Have you received a notice from ASU that discusses your impending involvement in an academic misconduct violation investigation?
If you're studying as an online student at ASU, this may come as a surprise. Unfortunately, the typical academic misconduct policies that exist at most universities are difficult to interpret and administer fairly when a student completes their education remotely. This makes remote academic misconduct, often, the result of a misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Many universities—ASU included—can have a hard time distinguishing between true and apparent misconduct.
If there is a discrepancy or confusion, the school will rarely choose to act in a student's favor. This can have unfair ramifications that last for a student's entire life. At the Lento Law Firm, we believe that you should have access to all of the benefits you've worked hard to achieve, including a full and completed education. That's why you need to work quickly to address any allegations of academic misconduct that your university has levied against you.
What Constitutes an Academic Misconduct Offense at ASU Online?
The Provost at ASU has provided a comprehensive document that details ASU's philosophy and procedures when it comes to academic integrity. According to the school's honor code, “Integrity is a character-driven commitment to honesty, doing what is right, and guiding others to do what is right.” All ASU students, whether they complete their education online or on-campus, must act in a way that aligns with the school's stated standards.
The most common academic misconduct events at ASU include:
- Cheating on any academic exercise, assignment, or evaluation;
- Plagiarizing, whether accidentally or on purpose;
- Fabricating data or any other form of academic deceit;
- Collaborating without the express permission of an ASU teacher;
- Falsifying records or providing inaccurate information to the university;
- Helping another student violate the school's academic integrity policy.
Anyone who has reason to believe that a student has acted in a way that violates these expectations can report academic misconduct to the school's Academic Integrity Officer. Once ASU has received this information, the school will act quickly to learn as much as possible about what may have happened and work to provide a reasonable recommendation for consequences.
ASU's Investigation and Adjudication Processes
Once ASU's Academic Integrity Officer has learned about what may have happened, the officer will take reasonable steps to learn as much as possible regarding the alleged violation. If the officer finds sufficient basis to believe that the student has acted in a punishable manner, the school will proceed with its adjudicative process.
Before ASU has completed its process, the school will send the student a summary of all of the data they've found regarding the student's guilt. The student has 5 days to respond on their behalf. Unless there is a reason for the school to listen to the student's appeal, the school will provide a decision and disciplinary recommendations, which are considered final.
After ASU Online's Academic Adjudicative Procedures, What Happens Next?
Once the university has completed its due process, the student will have to face the consequences for their alleged actions. Common consequences include:
- Reduced or failing grades
- Rescinded credit
- Reduced privileges
- Suspension, probation, or expulsion in severe cases
However, these consequences are just the start of the real ramifications of your academic misconduct violation. Your reputation matters, and your reputation can be seriously hurt by these proceedings.
ASU does allow you to have an advisor present. The school may even offer you representation from one of their in-house lawyers. While this may seem generous, it's always a better idea to seek your own counsel. Your school's lawyers simply won't have the expertise necessary to help you in the way you need it—and your school's lawyers will always, first and foremost, remain loyal to your school. This can seriously hurt you if the proceedings result in ongoing negotiations.
What a Top-Tier Misconduct Advisor Can Do For You
Managing an academic misconduct allegation from afar can be extremely difficult. You may already feel disconnected from your school's community and administration. These proceedings won't help. You may also already be stressed for myriad reasons relating to your education. You need to accept that you're going to need help to figure your situation out in the most strategic way possible, no matter what your family, your friends, or your school are telling you.
While your advisor won't be able to speak for you directly, your advisor can coach you in the most strategic things to say. Your advisor can help you research your school's policies, and your advisor will bring years of targeted experience helping students avoid charges for online academic misconduct. They can also help you feel like your academic misconduct proceedings are more manageable, and give you the confidence you need to protect your future.
Need Help with Academic Misconduct Allegations at ASU? Call Today
How you deal with your academic misconduct allegations at ASU today can have a great deal of an impact on what happens tomorrow—and for the rest of your life. Whether these allegations were the result of a misunderstanding or not, an academic misconduct violation on your permanent record can cause future employers, academic institutions, internship committees and more to think hard before offering you the opportunities that you deserve.
At the Lento Law Firm, we don't believe that's acceptable. That's why you should reach out to ensure that Joseph D. Lento, one of the nation's top student misconduct advisors, is on your side. Joseph D. Lento has unparalleled experience representing and supporting students who need a second chance. He can help you explore your options, prepare for hearings, draft strategic documents and more to help you work towards a successful outcome. Reach out to the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation.
