Oregon State University offers a wide range of online degree programs, from Anthropology to Business Administration, Horticulture, and Psychology. These virtual programs can be just as grueling as in-person courses. Students face most of the same academic pressures online as they would in the classroom.
Have you been accused of academic dishonesty as an online student at Oregon State University? If so, an online college academic misconduct advisor can guide you through this critical time in your life.
What Are Common Instances of Academic Dishonesty for Online Students?
The practical realities of online school are different from the in-classroom experience. For example, you can't peek at a deskmate's test paper when you're taking an online exam. However, you might be able to visit a webpage while taking that test online.
Some academic integrity violations unique to online schooling are:
- Accessing web pages in violation of course rules
- Relying on physical or digital notes during a test
- Having a third party take an exam for you
- Sharing answers with other classmates
- Paying a third party to complete your coursework
Online schooling correlates with greater instances of academic dishonesty. Faculty may be on guard for virtual forms of cheating, and you could be accused falsely of an academic violation. As a student accused of academic dishonesty, you should understand what is at stake.
What Qualifies as Academic Dishonesty at Oregon State University?
Oregon State University’s Student Conduct Code defines academic dishonesty (or scholarly dishonesty) as:
“...An act of deception in which a Student seeks to claim credit for the work or effort of another person, or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information in any academic work or research, either through the Student's own efforts or the efforts of another.”
The OSU Student Conduct Code § 576-015-0020specifically lists the following offenses as academic integrity violations:
- Copying other students' test answers
- Using an electronic device in an unauthorized manner
- Falsifying data or exaggerating research
- Acquiring a test before taking the test
- Completing someone else's assignment
- Submitting someone else's work as your own
Some of these offenses may be more prevalent in an online course setting. Being accused of one or more of these violations could put your academic, professional, and personal future at risk.
What Consequences Do You Face for Academic Dishonesty at Oregon State University?
The OSU Student Conduct Code details the sanctions for academic dishonesty. Section 576-015-0030 of the Code notes that punishments “will be commensurate with the violation committed and become progressively more demanding or severe if the Student or Student Organization repeats violations”.
Do not take this to mean that you will receive a slap on the wrist for a first offense. You should not assume that those who issue sanctions will be lenient or even act in your best interests. This is generally not the case.
In fact, the Student Conduct Code states that, under certain circumstances, a single violation could result in:
- Expulsion from OSU
- Suspension from OSU
Other potential sanctions include:
- An official warning
- “Mandatory participation in educational activities”
- Community service
- University service
- Behavioral expectations reminiscent of probation
- Financial restitution
- Removal from a class
- Deferred suspension
- Degree revocation
Certain sanctions may apply more often to academic integrity violations. An online college academic misconduct advisor will inform you of the specific consequences that you are facing.
Any discipline that you receive could blemish your permanent academic records.
Additional Consequences from a Formal Sanction
There is no positive spin for academic sanctions. Having to explain probation—let alone a suspension or expulsion—to a prospective graduate school or employer is a scenario that you don't want to consider.
If you receive a de facto conviction for academic dishonesty, then you may:
- Experience a reduced grade point average (GPA)
- Have a failing grade on your transcripts
- Have a formal reprimand in your academic file
- Experience greater difficulty obtaining a well-paying, satisfying job
- Earn less money
- Experience difficulty in your personal life because of the ripple effect of academic sanctions
You cannot underestimate the potential harm of sanctions from Oregon State University. Your reputation and future could be on the line.
How Will OSU Handle Your Case?
Per OSU literature, you can expect the following steps in a case involving alleged academic dishonesty:
- Notice of charge (pending a decision)
- A hearing with representatives from the Office of the Dean of Students, at which time you may present evidence and give testimony
- Issuance of a decision
- If you are found guilty of an offense and issued sanctions, you may have grounds to appeal the decision.
How You Can Appeal a Decision
Oregon State University notes that you may appeal a conduct-related decision if:
- Your hearing lacked critical information or acts that may have changed the outcome of the case
- New evidence has arisen since the time of your hearing
- You received disproportionately harsh sanctions
There may be other grounds for filing an appeal.
How Can an Academic Misconduct Advisor Help?
Hiring an academic misconduct advisor for your case will:
- Provide a professional to focus solely on defending you
- Allow you to focus on school and other important matters
- Ensure defense of your rights
- Protect you from making harmful statements or actions
As experienced attorney-advisors, Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm know the high stakes of academic misconduct allegations and they have helped countless students at Oregon State University and also nationwide. They will:
- Research your case
- Gather evidence for your defense
- Advise you at every turn of your case
- Review any statements that you must make
- Represent you in formal hearings (when possible)
- Fight for your best interests
If you've been accused of academic wrongdoing, you're facing more than sanctions. You may be staring down a referendum on your character. This is a critical juncture for your future.
Academic Misconduct Advisor
It does not matter whether you've had a lapse in judgment or stand accused of baseless charges. In any circumstance, an academic misconduct advisor—Joseph D. Lento—can seek the best possible outcome for your case.
Call attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 for a consultation about your case. You can also contact us online through this form.
