An allegation of academic misconduct can derail your graduation from Maryville University of St. Louis. You've made personal sacrifices and worked long hours to reach Maryville U. of St. Louis. An accusation of academic wrongdoing now threatens the fruits of all your hard work.
In order to ensure due process, you should be familiar with Maryville University of St. Louis' definitions of misconduct.
What Do Online Students Need to Know?
Online education presents unique opportunities and challenges. Offenses that may be more common to online students include:
- Accessing web pages during an exam
- Exchanging answers digitally (pre-test or post-test)
- Having notes or documents available during a virtual examination
If you have been accused of these or other offenses, then you may benefit from an online academic misconduct advisor.
What Does Maryville University of St. Louis Say About Academic Integrity?
The university explains that students “are responsible for maintaining the standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled”. An academic grievance process governs individual instances of alleged academic dishonesty.
What Does Maryville University of St. Louis Consider an Academic Violation?
Maryville University of St. Louis’ Policy on Grievances Related to Academic Integrity cites the following acts as academically dishonest:
- Claiming that another person's words or ideas are your own (plagiarism)
- Improperly obtaining a test before taking said test
- Passing along answers before, during, or after an academic examination
- Purchasing academic work from a third party and passing it off as your own
- Re-using work that you have submitted for another course
- Completing another student's assignment
- Falsifying grades in a grade book
- Working with others on an assignment when collaboration is not permitted
Other acts or omissions may result in an allegation of academic misconduct.
Fact-Gathering Is the First Step in Maryville University of St. Louis' Academic Integrity Process
A suspected academic integrity violation leads to a complaint. That complaint triggers a fact-finding meeting between:
- The party or parties who filed the complaint
- The accused
During this meeting, the complainant will present the allegation to the accused. The complainant and accused may also present any evidence that affirms or refutes the claim of academic dishonesty.
The presiding faculty member will then decide whether to file a Confidential Report of Academic Dishonesty. This is tantamount to a guilty verdict issued by the faculty member.
What Happens If a Faculty Member Files a Confidential Report of Academic Dishonesty?
A faculty member's Confidential Report of Academic Dishonesty will go on your permanent academic file. Your academic advisor and Academic Dean will also receive a copy of the report. Higher-ups at the university, including the Registrar and Dean of Student Life will also receive a copy.
The faculty member who issues the report may impose one or more of the following consequences:
- Grade reduction on the assignment in question
- Grade reduction for the course
- An immediate and irrevocable failing grade for the course
- Expulsion from the course
- Initiation of academic probation
Maryville University of St. Louis reserves the right to suspend or expel students for violations of academic integrity. Punishments are issued on a case-by-case basis. Suspension may generally be the starting point for accusations of academic dishonesty.
Students receive notification of formal consequences through a letter from the Academic Dean for the course in question.
The Informal Grievance Process: An Accused Student's First Resort
Students who receive a de facto conviction for academic dishonesty may not agree with:
- The decision that they are guilty
- The process through which the decision arose
- The punishment they receive
A student who has any qualms with their case can file an informal grievance. They must request a meeting with the Academic Dean for the course in which they are accused of dishonesty. In this request letter, the student should include:
- A written explanation of why they deserve a meeting to review their case outcome
- Documentation to support their case
If they approve the request, the Dean will arrange a meeting. That date will be no more than 10 business days rom the date that the request is approved.
The informal grievance process concludes with a letter from the Academic Dean. This letter notifies the student whether the university will proceed with a formal grievance, or whether the Dean imposes another type of resolution.
How the Formal Grievance Process Works
The formal grievance process is the last non-legal resort for students accused of academic wrongdoing. Students who pursue a formal grievance will:
- Pen a written request for action no more than ten days from their meeting with the Academic Dean (which was part of the informal grievance process)
- Include all relevant details and documentation along with their written request for action
- Follow up on their request to ensure receipt of the letter (particularly if they do not receive notice in a timely manner)
The student should receive a written response from the Vice President of Academic Affairs. This letter will inform the accused student of a hearing with the Student/Faculty Board. This hearing should occur no more than ten business days from the Vice President's receipt of the student's request for action.
The Student/Faculty Board will weigh all evidence, testimony, and other case-related details. In the words of Maryville University of St. Louis' online literature, “the decision of the Student/Faculty Hearing Board shall be final”.
Reasons to Hire an Online College Academic Misconduct Advisor
Allegations of academic dishonesty are as serious as it gets for a student. A ruling against you could alter not only your academic standing, but also:
- Your future professional opportunities
- Your career earning power
- Your well-being
- Your own and your family's quality of life
You should not take Maryville University of St. Louis' grievance processes lightly. The following errors may seal the fate of your case:
- A careless misstatement
- Failure to act quickly in filing a grievance
- Failure to collect and present all pertinent evidence
- Failure to thoroughly challenge the allegations against you
An attorney can serve as your online college academic misconduct advisor. As your representative, they can defend your rights while handling all of your case-related responsibilities. This will allow you to focus on your ongoing academic pursuits without worry.
Contact the Lento Law Firm to Secure Legal Representation
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have unparalleled experience helping with academic misconduct allegations - including traditional forms of academic misconduct, and of course misconduct associated with virtual learning and the missteps that can come with new technologies. Allegations involving online learning are often baseless, but the consequences of these allegations are very real. Our team can represent you or a loved one accused of academic wrongdoing and can help work towards a fair process and the best possible outcome.
Call attorney Joseph. D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation about your case. You can also contact us online here.
