At the University of New Mexico's main campus in Albuquerque, the University's guiding principles are based on trust, integrity, the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, and public service. All University of New Mexico students are expected to maintain the highest standard of ethics as set forth in the University's guiding principles, which are critical to the University's success as an institution and as individuals.
University of New Mexico: Student Code of Conduct
At the University of New Mexico main campus, the Student Code of Conduct stipulates that the University will take disciplinary action against students for “conduct which adversely affects the University's educational function, disrupts community living on campus, interferes with the rights of others to pursue their education, conduct their University duties and responsibilities, or participate in University activities.” Furthermore, the Student Code of Conduct states that disciplinary action may be taken by the University under the following circumstances:
- When offensive conduct takes place on University premises
- When offensive conduct occurs at University-sponsored events
- When an offense occurs off-campus, and the offense is such that a failure to take disciplinary action would interfere with the orderly operation of the University, the educational process, or the safety, health, or welfare of the University community
The Student Code of Conduct at the University of New Mexico applies to all full-time and part-time students who are in pursuit of undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies at the University.
What Is the Academic Misconduct Policy at the University Of New Mexico—Main Campus?
Under the University of New Mexico's academic misconduct policy, every student is expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity in both academic and professional matters. The University of New Mexico reserves the right to take disciplinary action up to and including dismissal against any University student who is found guilty of academic dishonesty. The University also reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any student who otherwise fails to meet the expected standards.
The University specifies that “any student judged to have engaged in academic dishonesty in course work may receive a reduced or failing grade for the work in question and/or for the course itself.” This policy applies to all students at the University in the context of the student's academic activities and professional activities that are related to the student's academic work.
What Actions Constitute “Academic Dishonesty” At the University of New Mexico's Main Campus?
According to the University of New Mexico's Policy Manual, “academic dishonesty” includes —but is not limited to—the following actions and behaviors:
- Dishonesty in tests, quizzes, or assignments
- Plagiarism (including self-plagiarism)
- Claiming credit for work that was not completed or work that was completed by others
- Hindering the academic work of other University students
- Misrepresenting professional or academic qualifications within or without the University
- Misrepresentation or nondisclosure in filling out University records or applications
University of New Mexico Undergraduate Student Conduct and Grievance Procedures
The grievance procedures at the University of New Mexico set forth the process for resolution of academic disputes between undergraduate students and University faculty. In its policy, the University states that, whenever feasible, it is important to adopt a supportive, problem-solving approach to resolving academic disputes. Misconduct matters that are covered under this grievance policy include the following:
- Academic record disputes: when an undergraduate student seeks retroactive withdrawal, enrollment, disenrollment, or another academic record change
- Academic disputes that arise within the academic process at the University: when an undergraduate student believes that unfair or improper evaluation of academic progress by a University faculty member or an academic program/department has occurred, such as eligibility for degree requirements, assignment of grades, or course requirements.
- Allegations of academic dishonesty: when there is an alleged violation of academic dishonesty rules that are defined by the University
How Are Academic Student Misconduct Allegations Handled at the University of New Mexico?
At the University of New Mexico, the process for resolution of an academic misconduct allegation begins with a complaint, followed by a request for formal resolution of academic matters. Specifically:
- Where there is a violation that occurs in connection with a University seminar, course, or another academic activity that is under the direction of a faculty member:
- The University authorizes the faculty member to take whatever action they deem appropriate, but no penalty in excess of an “F” in the course and the involuntary withdrawal from the class may be imposed
- In cases where this penalty is imposed, the faculty member may submit a written, detailed report of the case to the Dean of Students
- The Dean of Students may impose additional sanctions against the student or refer the matter to the Student Conduct Committee to determine whether additional sanctions are warranted
- When there is an allegation of academic dishonesty that occurs in connection with an exam or test that is not related to a course but instead is an examination administered by a University officer or in connection with a nondisclosure or misrepresentation in filling out applications or other University records:
- The person observing or discovering the violation submits a written statement to the Dean of Students describing the occurrence
- The student is provided a copy of the statement
- The Dean determines the sanction following procedures set forth in the Student Grievance Procedure
- Any action taken by the Student Conduct Committee must be completed within the time limits and extension provisions outlined in the Student Grievance Procedure
Academic Misconduct Appeals at the University of Mexico
The University of New Mexico's Student Disciplinary Procedure only permits an academic-misconduct appeal from a student who suffers expulsion, suspension, campus ban, or another sanction that significantly interrupts degree completion. Students may not appeal minor sanctions. Students must appeal academic misconduct findings in writing to the Vice President for Student Affairs within seven days of the adverse decision. Effective appeals require the skills of an experienced academic attorney advisor. The only grounds for appeal under the university's Student Disciplinary Procedure are:
- significant procedural error materially affecting the outcome;
- a decision not in accord with the evidence presented;
- significant new evidence of which the appellant was not previously aware and could not have possibly discovered with reasonable diligence, the absence of which materially affected the outcome; or
- the severity of the sanction is grossly disproportionate to the violations committed.
The Vice President for Student Affairs must decide the appeal within seven days. A student losing an appeal may request the university President to review the appeal decision but "must include the alleged facts, what happened in the proceedings to date, and the reasons justifying extraordinary review." The President has the discretion to review or not to review. The Student Disciplinary Procedure also permits a review request to the university's Board of Regents on the same terms. The likelihood of success on these extra appeals are extremely low unless represented by a skilled national academic attorney.
Skilled Attorney-Advisor for Your University of New Mexico—Main Campus Academic Misconduct Allegation
When you are charged with academic misconduct at the University of New Mexico, it is a serious allegation, and the impact on your life can be far-reaching. The University of New Mexico has discretion to impose severe sanctions against students for academic misconduct. Do not take a chance with the outcome. Representation by a skilled academic misconduct attorney-advisor is essential.
Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has the skill, knowledge, and experience to successfully handle any academic misconduct case. Attorney Lento and his team are nationally-recognized for their help and success school-related issues and concerns, including allegations involving academic integrity and dishonesty. To learn more about how Attorney Lento can help your academic misconduct case at the University of New Mexico, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
