As a student at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, you are expected to maintain high academic and moral integrity. This means that cheating or academic misconduct is not tolerated in any form. Penalties for engaging in academic misconduct can be severe and can result in suspension or even expulsion from the school. As a result, any allegation of academic misconduct should be taken seriously. If you are found guilty of academic dishonesty, it could have far-reaching consequences for your career.

If you have been accused of academic misconduct, LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team can help you. Our team has experience nationwide in defending students who have been accused of academic offenses. To find out how LLF National Law Firm can help you, call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential, online contact form today.

What Is Considered Academic Dishonesty at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC?

It is no secret that engaging in academic misconduct, or cheating, is rampant in universities. Although cheating has been a problem for a long time, as a result of AI, electronic devices, and other technology, it has never been easier to cut corners and engage in academic misconduct.

The Ostrow School of Dentistry requires compliance with the USC Integrity and Accountability Code. The Code covers a wide range of activities that would constitute academic misconduct and includes:

  • Plagiarism – this includes submitting material authored by another person but represented as the student’s own work, or improper acknowledgement of or citation to another’s work in material submitted in a course
  • Self-Plagiarism – Re-using any portion of one’s own work (essay, term paper, project, or other assignment) previously submitted without citation and without permission of the instructor
  • Cheating – Submitting material that was substantially drafted or revised by another, any use or attempted use of external assistance in the completion of an academic assignment and/or during an examination, and unauthorized collaboration on any academic work, such as an exam, a project, homework, or other assignment
  • Fabrication – Submitting material for lab assignments, class projects, or other assignments that is wholly or partially falsified, or invented
  • Improper Sharing of Materials – Distribution or use of notes, recordings, exams, or other intellectual property, based on university classes or lectures, without the express permission of the instructor, for purposes other than individual or group study
  • Improper Recording – Recording a university class without the express permission of the instructor
  • Other Misconduct
    • Failure to comply with testing protocols, policies, procedures, or instructions
    • Falsification, alteration, or misrepresentation of official or unofficial records or documents
    • Any act that gains or is intended to gain an unfair academic advantage
    • Furnishing false information to any university official or faculty member
    • Any attempt to hinder the academic work of another student or any act that may jeopardize another student’s academic standing

Violations of the USC Integrity and Accountability Code

The Ostrow School of Dentistry maintains an Office of Culture, Ethics and Compliance. This Office is tasked with:

  • Providing policies and procedures, education, monitoring, and auditing methodology
  • Ensuring adherence to program policies and procedures, education requirements, and monitoring requirements
  • Disciplining students who fail to adhere to or violate the school’s rules regarding academic misconduct.

The USC Student Handbook outlines the procedures and consequences associated with an allegation of academic misconduct. If a student at the Ostrow School of Dentistry is suspected of engaging in academic misconduct, the following disciplinary process is required to be followed:

  • Written notice to the student of the incident report that specifies the nature of the alleged behavior and the university policy or policies at issue
  • Written notice to the student of the website location of the student handbook, which includes an outline of rights, disciplinary procedures, and avenues of appeal
  • Written invitation for the student to participate in an administrative review
  • A fair and impartial review of the incident
  • The opportunity for the student to be present at an administrative review or review panel, to inspect relevant documents and relevant information gathered, and to provide names of relevant witnesses and relevant information. Note that this opportunity does not entitle the student to a copy of documents and information
  • A presumption that the student is not responsible for the alleged conduct unless and until a preponderance of evidence standard is met
  • A written explanation of the decision
  • The opportunity to appeal an administrative review or review panel decision within 10 business days of the date of the written decision
  • The right to have an advisor of the student’s choosing accompany them at any review panel

The Ostrow School of Dentistry specifically allows students to have an attorney or advisor accompany them to any review panel. Due to the lack of due process involved in most disciplinary proceedings, it is important to contact LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team early in the process. We can analyze the case against you in order to mitigate or eliminate any academic charges filed against you.

Consequences for Academic Misconduct

If you are found guilty of academic misconduct at the Ostrow School of Dentistry, the following are the potential consequences that may arise:

  • Warning – A written notice to a student that continued or repeated violations may be cause for disciplinary action
  • Disciplinary Probation – Disciplinary probation is a status for a duration of time that indicates that a student has engaged in unacceptable behavior
  • Suspension – Termination of student status for a specified but limited period of time
  • Expulsion – Expulsion is the permanent termination of student status from the Ostrow School of Dentistry. A permanent notation will appear on the student’s transcript indicating that the student was expelled and the date of the action

LLF National Law Firm Can Help You Defend Yourself Against Academic Misconduct Charges

The Student Defense Team at LLF National Law Firm has defended countless students against academic misconduct charges. If you find yourself in a situation where charges are being brought against you, we can help. Our Student Defense Team has experience defending students across the country.

Punishment for academic dishonesty can be severe and can cause you difficulty in finding a job. The LLF National Law Firm Team has the experience you need to defend yourself. Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential contact form today.

The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC, Los Angeles

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