The City University of New York is the largest public university system in the U.S. and has a universal code of conduct that applies to all of its colleges and campuses, including Hunter College. The Hunter College community considers academic integrity a guiding principle, allowing all students to learn and perform on a level playing field. For this reason, The City University of New York (CUNY) Hunter College promotes academic honesty on campus, may review all charges of academic misconduct, and implement sanctions for those students found responsible for violations.
Students must cooperate with Hunter College's disciplinary procedures when it comes to academic misconduct if they want a chance to defend themselves and clear their names. A determination of academic misconduct on a student's college record could jeopardize future endeavors, such as applying to graduate school, seeking internships, or gaining employment.
If you have been accused of academic dishonesty at CUNY Hunter College, consider contacting a New York attorney that specializes in student defense for help.
Academic Misconduct at CUNY Hunter College
For academic integrity issues, Hunter College follows the policy of the CUNY network. The CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity defines academic dishonesty and provides examples, lists methods colleges may undertake to promote academic integrity, lays out reporting and disciplinary procedures, and lists sanctions.
Hunter College also has a Student Guide to Academic Integrity to help students understand what constitutes academic dishonesty, as well as a list of sanctions and their definitions.
Examples of Academic Integrity Violations
The CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity considers cheating, plagiarism, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records or official documents as academic dishonesty.
Cheating
- Copying from another student during an exam
- Using notes during a closed book exam
- Changing a graded exam and returning it for more credit
- Submitting substantial portions of the same paper to more than one course without consulting with instructors
- Preparing answers or writing notes in an exam booklet before an examination
Plagiarism
- Presenting another person's ideas or theories as your own without acknowledging the source
- Failing to acknowledge collaborators on homework or laboratory assignments
- Submitting downloaded term papers from the internet, “cutting & pasting” from various sources without attribution
Obtaining Unfair Advantage
- Stealing, reproducing, circulating, or otherwise gaining access to examination materials prior to the exam
- Depriving other students of access to library materials by stealing, destroying, defacing, or concealing them
Falsification of Records and Official Documents
- Forging signatures of authorization
- Falsifying information on an official academic record
The Process for Academic Integrity Violations at CUNY Hunter College
Like all CUNY colleges, Hunter College has an Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Officer that oversees the administration of the academic integrity policy. The Academic Integrity Officer receives reports of suspected academic dishonesty incidents from faculty and consults on implementing the appropriate sanction.
Cases Involving Academic Sanctions Only
At CUNY Hunter College, academic dishonesty incidents may involve academic sanctions alone or both academic and disciplinary sanctions. In cases where only academic sanctions are pursued, accused students may:
- Admit to the academic misconduct and not contest the sanction. Faculty members may impose a reduced grade on the assignment or in the course.
- Admit to the academic misconduct but contest the sanction. Students can appeal an imposed sanction through the grade appeal process by providing a written statement with supporting evidence.
- Deny academic misconduct. Students have a right to have all written charges presented, go before a committee, and present witness statements or call witnesses. The faculty member charging the student with academic dishonesty may also appear before the committee. The committee makes a determination and sends a written decision to the Academic Integrity Officer.
Cases Involving Disciplinary Sanctions
The Academic Integrity Officer can seek disciplinary sanctions for a student charged with academic misconduct if it's a substantial violation, if the student has previously violated the policy, or if academic sanctions do not apply because the student has withdrawn from the course. Actions such as forging a transcript, stealing an exam from an instructor's office, having someone else take an exam for you, or sabotaging another student's work count as substantial violations.
If the Academic Integrity Officer decides to seek disciplinary sanctions, the case proceeds under Section 15.4 of Article XV of the CUNY Bylaws, which involves an investigation and mediation. Students can face both academic and disciplinary sanctions for their actions.
Potential Consequences for Academic Misconduct at CUNY Hunter College
Academic sanctions for violations of the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity usually involve a reduced grade for the assignment or the course. Faculty may impose an “F” in the course or a grade lower than what the student would have earned if they hadn't committed the violation.
Disciplinary sanctions at CUNY Hunter College include:
- Admonition
- Warning
- Censure
- Disciplinary probation
- Restitution
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Complaint to civil authorities
- Ejection
Keep in mind that many schools may list lesser sanctions as possible outcomes, however, it's very common for students to receive suspension when facing a disciplinary procedure. Not only will suspension go on your Hunter College record, but it will also leave a gap in your official transcript, which you must explain to employers or graduate programs.
How Can a New York Student Defense Attorney Assist You?
If an academic misconduct case at CUNY Hunter College involves disciplinary sanctions, students may have an advisor represent them at their hearing. Having an advocate by your side to help you through the academic misconduct procedures can help you make sense of what's happening. Often, students are overwhelmed by the formal processes that ensue after they are charged with academic misconduct and are unsure how to act during proceedings.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento has helped countless students defend themselves against academic dishonesty accusations and will help you preserve your future. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to speak with the college academic misconduct legal specialist team.
