The Academic Integrity Office at Stony Brook University posits that intellectual honesty is the cornerstone of the university.If you or a loved one has been accused of academic dishonesty, you may be tempted to shrug it off. It's important that you not do so. Here's an overview of the process at Stony Brook to help you begin to explore the next steps.
What Behaviors Does Stony Brook University Consider Academic Dishonesty?
According to Stony Brook’s website, “includes any act that is designed to obtain fraudulently, either for oneself or for someone else, academic credit, grades, or other recognition that is not properly earned or that adversely affects another's grade or misrepresents one's academic status.” The definition is broad and encompasses a wide range of activities, as determined by a professor or teaching assistant.
Some examples of behavior that fall under the category of academic dishonesty are ones that you would expect to see, such as plagiarism and cheating. Here are some others that the school provides:
- Collusion – two or more students working together on an exam or assignment without permission
- Fake excuses – offering false excuses for missing tests or overdue assignments
- Tampering with an exam or assignment after the fact – altering something after it has been graded in order to request a different grade
- Ringers – taking an exam for another person or having someone else take your test in your place
This list isn't exhaustive, so it's critical that you review what Stony Brook lists, as well as keep in mind the base definition of academic dishonesty.
One thing to note is that having any electronic devices that are not turned off during an exam is considered academic dishonesty. Stony Brook is very clear in its position on this: vibrate does not count as powered off. If your phone or device vibrates during an exam, even if you do not answer it, the school will consider you in violation of their academic policy.
What Happens if There's a Suspected Violation?
If there is a suspected violation, the reporting faculty member will fill out a form. On this form, they'll detail the alleged offense, as well as recommend a penalty from the following list:
- Zero or F for the assignment
- One letter-grade reduction for the course
- Redo assignment with one letter-grade reduction
- Fail course.
Once the Office of Academic Integrity receives notice of the accusation, students are emailed and invited to come in and discuss the allegations.
What is the Appeal Process?
It is possible to appeal the accusation, but it is not possible to appeal an instructor's penalty. After meeting with the Academic Judiciary Office, students have two weeks to submit a written appeal. The office will then schedule a hearing.
Hearing boards are comprised of two faculty members, two undergraduate students, and one professional staff member. At the hearing, students may speak on their behalf, and they may also bring an advisor (who may not speak publicly but is allowed to counsel the student during the hearing). The burden of proof that the hearing board relies on is “clear and convincing.” You can find more information on the actual hearing on the Academic Integrity Office site.
It is possible to also appeal the decision of the hearing board by “submitting a detailed statement (either as email text or an attachment) to the Associate Provost for Academic Success at [email protected].” If you wish to file an appeal, you have seven business days after the original decision is made. The only qualifier is that new information is available or there were procedural errors.
Sanctions and Consequences for Academic Misconduct at Stony Brook University
The standard penalty for a first academic dishonesty offense in coursework at Stony Brook University is to receive a “Q” grade. This “Q” grade specifically indicates that the student was found guilty of an act of academic dishonesty, and it will stay on a transcript (and count as an F for GPA purposes) until the student completes the Q course. The Q course is a mandatory academic integrity course that Stony Brook offers once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester. When the course is completed, the Q will be removed from the transcript. Often, students repeat the course due to missed classes, late attendance, or other similar circumstances.
If the first offense is of a serious nature, the penalty may be more severe.
When a student is found responsible for multiple acts of violating academic integrity, the Academic Judiciary Committee will select and recommend penalties in addition to the penalties that were decided for the individual offenses. These penalties include “suspension or permanent expulsion from the University, a permanent notation on the student's academic record of “academic dishonesty,” and a permanent “Q” grade for ALL courses for which the student has committed acts of violating academic integrity.”
In addition to the direct penalties, there are also collateral consequences to having a Q grade. Some of them are:
- Inability to graduate with University Honors
- Ineligible for University scholarships (those previously awarded will be discontinued, until appealed, if that is an option)
- Inability to withdraw from the class or choose Pass/No Credit as an option
Clearly, Stony Brook considers academic dishonesty a serious offense and implements long-lasting consequences as a result.
Expert Academic Misconduct Attorney-Advisor for Stony Brook University
If you or your loved one has been accused of academic dishonesty at Stony Brook University, you should not wait until after a hearing to speak with an attorney-advisor. Getting ahead of the case is critical to protecting your future and all of your hard work up to now. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have worked with hundreds of students accused of academic misconduct across the nation to protect their best interests and make certain that they have everything they need to argue their case. Call 888-535-3686 to learn more or contact us online.
