Binghamton University is one of the premier universities in the SUNY system. As one of the top-ranked schools in New York, Binghamton University holds academic honesty and integrity in high regard.
All Binghamton University students must abide by the Binghamton student academic honesty code. To remain compliant with this policy, you must practice academic integrity at all times. An academic integrity violation leads to an investigation and disciplinary action by university officials.
Many Binghamton University students do not know what to expect in disciplinary proceedings. If a faculty member accuses you of academic misconduct, you need to prepare. We've answered the questions below to help you understand Binghamton's academic misconduct procedures and punishments.
What is Academic Dishonesty?
The Binghamton University Bulletin outlines its academic policies and procedures. Although it does not define academic dishonesty, the University Bulletin states that all student work should conform to ethical standards. Faculty members can judge student behavior to determine whether a violation of this policy occurred.
The University Bulletin does provide specific examples of prohibited behaviors. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, these examples:
- Plagiarism. Presenting someone else's work as your own. Plagiarism occurs if you use ideas, quotes, data, or paraphrase source information without acknowledgment.
- Cheating on exams. Giving or receiving unauthorized help related to exams. Examples of cheating include using study aids on an exam, taking an exam for another student, passing exam information to students who have not yet taken the exam, and more.
- Multiple submissions. Binghamton University does not allow students to submit substantial portions of the same work for credit more than once. The only exception is if an instructor gives you consent to do so.
- Unauthorized collaboration. Participating in prohibited collaboration with other students on projects, papers, and other coursework.
- Fabrication. Misrepresenting information for academic advantage. Examples of fabrication include using falsified data in an assignment or misrepresenting facts related to absences.
- Forgery. Binghamton University can charge you with forgery if you imitate another person's signature on academic documents or other official documents related to academic credits.
- Sabotage. Deliberately impairing another student's work. Sabotage can refer to destroying someone's experiment, term paper, project, and more.
- Bribery. Offering or receiving services in exchange for an academic benefit.
How Does Binghamton University Punish Academic Dishonesty?
The sanctions for academic dishonesty depend on the severity of the offense. Binghamton University treats academic dishonesty as either Category I or Category II offenses.
Category I violations are less severe. Your instructor may choose to handle the situation themselves and give you an academic sanction. Category II violations involve more serious offenses and get referred to the Academic Honesty Committee. You may also receive a Category II violation if you committed a Category I offense but have multiple conduct violations on your record.
Here is how Binghamton University categorizes different types of academic misconduct:
- Plagiarism: Category I or Category II depending on the amount of material plagiarized and premeditation
- Cheating on exams: Category I or Category II based on the level of unauthorized help involved
- Multiple submissions: Category I violation
- Unauthorized collaboration: Category I unless it also involves Category II violations
- Fabrication: Category I or Category II depending on the violation
- Forgery, sabotage, bribery: Category II violations
While a Category I violation only results in academic consequences, sanctions for Category II violations are more severe. You may face probation, suspension, or expulsion from the university. You may also lose your honors or experience a revocation of your degree.
The Provost Office keeps records of all academic misconduct infractions. Violations may also appear on your student transcript. Disciplinary records can hinder your ability to transfer schools or attend graduate programs.
What Does the Investigation Process Look Like for Academic Dishonesty?
If a faculty member accuses you of academic misconduct, your school will adjudicate the case. Your instructor will first discuss the charges and evidence with you. You can use this discussion as an opportunity to defend yourself against the accusations.
After the discussion, your instructor will impose a sanction if they believe you are guilty of misconduct. They will file a report of academic dishonesty that describes the violation, sanctions, and appeal procedures. If you refuse to sign the report, the case moves into a formal disciplinary hearing. Category II violations automatically go to an administrative or academic honesty committee hearing.
Your disciplinary hearing provides you with an opportunity to refute the charges. A committee will review the evidence to issue a final decision in your case. You have the right to due process during the hearing. You can make statements, respond to questions, and submit evidence to defend yourself. After the hearing, you will receive a letter detailing the committee's decision.
How Can I Prepare for a Disciplinary Investigation?
The best thing you can do to prepare for an academic misconduct investigation is to hire an attorney. While you can choose to go through the disciplinary process alone, doing so can negatively impact your case.
Binghamton University has strict procedures throughout its investigation process. Failing to hit a deadline or comply with university rules can have negative ramifications. The university also has many resources at its disposal throughout the disciplinary process. Trying to take on the school on your own can end in costly sanctions — no matter your level of guilt.
An attorney will advise you throughout your investigation. They can help you avoid pitfalls and create a defense that leads to a positive outcome. If the school infringes on your right to due process, your attorney can push back. They can send a litigation letter or identify grounds for an appeal. Hiring an attorney gives you the resources and knowledge to challenge your university.
Your Student Discipline Attorney
If you face an academic misconduct allegation, you must move quickly to defend yourself. Attorney Joseph D. Lento can help you fight back against academic misconduct charges. He has unparalleled experience defending students like you in disciplinary manners at Binghampton University and nationwide. His expertise can prove invaluable in determining the outcome of your case. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to learn how we can help.
