The ETSU Quillen College of Medicine (Quillen COM) trains physicians who serve in both underserved areas and some of the most prestigious hospitals across the country. It has established a reputation as a determined institution that makes a significant impact in Tennessee and the neighboring states. Quillen COM places a strong emphasis on integrity and professionalism, as reflected in its published Honor Code. However, each year, some Quillen students face questionable accusations of violating the Honor Code. These allegations often focus on alleged exam violations, plagiarism, or cheating. Students accused of such violations quickly realize that their futures may be at risk after years of hard work and dedication. While it is natural to experience feelings of anger and uncertainty following such allegations, it is crucial to take proactive steps and carefully consider how to respond.

If you face allegations of academic misconduct at Quillen COM, you should find an experienced academic misconduct attorney immediately.  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 Quillen COM Define Academic Misconduct?

Quillen publishes an Honor Code, which applies to all medical students and emphasizes that “students at the Quillen College of Medicine will not lie, cheat, or steal.” The Honor Code asks students to place their first loyalty with the profession of medicine and to report any violations of the code. The Quillen Honor Code describes the following as violations:

  • Lying
  • Cheating
  • Plagiarism
  • Improper Assistance
  • Stealing

The Honor Code requires that a violation only occurs if the student had the “necessary state of mind.” The student must have intended to deceive, cheat, steal, or lie. If one attempts a violation, it does not matter whether the attempt was successful. The Quillen Honor Code expressly requires students to report violations by other students.

Quillen COM Procedures for Alleged Academic Misconduct?

Violations of the Honor Code or academic dishonesty policy at Quillen COM follow a series of steps or procedures in the Honor Code regulations:

Step One – Initial Report

An initial report or complaint is typically made by a faculty member or another student, who has two weeks from the alleged incident to file a report with the Honor Council. The chair of the Council will receive the report and call a meeting to determine whether, if true, it constitutes a violation. At this point, the Honor Council will decide whether to proceed and whether further investigation is needed.

Step Two – Investigation Committee

If further investigation is deemed necessary, the chair will appoint two members to investigate the report and present their findings to the Council. The investigation committee members cannot be present when the Honor Council decides to proceed. If the Honor Council decides to proceed, it will send the student in question notice of the charge.

Step Three – Notice to the Student

The Honor Council must provide a list of the charges, together with information on the allegations. The Honor Council must provide information about the investigation, but is not required to disclose the accuser’s identity. This notice will include the hearing date if the student denies the allegations.

Step Four – Hearing

The student has the right to object to any member of the Honor Council who has a conflict of interest or a stake in the outcome. The Council will ask the student for a plea statement, after which the case investigators will present evidence. The accused student has the right to cross-examine these investigators and to present evidence in support of their case. The parties may make closing arguments.

Step Five – Honor Council Verdict

After the closing arguments, the Honor Council will meet in closed session to deliver a verdict. The following are possible verdicts:

  • Verdict 1 – No violation of Honor Code has occurred.
  • Verdict 2 – A violation of the Honor Code has occurred, and the Dean should take disciplinary action up to a formal reprimand, but no mention should appear in the record of the accused student.
  • Verdict 3 – A violation of the Honor Code has occurred, and the Dean should take disciplinary action up to a formal reprimand with the Honor Council record affixed to the student’s permanent record.
  • Verdict 4 – A violation of the Honor Code has occurred, and the Dean should take appropriate action up to an expulsion from the school, and the record of the Honor Council should be affixed to the student’s record.

The Honor Council will begin at the level of Verdict 4 and take a vote. If the vote is unanimous, that is the Council’s decision. If not, they will step down to Verdict 3 and vote again. If the vote is unanimous, the Council will return a Verdict 3 decision to the Dean. If not, the Council will go down to Verdict 2. If the vote is unanimous, a Verdict 2 is forwarded to the Dean. If not, a Verdict 1 is forwarded to the Dean, and the charge is dismissed.

Step Six – Decision of the Dean

The Honor Council will provide its verdict and findings to the Dean, who will make a final decision on the discipline or sanction.

Sanctions for Academic Violations at Quillen COM

The Dean may impose the following sanctions:

  • Reprimand (Verdicts 2 or 3).
  • Probation (Verdict 4).
  • Suspension (Verdict 4).
  • Expulsion (Verdict 4).

Given the potential severity of possible sanctions, any student facing an Honor Council proceeding should call the LLF National Law Firm immediately.

Academic Integrity Attorneys

Charges of academic misconduct can have a devastating effect on the career of a future physician. Even if the eventual sanction is facially minimal, it is vital that the student’s record not indicate academic dishonesty. The Student Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm has a proven track record of defending medical students nationwide. Don’t face this challenging time alone. Call the LLF National Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.

East Tennessee State Quillen College of Medicine

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