Collegiate academic integrity rules are implemented to ensure students have the opportunity to gain a valuable education to use as a foundation for building careers. To maintain its robust academic reputation, the University of Wyoming procures many regulations related to the authenticity and assessment of a student's work and will punish infractions swiftly.
It's a nightmare for parents to watch their student children experience the arduous school disciplinary process. Sanctions punishing academic misconduct can quickly derail a young adult's academic career and generate obstacles in the future.
Although the fast-paced grievance process at the University of Wyoming is intimidating, you can retain professional assistance to defend your or your child's future. Joseph D. Lento is a highly skilled student defense advisor with paramount experience helping young students fight back against harsh school disciplinary boards.
University of Wyoming Academic Integrity
The University of Wyoming's Code of Student Conduct includes academic policies designed to uphold honesty inside and outside the classroom. While teachers may have additional rules for their classrooms found on a syllabus, the college at large designates the following as violations:
- Cheating: Using any information—devices, notes, study materials—not explicitly authorized by the instructor on any class assignment or exam. Allowing others to copy or assist in assignments and exams or improperly obtaining copies of an examination before or after its administration is prohibited.
- Complicity: Assisting another student or member of the campus community in any act of academic dishonesty.
- Fraud: Altering or creating citations, data, or research to misrepresent academic work. Fabricating one's past or current academic or professional activities may also be sanctioned.
- Interference or Obstruction: Attempting to bribe, intimidate, harass, or sabotage the academic efforts of other students to gain academic achievement.
- Multiple Submissions: Presenting, whether in whole in part, the same academic assignment to earn credit in two or more courses without the approval of all concerned instructors.
- Plagiarism: Submitting the work—data, ideas, research—of another without proper acknowledgment of sources.
- Violation of Standards: Breaches of ethical and professional program benchmarks qualifying one for entry into a profession that maintains standards of conduct.
If a University of Wyoming instructor believes an act of academic dishonesty has occurred, the instructor may investigate and discuss the matter with the student and academic department head. It's uncommon for issues to be handled informally as instructors have responsibilities to the institution. Therefore, any action will likely trigger formal grievance proceedings.
University of Wyoming Academic Misconduct Initial Process
Within five business days, but no more than 30 calendar days past the alleged incident, the instructor will send the student a summary of the charges and guidelines for proceedings. If the allegations are a first-time offense, the student may:
- Accept the academic misconduct charges and recommended sanctions, per the Guidelines of Academic Dishonesty, thus waiving a right to a formal hearing
- Disagree with the academic misconduct charges and recommended sanctions and submit a request for a formal hearing
If the academic misconduct charges are second or subsequent against the student, the same process above will be followed, but there are mandatory sanctions, including at least one year of suspension.
University of Wyoming Academic Misconduct Hearing Process
Both complainant and respondent have the pre-hearing opportunity to exchange a list of witnesses to the alleged misconduct and any documents to be presented at the hearing. Parties may jointly communicate with the Hearing Officer beforehand on relevant issues, including permission to be accompanied by outside representation, which must be done at least five business days before the hearing.
The formal hearing will commence as follows:
- The College Hearing Committee, led by the Hearing Officer, will introduce the parties.
- The instructor (complainant) who reported the alleged misconduct will present any evidence and witnesses.
- The student (respondent) may present evidence and witness in defense of their actions.
- Members of the College Hearing Committee will conduct a period of questioning.
- Either the complainant or respondent may present any rebuttal evidence or closing arguments.
The College Hearing Committee will base its determination on a "substantial evidence" standard. Within five calendar days, the student will be sent an official response detailing:
- Dismissal of the charge
- Findings support recommended sanctions
- Findings require a modification of recommended sanctions
Sanctions for Academic Misconduct
Under the University of Wyoming's Regulation 2-114, the following sanctions may be enforced:
- Extra or alternative assignments
- Grade failure or reduction, with or without credit
- Suspension of benefit programs or extracurricular endeavors
- Termination from program
- Suspension
- Dismissal
Second offenses at the University of Wyoming will be suspended for at least one calendar year, and third offenses will garner immediate dismissal. Nevertheless, students may appeal punishments.
Appeals Process at the University of Wyoming
Students may appeal the final decision of the College Hearing Committee within 30 calendar days. All appeals will be forwarded to the University Appeals Coordinator and must state in writing how at least one of the following guidelines is substantiated:
- The institution failed to give the student proper written notice or an opportunity for a hearing.
- The College Hearing Committee failed to describe any academic misconduct.
- The evidence threshold did not support the findings, resulting in prejudice, capricious evaluation or treatment, and substantive factual errors.
How Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento Can Help You Defeat Academic Misconduct Allegations
If you're subject to the University of Wyoming's disciplinary process, you need skilled guidance. Navigating this system can be intimidating, and the risk to your academic career is too significant.
Student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm have handled student discipline matters and negotiations with administrators involving hundreds of colleges and universities across the country. Lento and his team have formed valuable relationships with many representatives in the school's internal Office of General Counsel (OGC) and those representing the school retained from outside law firms.
He and his team know how to help college and university officials see constructive options serving both the student and the school far better than suspension, expulsion, or other severe punitive actions. For expert advice, call 888-535-3686 to discuss how Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm can protect you or use the online consultation form.
