At the University of Arkansas, academic integrity is a fundamental part of the University's mission as a research, educational, and service institution. Embracing a deeply and commonly held set of values, the University of Arkansas has set forth a policy that establishes the University's commitment to academic integrity. The University's procedures for academic misconduct are designed to address allegations in a fair and unified manner. The University's academic misconduct policy applies to any work that takes place in-person, online, or through any form of distance learning for a course, degree, or a particular program.
All University of Arkansas students—as members of the University community and developing scholars—are expected to familiarize themselves with the University's academic integrity principles and adhere to its academic integrity policy. To that end, the University of Arkansas provides educational training and resources to support students in meeting this responsibility. The University also encourages its faculty members to include a statement on academic integrity in all course syllabi.
What Is “Academic Dishonesty” at the University of Arkansas?
According to the Academic Integrity Policy at the University of Arkansas, academic dishonesty is defined as acts that may compromise the integrity of the research or educational process at the University, when a student has taken these actions. Academic dishonesty includes—but is not limited to—any act intended to gain an academic advantage by misrepresenting either the student's work or another's work or interfering with the completion, submission, or evaluation of academic work. Using technology in an unauthorized manner to secure an academic advantage is in and of itself an act of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty also includes scholarly or research misconduct, reviewed under the Academic Integrity Policy and the University's Research and Scholarly Misconduct Policy.
What Actions Are Considered “Academic Misconduct” at the University of Arkansas?
At the University of Arkansas, academic misconduct constitutes several different behaviors. Specifically, the University of Arkansas considers the following actions to be violations of the University's Academic Integrity Policy:
- Plagiarism
- Unauthorized use—or possession of—any materials on an assignment, quiz, or exam
- Collaboration on an assignment when instructed to work independently
- Unauthorized collaboration during an exam or quiz
- Viewing or copying another student's work during an exam or quiz
- Submitting work for a course that has been submitted in a prior offering of the same course or a different course
- Attempting, aiding, or facilitating an act of academic dishonesty
- Substitution for a graded activity
- Falsification of participation or attendance, or participation
- Providing false information which may result in an academic advantage
- Withholding information which may result in gaining an academic advantage
- Providing, obtaining, or attempting to provide or obtain any information about an exam not yet administered
- Substituting on an exam or other assignment
- Attempting to participate—or participating in—behavior that is associated with contract cheating, such as selling, buying, obtaining, or providing work submitted for academic credit
- Plagiarism on work conducted outside of a course, such as a dissertation, thesis, or comprehensive exam
- Submitting data that is altered or falsified on an assignment
- Altering official records or grades
- Sabotaging a fellow student's work
- Forging another person's name on a university document
- Submitting a falsified date on work completed outside of a course, such as a dissertation or thesis
The Five Key Steps In The Academic Integrity Process At The University of Arkansas
At the University of Arkansas, there are five key steps in the academic integrity process. Each step in the process is broken out as follows:
Incident Report
- Student, faculty, or staff submits a report
- The University's Office of Academic Initiatives and Integrity Office (OAII) informs the instructor or department of the report
- The instructor does not issue any grade for the student until resolution of the process is achieved
- OAII collects any missing information
- OAII assigns the case to an Academic Integrity Monitor (AIM)
Academic Integrity Monitor (AIM)
- The Academic Integrity Monitor (AIM) is an Associate Dean at the University designated by the Dean of the College or School
- AIM conducts a review of the allegation of academic misconduct
- AIM is responsible for an initial review of any allegation that occurred within the courses that are in the AIM's college
- AIM determines if the evidence is sufficient to forward the allegation to the All-University Academic Integrity Board (AUAIB). If the AIM determines there is insufficient evidence, then the case is dismissed
Student/Faculty Input Regarding Allegations of Academic Misconduct
- Course instructor for which the alleged academic misconduct occurred may request that the AUABI review the case if the instructor disagrees with the AIM's initial determination, subject to approval by the Department Chair or Head
- Students have several options following the AIM's initial determination: 1) consent to the AIM's decision and recommendations for sanctions; 2) contest the finding of responsibility; or 3) contest the sanctions imposed
All University Academic Integrity Board (AUAIB)
- The AUAIB is comprised of a faculty representative from each undergraduate college or school, the Graduate School and International Education, and the library. An undergraduate student and a graduate student also serve on the Board
- A “preponderance of evidence” is the standard of proof, which is evidence that demonstrates that something is more likely to be true than not true
- In most cases, the student's account is not taken into consideration by the AUAIB
- The AUAIB imposes sanctions that are consistent with the Sanction Rubric
- Generally, a student who is contesting an AIM's recommendation does not attend an AUAIB hearing. Students are only allowed to attend the hearing if the student may face academic suspension, loss of a scholarship, or expulsion
- Students may participate in the hearing by submitting a written statement and/or having a meeting with the Chair of the AUAIB
- Instructors generally do not attend hearings unless the AUAIB specifically requests their presence
Appeal
- Students or instructors—with support from the Department Head or Chair—may appeal the AUAIB's decision
- Filings for appeal must be submitted within five business days of the decision
- The Provost of Academic Affairs and the Chancellor of the University make a determination regarding the request for an appeal
What Are the Sanctions for Academic Misconduct at the University of Arkansas?
The University of Arkansas categorizes infractions and assigns sanction points to each violation of the University's Academic Integrity Policy. Sanction points accumulate throughout the student's time at the University. Grade sanctions and point sanctions vary depending upon the alleged academic misconduct and may include the following:
- Letter of reprimand (0 points for the first offense)
- Zero on assignment (0.5 points)
- A grade of “XF” in the course (1 point)
- Semester suspension (1.5 points)
- Immediate expulsion (3 points)
- Accumulated sanction points result in the following penalties:
- 1.5-2.5 points: semester-long suspension
- 3 points: immediate expulsion
Skilled Attorney-Advisor for Your University of Arkansas Academic Misconduct Allegation
A charge of academic misconduct at the University of Arkansas has serious implications on not only a student's tenure at the University but well beyond. Having a skilled academic misconductattorney-advisor handling your case is essential for the best possible outcome.
Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has extensive experience representing students charged with academic misconduct across the United States, with a track record of successful outcomes. To learn more about how Attorney Lento can help your academic misconduct case at the University of Arkansas, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to discuss your case.
