The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UW Oshkosh) considers academic integrity as critical to its mission. Every member of the university community is expected to foster an environment of student learning that is fair, just, and honest. Students themselves must uphold core values such as honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.
Those students who do not respect UW Oshkosh's academic integrity mission may face serious consequences. The university considers academic misconduct a grave matter and will not go lightly on you if it determines you have committed academic dishonesty. If you are suspected of academic misconduct by an instructor or another student, you should, therefore, take the matter seriously. The future of your education could be at stake.
Academic Misconduct at UW Oshkosh
UW Oshkosh is part of the Wisconsin University System (UWS), and its rules pertaining to academic misconduct are therefore governed by state legislation. Specifically, Chapter UWS 14 covers student academic disciplinary procedures. This document states what the university may consider academic misconduct, as well as the procedures for faculty members and the Dean of Students when they believe a student has committed an act of academic dishonesty.
Examples of Academic Misconduct
The Chapter UWS 14 examples of academic misconduct are illustrative but not comprehensive:
- “Cheating on an examination”
- “Collaborating with others in work to be presented contrary to the stated rules of the course”
- “Submitting a paper or assignment as one's own work when part or all of the” work belongs to another
- Submitting a paper or assignment that contains others' ideas or research without appropriately identifying the sources
- Stealing examinations or course materials
- Submitting work previously submitted to another course if it's contrary to the rules of the current course
- Tampering with the laboratory experiment or computer program of another student
- Knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above acts
How UW Oshkosh Handles Academic Misconduct Allegations
The academic misconduct disciplinary process at UW Oshkosh may only involve a faculty member and the accused student. Depending on the case, it may also involve the Dean of Students and a hearing committee if a hearing is requested.
Meeting with Faculty Member
The academic dishonesty process at UW Oshkosh starts when an instructor suspects one of their students of academic misconduct. The faculty member meets with the student to discuss the allegations. During this meeting, an accused student can present their side of the story. If the faculty member determines the student has not committed academic misconduct, the process ends. If the instructor does find the student guilty of academic misconduct, they may impose appropriate sanctions or refer the matter to the Dean of Students in more serious cases.
Investigation by the Dean of Students
If the faculty member sends a report to the Dean of Students, the Dean must conduct an investigation. The Dean then makes a determination based on the investigation findings. If the Dean finds the student did not commit academic misconduct, the process ends. If the Dean determines that the student is responsible for academic misconduct, they will prepare a report and recommend sanctions.
Hearing
At certain steps in the academic disciplinary process, students may request a hearing:
- After an instructor imposes sanctions for academic misconduct
- After the Dean of Students recommends sanctions for academic misconduct
If a student requests a hearing, the Dean of Students must gather a hearing committee to listen to the student's case. At the hearing, the student may present evidence and witnesses, question adverse witnesses, and be heard on their own behalf. Students can also choose to have a representative at their hearings.
The committee makes a decision about the student's responsibility for academic misconduct at the end of the hearing. If the committee finds the student guilty of academic misconduct, it may impose a sanction. This sanction does not have to be the same as the one recommended by the instructor or Dean of Students.
Appeals
Following the hearing, students who have been responsible for committing academic misconduct can submit an appeal to the chancellor. However, they can only submit an appeal if the proposed sanction is suspension or expulsion. After reviewing the appeal, the chancellor may remand the case to another hearing committee or invoke an appropriate remedy of their own.
Potential Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
There are three levels of sanctions (Group A, Group B, and Group C) that a student responsible for academic dishonesty may receive at UW Oshkosh. Faculty members may only impose sanctions from the first two levels (Groups A and B), and the Dean of Students may impose sanctions from the third level (Group C).
Group A Sanctions
- Oral reprimand
- Written reprimand to the student only
- Assignment to repeat the work
Group B Sanctions
- Lower or failing grade on an assignment or exam
- Lower grade in the course
- Failing grade in the course
- Removal from the course
- Written reprimand in the student's disciplinary file
Group C Sanctions
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
How a Student Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Help
As a student accused of academic misconduct at UW Oshkosh, you have a lot at stake. You may end up being expelled from the university, which could set back your progress toward your degree and have severe financial ramifications. Even a seemingly lesser sanction, such as a lower course grade, can have adverse, long-term effects on your education and prospects after graduation. It's vital that you work to have your name cleared and avoid sanctions related to academic misconduct if you want to safeguard the investment you've made in your education.
Dealing with the academic disciplinary process on your own can feel overwhelming as well. An attorney-advisor can represent you at your hearing, coach you on what to say during your meeting with a faculty member, and help you gather evidence.
Joseph D. Lento has helped college and university students all over the country with their academic misconduct issues. If you want to protect your future, contact Lento Law Firm by calling 888-535-3686.
