Students at the University of Texas at Arlington are required to follow the rules outlined in the UTA Honor Code. Within the UTA Honor Code, you will find the standards and procedures that are in place if a claim of academic misconduct is made at the university. Claims of academic misconduct are taken on a case-by-case basis, so no two actions are automatically presumed to be the same.
While the general ideas behind the rules of the UTA Honor Code are fairly simple, the procedure by which the school handles misconduct claims can be confusing. If you are facing an accusation of academic misconduct at The University of Texas at Arlington, then you may likely have no idea what happens next. In this article, we'll discuss the university's disciplinary policies and what you should do if you are facing potential sanctions.
What is Academic Misconduct?
Academic misconduct is generally defined as any type of scholastic dishonesty relating to an assignment or examination in a class that is being offered for credit. All schools and universities expect their students to complete and submit their own work, free of any dishonest conduct. Academic misconduct can be committed by individuals and groups who work together against the rules. If a student fails to follow the rules and regulations at their school or university, then they are subject to sanctions which can include expulsion from the school entirely.
What are the Types of Academic Misconduct at UT-Arlington?
There are three main types of academic misconduct recognized at The University of Texas at Arlington: cheating, plagiarism, and collusion. These types of academic misconduct are defined within the UTA Honor Code as follows:
- Cheating: Cheating is defined as copying someone else's work, allowing someone else to copy your work, or communicating in any way to give or ask for help on work when not permitted to do so by the instructor. If you use or attempt to use any materials on an exam that are not previously allowed, falsify any research data, or attempt to gain an unfair advantage in any way by not doing your own work, then the university can discipline you for cheating.
- Plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as taking credit for work that is not yours or failing to give credit to the work of another through the use of citation or another reference.
- Collusion: Collusion is defined as the collaboration between two or more people to work on an assignment that is meant to be worked on individually.
A student at The University of Texas at Arlington can be disciplined for any form of academic dishonesty, even if it does not fit into the categories above.
Who Investigates Academic Misconduct Claims?
Claims of academic misconduct at the University of Texas at Arlington are made by filing an Academic Integrity Referral Form found on the UTA Office of Community Standards webpage. Once an academic misconduct claim is made, then the Office of Student Conduct will investigate the allegations. The investigation will include interviewing the complainant, the respondent, and any witnesses that may have been present. The Office of Student Conduct will also look to gather any physical evidence that is connected to the alleged misconduct. Once an investigation is complete, then the Conduct Officer in charge of the investigation can:
- Dismiss the misconduct allegations;
- Proceed through the administrative rules provided by the UTA Honor Code; or
- Continue towards a misconduct hearing.
It is important to know that you are allowed to have representation before and during any school misconduct investigation. Knowledge is power, and the more knowledge you have about the rules and process of academic misconduct claims, the more successful you allow yourself to be if you are accused of misconduct.
What are the Potential Consequences of Academic Misconduct?
If you are found responsible for committing academic misconduct at The University of Texas at Arlington, then you can face a variety of sanctions. Some of the potential consequences for a being found responsible for academic misconduct include:
- Official warning
- Disciplinary probation
- A temporary bar against readmission
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Revocation of your degree
- Withholding of your grades and/or transcript
A student who is found responsible for academic misconduct can also be assigned to complete community service, educational programs, or face a grading penalty. The Hearing Officer also has the authority under the UTA Honor Code to assess any sanctions that are deemed appropriate under the circumstances of the case.
What Due Process Should You Expect for an Academic Misconduct Case?
If you are facing an allegation of academic misconduct at The University of Texas at Arlington, and the potential disciplinary penalty involve suspension, academic sanctions, or expulsion, then you have the right to hearing in front of a fair and impartial Hearing Officer. You will be given at least 10 days' written notice of the date and location of the hearing. At the hearing, the Conduct Officer will present whatever evidence he or she has to try to establish that you have committed academic misconduct in some way. You will also be able to present evidence to refute the claim and question any witnesses the Conduct Officer puts on the stand. The Conduct Officer has to prove the alleged misconduct by a preponderance of evidence standard. Once the hearing is completed, the Hearing Officer will issue a written decision within 10 days. This decision may be appealed. If you have specific questions about your case, then call us at Lento Law so we can help.
Why Having the Lento Law Firm in Your Corner is the Right Choice
If you are facing an allegation of academic misconduct, then you likely realize the potential impact that a finding of responsibility can have on your academic career. When facing a challenge like this, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney-advisor. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has successfully represented thousands of students across the country facing disciplinary actions at their schools and universities. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to learn why having Joseph D. Lento in your corner is the right choice to fight against claims of academic misconduct at the University of Texas at Arlington.
