Any student can face accusations of academic dishonesty, and find themselves in the battle to prove their innocence. After all, it is not just crib notes under a ball cap brim these days. Academic misconduct can include anything from self-plagiarism to unauthorized collaboration. One of the most frustrating aspects of these types of honor code violations is that they can often occur inadvertently or with the best of intentions. Luckily, there are strategies that can help avoid academic trouble.

If you discover you've been accused of academic dishonesty, contact the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team. The sooner you contact us, the more effective our representation can be. You can schedule a consultation by using our online contact form or by calling us at 888-535-3686.

Follow Your Professor's Syllabus

Frequently, accusations arise due to conflicting guidance. Your college might have a policy about using AI tools, while a professor might further limit what is permitted.

If you're not sure about something, it's a good idea to email your professor for clarification. Asking in writing has its benefits, as it can protect you if there's a misunderstanding about your professor's expectations.

Don't Procrastinate

One reason why otherwise honest students sometimes do dishonest things is because they get behind on their work. They might have all semester to write a paper, but wait until a few days before it's due to start on it. Feeling overwhelmed, they panic and copy someone else's work or ask for help they're not supposed to receive.

To avoid this, get started sooner rather than later. Not only does this give you more time to complete your assignment, but if you need help, you're more likely to get it.

Protect Yourself

You can get into trouble for scholastic dishonesty even if you have good intentions or don't know what someone else is doing with your work. For instance, you might have a classmate who doesn't understand an assignment and wants to look at your work. You see no problem with this so you email it to them.

If your classmate ends up copying your work without your knowledge or consent, you can get into trouble for academic dishonesty. You probably won't get into as much trouble as your classmate, but you would still face an arduous disciplinary proceeding where you have to fight hard to clear your name. Even then, your reputation could be damaged beyond repair.

Ask for Help When Needed

If you feel overwhelmed or confused, your school should have several academic resources available. These could include tutoring, writing workshops, and your professor's office hours.

Experienced Representation for Academic Dishonesty Charges

Despite your best efforts, you might find yourself accused of cheating, plagiarism, or getting unauthorized help with a school assignment. If this happens to you, don't go through the disciplinary process alone. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can guide you through this complicated and unsettling time. Contact us using our online contact form or by calling 888-535-3686.