The University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis is a premier medical school with an excellent reputation. Most students admitted to this program have worked for years to gain admittance. But each year, some of these hardworking future physicians are accused of academic misconduct. Charges of academic misconduct are serious and can lead to a loss of class standing and future opportunities, and in some cases, to suspension or dismissal.
If you face charges of academic dishonesty or violations of the Honor Code, you must act quickly. Your first step is to find an experienced academic misconduct attorney. The LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team has a proven track record of defending medical students from allegations of academic dishonesty. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.
How Does the University of Tennessee Medical School Define “Academic Misconduct?”
The University of Tennessee Medical School publishes a Medical Student Honor Code, which promotes academic honesty and integrity in the classroom, laboratory, and clinics. The Honor Code explicitly lists the following prohibited behaviors as examples of academic dishonesty:
Unauthorized Assistance
It is a UT Honor Code violation to give or receive unauthorized assistance during testing, examination, assignments, and in clinical or laboratory work.
Fraud or Neglect in Patient Care
Fraud is a violation of the Honor Code, as is any willful neglect of clinical responsibilities.
Plagiarism
It is an act of academic dishonesty to present another person’s work as one’s own, without citation.
Falsification of Clinical Data or Research
Falsifying or misreporting data, lab results, or other clinical or research information is an Honor Code violation.
Substitution for Examination
It is an Honor Code violation to take an exam for another person or to have another person take a test for you.
Unauthorized Collaboration
If it is not expressly allowed, the collaboration with others to complete class assignments is academic dishonesty.
Alteration of Grades
Altering or attempting to alter grades, answers, or marks for credit is an act of academic dishonesty.
Self-Plagiarism
UT Medical School prohibits using the same material for more than one assignment or course, a practice known as “self-plagiarism.”
Forgery
It is an Honor Code violation to forge another person’s signature or to allow forgery of your signature for class-related documents.
Testing Violations
Testing violations involve failure to observe testing rules. For example, not stopping when time has lapsed or using improper materials.
Unfair Advantage
Engaging in behavior that gives an unfair advantage, such as hiding reserve materials or other information that all students need for an assignment, is an Honor Code violation.
False Accusations and Failure to Report
UT requires medical students to report known instances of Honor Code violations by other students but punishes false or exaggerated accusations. It is not hard to see how these opposing concerns could lead to charges against a medical student trying to comply with the Honor Code.
Confidentiality Violations
UT considers a failure to keep information confidential as an Honor Code violation.
Sharing Exam Questions or Materials
Distributing or sharing course materials or exam questions is an Honor Code violation. This provision might apply to posting classroom notes or a class lecture.
If a UT medical student is accused of an Honor violation, the charge will follow the procedures outlined in the Code.
University of Tennessee Medical School Procedures for Alleged Violations of Academic Integrity
If an allegation of academic dishonesty or other Honor Code violation is made against a Tennessee medical student, the following Honor Code procedures will apply:
- Complaint
A student, a faculty member, or a staff member may make a complaint. All complaints are referred to the President of the Honor Council.
- Investigation
The President of the Honor Council will appoint a member to investigate the allegations in the complaint. If the investigator finds no evidence of a violation, the complaint is dismissed. If the complaint is found to have some merit, the investigator will recommend that the President issue a charge.
- Formal Charge
If the President of the Honor Council agrees, they will issue a formal charge to the student. The student is informed of the charge, the range of possible penalties, the evidence supporting the charge, and of the right to a hearing.
- Response to the Charge
The student has only a few days to respond in writing to the charge and indicate whether they acknowledge the alleged misconduct and will accept the Dean’s decision as to a penalty, or whether they wish to fight the charge or penalty.
- Hearing
The student has a right to a hearing, which may involve an Honor Council hearing or a Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (TUAPA) hearing. If the student fails to respond to the formal charges quickly, the UT Medical School assumes they waive their right to an Honor Council hearing and will proceed under the TUAPA. The Medical School will attempt to limit the right of counsel to participate in Honor Council hearings but recognizes the right to have counsel in TUAPA hearings. If in doubt which hearing would be preferable in your situation, contact the LLF National Law Firm.
- Report of Honor Council
In the event of an Honor Council hearing, the Honor Council will report its findings to the Dean of the Medical School. If the verdict is not guilty, the charge is dismissed. If it is guilty, the Honor Council will recommend a penalty. The Honor Council will use a preponderance of the evidence standard, which requires that the charge be more likely than not.
- Decision of the Dean
The Dean will consider the evidence and record of the Honor Council and decide on the appropriate penalty. The student may appeal the Dean’s decision to the Chancellor.
The procedure will vary if the matter proceeds under the TUAPA rules. If in doubt, the student should contact the LLF National Law Firm for further guidance.
Possible Sanctions at the University of Tennessee Medical School
Possible sanctions for academic dishonesty violations at the University of Tennessee Medical School include:
- Probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Other sanctions the Dean finds appropriate.
The Honor Council and the Dean have a great deal of discretion regarding sanctions.
Academic Integrity Advisor
While most accusations of academic dishonesty do not result in dismissal, even a probation finding can devastate class standing and opportunities. No medical student should face academic misconduct allegations without experienced counsel. The attorneys at the LLF National Law Firm have a proven track record of defending medical students nationwide. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.