The University of Arizona's Dean of Students Office states that “integrity should guide conduct and decisions related to academic work and all credit bearing classes, including traditional, non-traditional, and online courses.”
That's right—if you're an online student at U of A, you're subject to the same responsibilities and potential sanctions for violations as on-campus students. And those sanctions can be life-altering.
As the person facing potential sanctions, you should understand your options for defense. Weigh the consequences of these sanctions and decide if you need an academic misconduct counselor on your side.
What Actions Can Land Online Students in Trouble?
Online learning is conducive to certain types of academic dishonesty. This can include:
- Using online resources when doing so is prohibited
- Relying on notes during an examination
- Exchanging answers digitally while taking an exam
- Having third parties complete your work
Faculty reports that cheating is more common in online courses than in-person alternatives. The anonymity and distance of online learning are possible precursors for cheating, some experts say.
Whatever the specific accusations levied against you or your child, an allegation of cheating warrants your full attention. This is particularly true at the University of Arizona, whose academic code clearly prohibits academic dishonesty.
What Offenses Does the University of Arizona's Code of Academic Integrity Cite?
The school's Code of Academic Integrity specifically forbids:
- “Cheating”
- Fabrication
- Plagiarism
- Submitting the same work in multiple courses
- Helping others engage in dishonest academic activity
The code calls for “honesty in all class work, and ethical conduct in all labs and clinical assignments.”
What Happens When You Are Accused of Academic Dishonesty?
U of A literature outlines the process you will face if accused of academic dishonesty. Consider the following stages:
1. A conference between you and the accusing faculty member
The faculty member for the course you are accused of cheating in must provide you “written notice in advance of the conference within a reasonable time frame, detailed reason for the conference, and fair consideration of the charges against [you].”
The conference must take place no more than 15 days after the faculty discovers evidence (or suspicion) wrongdoing. If the faculty member does not abide by this time frame and does not obtain an extension, you cannot be held responsible for an alleged offense.
2. The faculty member will hear your case
They will meet with you in a private setting. At this time, you can present arguments and evidence in your defense.
3. The faculty member will render sanctions
Unlike some other universities, faculty members at the University of Arizona have outsize disciplinary power. They can impose a wide array of sanctions upon you, many of which could make your life considerably more difficult.
What Sanctions Can U of A Faculty Impose Upon You?
The faculty member handling your case may levy one or more of the following sanctions:
- Expulsion from the “program, department, college or University”
- Suspension you from the program, department, college, or University
- Revocation your degree
- Failing you in the course
- Putting a note of violation in your transcript
- Reducing your grade
- Revoking credit for the assignment
- Issuing a written warning
The Arizona Board of Regents confirms these possible sanctions in Section 5-304(B) of its Policy Manual. It states that you “may be ordered to leave the university campus” if a faculty member determines that you violated the school's Code of Conduct.
Note that even if you do not receive a formal note of violation in your transcript, you generally suffer the same consequences. You will need to account for a suspension, expulsion, failing grade, or degree revocation when you are seeking a job or pursue graduate school admittance. Any academic sanction is a de facto asterisk on your record.
What Consequences Do You Face Beyond the Academic Realm?
The detrimental effects of an academic misconduct violation range beyond the University of Arizona. Academic sanctions could:
- Irreparably harm an otherwise impressive academic record
- Cause a gap in your academic record (which you will have to explain to prospective employers)
- Make you a less attractive job candidate
- Make you a less attractive candidate for graduate school
- Give the impression that you are a dishonest person
- Restrict your employment options
- Suppress your earning power
- Diminish the overall quality of your life
The academic and professional markets are competitive enough. A violation of U of A's Code of Academic Integrity could put you at a distinct disadvantage and get in the way of your future goals.
You Can Appeal a Faculty Member's Ruling, and You Should Do So
If you have received notification of sanctions, or receive such notification in the future, then you can appeal the faculty member's decision. University literature states that the “Student has 10 academic days to submit an appeal using the form titled Request to Appeal to College Dean”.
The Dean has the right to change the faculty member's decision. If they do not change the decision, then you may file yet another appeal. This time, you will make an appeal request to the University Hearing Board.
You are eligible for such a secondary appeal when:
- You have been expelled
- You have been suspended
- You have been issued a notation on your transcript
- Your degree has been revoked
- Your request for a University Appeal is granted for any other reason
You should take full advantage of your options for appeal.
An Advisor Can Help You With This Process
University of Arizona's Code of Academic Integrity states that “The student may be assisted throughout the proceedings by an advisor or may be represented by an attorney.” This refers specifically to the University Hearing process.
You should hire such an attorney-advisor. They will defend your rights, handle every aspect of your case, and seek exoneration or mitigation of the sanctions against you.
The University of Arizona will not fight for you. Hire an attorney-advisor who will.
Retain an Online College Academic Misconduct Advisor Today
The words “expulsion” and “suspension” may provoke feelings of nausea, anxiety, and even despair. They will conjure similarly negative feelings in employers and admissions boards who review your record.
Do not fight allegations of misconduct on your own. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has helped countless students in circumstances like yours fight allegations of academic misconduct and mitigate outcomes when necessary. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686 to speak about your case.
