The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR SOM) is a premier medical school and has high academic standards. These high standards are reflected in the SOM’s policies on prohibited conduct and academic dishonesty. Unfortunately, each year, students at UNR SOM are accused of violating these policies, often with lasting negative consequences on their lives and careers.
If you face allegations of academic misconduct at UNR SOM, you must find an experienced academic misconduct attorney as soon as possible. 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 UNR SOM Define Academic Misconduct?
UNR is subject to the Nevada System of Higher Education Code and Bylaws. The UNR SOM Policy on Student Discipline and Dismissal provides for discipline up to dismissal if a student engages in “Prohibited Conduct” as set forth in NSHE Code Section 2.1. This section of the Higher Education Code includes the following acts of academic dishonesty:
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of another person’s ideas or work without giving proper credit or citation. Violations of this type might involve inadvertent violations, such as paraphrasing without quotation marks, or they may involve the use of entire assignments written or prepared by someone else. Additionally, students who reuse assignments across multiple classes without disclosure may be charged with self-plagiarism.
Cheating
This broad category includes any act that gives a student an unfair advantage. This might mean using unauthorized materials during an exam or copying from another individual. Cheating also includes instances in which the student sees the exam in advance or is informed of its content by someone who has already taken it. Cheating may even involve having another person take an exam on your behalf.
Falsifying Research Data or Results
Falsification of data is another broad category of academic misconduct in the NSHE Code. This might include using fabricated data in a study or making a false note in a patient’s chart.
Assisting Others in Academic Dishonesty
Included in the definition of academic dishonesty in the NSHE Code is assisting others in plagiarizing, cheating, or falsifying data.
If a UNR SOM student is accused of academic dishonesty, the charge will be handled in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Student Discipline, Dismissal, and Due Process Policy.
UNR SOM Procedures for Alleged Academic Dishonesty
UNR SOM policy calls for different procedures when dismissal is (or is not) a possible outcome. As a practical matter, academic dishonesty typically carries the possibility of dismissal, and more informal procedures are less likely to be used. The Student Discipline, Dismissal, and Due Process Policy contains the following procedures for academic dishonesty allegations:
Step One: Notice to Student
Following a report of academic dishonesty, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs shall provide written notice of the investigation to the student accused. This is typically done by email, though it may also be sent via certified mail. This notice should include a description of the allegations and the identity of the investigating officer.
Step Two: The Investigation
The Associate Dean appoints the investigating officer. This investigation may include interviewing the accused student, witnesses, and the party accusing the student, as well as reviewing other relevant materials or information. The investigating officer will prepare a report and submit it to the Student Promotion and Conduct Committee (SPCC). This report will include a summary of the interviews, factual findings, and a determination of whether a violation occurred. The report must also disclose exculpatory evidence, such as testimony from witnesses that undercuts the allegations. The report will also typically include a recommendation of sanctions.
Step Three: Notice to the Student if Dismissal is Possible
If the SPCC is considering dismissal, it must give the student clear notice, after the investigating officer’s report, that dismissal is a possible sanction. The LLF Law Firm cannot stress this point enough: if you are given notice that dismissal is a possible sanction, you must have experienced legal counsel immediately.
Step Four: Proceeding Before SPCC
Unless the investigating officer’s report exonerates the student, the matter will go to the SPCC. If the investigating officer upholds the charges and dismissal is a possible sanction, the matter will be heard before the SPCC in a live meeting. This notice must be given at least 10 calendar days before the hearing, and the SPCC may grant an extension to prepare for the hearing. The chair of the SPCC will act as a quasi-judge for an informal hearing. The student may have legal counsel present. The proceeding is closed unless the student requests otherwise, and the Committee has the power to subpoena witnesses (i.e., to compel them to appear and testify).
Step Five: Written Decision
The chair of the SPCC will provide a written decision of the Committee within 14 days by email or certified mail. If the decision is to dismiss the student, the dismissal will typically not occur until the appeal period has lapsed.
Step Six: Appeal
If the SPCC recommends a disciplinary measure short of dismissal, the student may appeal to the Vice Dean. The student may begin this process by filing a notice of appeal to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs within 5 days. This notice must describe the basis for the appeal.
If the SPCC recommends dismissal, the student may appeal to the Dean of the School of Medicine. The notice of appeal must be received by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs within 7 days of the date the written decision was emailed to the student. The student may argue that the decision is not supported by probable cause or that the sanction imposed is not appropriate.
Either the Vice Dean or the Dean will review all materials and decide on the appeal
Sanctions for Academic Violations at UNR SOM
The following are possible sanctions for academic dishonesty at UNR SOM:
- Academic probation.
- Academic monitoring.
- Warning.
- Reprimand.
- Educational sanctions (i.e., failing grade or loss of credit).
- Suspension.
- Dismissal.
The level of sanctions usually depends on the seriousness of the alleged violation. However, even a minor sanction, such as a failing grade on an exam, can have a very negative effect on your future career.
Academic Integrity Attorneys
The LLF National Law Firm has a proven track record of defending medical students nationwide. Our Student Defense Team understands the complexities of defending against dishonesty charges at UNR SOM and will work to achieve the best possible outcome. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.