarction and appeal decisions that don't align with the grid.
Students can appeal academic integrity sanctions by submitting a written letter within eight days of receiving notice of sanctions. TTU only grants students the right to appeal in the event of a procedural error, if new evidence emerges that can change the outcome, or if the sanctions are disproportionate to the alleged infarction. Although an approved appeal is not a guarantee of the modification of sanctions, the right statement can make all the difference when the panel reviews the student's case. With the help of a skilled attorney, students have a better chance of receiving a fair outcome.
Misconduct Sanctions at Texas Tech University
The severity of sanctions at TTU depends on the student's behavioral history, the number of offenses committed, and the infarction. Sanctions include:
- Verbal reprimand
- Written warning
- Retaking a test or course
- Failing grade for the test
- Failing a course
- Loss of privileges
- Probationary status
- Suspension
- Expulsion
A suspension or expulsion can have devastating consequences on a student's educational path and mental health. Everyone makes mistakes, but some are costlier than others and can delay graduation. Expelled students also have a notation on their permanent records, making it difficult for them to enroll in another university. In these scenarios, the help of an academic misconduct advisor is invaluable. TTU only imposes sanctions after the hearings and appeals process ends. A misconduct advisor advising the student from the beginning of the case increases the student's chances of success.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
College is when students are learning to become responsible members of society and are building their personalities in the process. Overly harsh penalties can prevent students from graduating and have long-term consequences that may even affect their career prospects. It is during these stressful times when having an attorney-advisor by your side makes a difference.
Advisor Joseph D. Lento has unparalleled experience helping college students and their families seek justice. With the proper support and defense strategy, students can confidently argue their case during the hearing and present substantial evidence that makes all the difference in the final case outcome.
TTU understandably wants to maintain its reputation by enforcing sanctions to discourage acts of academic misconduct. One mistake, however, shouldn't have to cost a student years of time and effort, especially when sanctions are disproportionate to the case.
If you or a loved one receive notice of an academic misconduct violation at Texas Tech University, don't wait until the panel decides the outcome. Call the Lento Law Firm today to learn more about your options and your rights at 888-535-3686.
