As Chicago's only tech university, the Illinois Institute of Technology follows high standards of academic integrity. Illinois Tech students accused of violating face potentially life-altering consequences. Academic dishonesty can lead to immediate removal from the university and even follow you into your professional career.
With such high stakes, you must take academic misconduct charges seriously. The best way to get back on track is to enlist the services of a student defense attorney. An attorney can advise you during school hearings and fight to achieve a favorable outcome. In this article, we'll review Illinois Tech's academic misconduct policy and how an attorney can help you navigate the disciplinary procedures.
How Does the Illinois Institute of Technology Define Academic Misconduct?
Illinois Tech expects all students to uphold policies outlined in its Code of Academic Honesty. Found in the Illinois Tech Student Handbook, the Code of Academic Honesty states that no student may seek to gain an unfair advantage over another. Violations of the Code of Academic Honesty occurs when a student knowingly engages or attempts to engage in any of the following acts:
- The misrepresentation of any work submitted for credit or otherwise as the product of a student's sole independent effort. Examples include using other's work without attribution and other forms of plagiarism.
- The use of unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations.
- The unauthorized acquisition of tests, answer sheets, problem solutions, or other academic material.
- Deliberate and harmful obstruction of the studies, research, or academic work of Illinois Tech members.
- Making a misrepresentation to any Illinois Tech office, potential employer, agency, professional society, meeting, or organization which includes any unauthorized access to Illinois Tech's digital or electronic systems to alter or submit false, misleading, or inaccurate information.
- The intentional assistance of others in the violation of these standards.
How the Illinois Institute of Technology Responds to Academic Misconduct Allegations
The Illinois Tech Student Handbook outlines the university procedure for responding to academic misconduct allegations. According to the Student Handbook, faculty members and administrators must report academic dishonesty infractions to the Designated Dean of Academic Discipline (DDAD).
Faculty members may meet with students to discuss academic dishonesty violations. During these meetings, instructors will review the allegations and allow students to respond. Instructors will then report the violation, a summary of the evidence, and sanction recommendations to the DDAD. Students who believe that the violation record is inaccurate must inform the Dean of Students within seven calendar days. The Dean of Students will then investigate and correct any factual inaccuracies.
In some circumstances, the DDAD will move the case to a hearing before the Academic Grievance Committee. Students will typically go through a formal hearing if they committed prior academic dishonesty violations.
What Happens During a Disciplinary Hearing?
Students who face a disciplinary hearing will be notified in writing at least five days before the hearing. This notice will include details of the alleged violation and the time and place of the hearing. Students may make an oral statement at the start and conclusion of the hearing and submit written evidence for review. They can also present and question relevant witnesses of their choosing and cross-examine witnesses testifying in support of the charges.
The Academic Grievance Committee conducts disciplinary hearings and determines sanctions. The Academic Grievance Committee includes faculty members, students, and the Dean of Students. During the hearing, the Academic Disciplinary Committee asks questions of anyone providing testimony. They also review the evidence and recommend sanctions to the DDAD.
Although only students may present their case, they do have the right to use an advisor during their disciplinary hearing. Illinois Tech allows students to be accompanied by both an advisor of their choosing and their parents. Advisors cannot make formal statements, but they can assist you throughout your hearing.
Sanctions for Academic Dishonesty
As a leading private research university, Illinois Tech does not take academic dishonesty allegations lightly. Students found guilty of violating its Code of Academic Honesty face a wide range of punishment. Although instructors and the Academic Grievance Committee can make recommendations on sanctions, the DDAD makes the final decision. Potential punishments include:
- Expulsion from a course: A failing grade of ‘E' for the course and removal from the course
- Corrective action: A disciplinary warning, conduct probation, fine, education sanctions, or other action to remedy the academic honesty violation
- Suspension: Temporary interruption of enrollment in classes, student activities, or campus housing
- Expulsion: Complete severance of association with Illinois Tech
Expulsion does not only impact your status at Illinois Tech, but it can also jeopardize your future. An expulsion notation will go on your student transcript. This notation may limit opportunities to attend other universities or to advance your career.
Why You Should Use an Attorney
There's no denying that academic misconduct allegations can derail your life. If you face an academic honesty violation, you must have an experienced student discipline attorney on your side. An attorney-advisor can help you fight your charges and achieve the best possible result in your case.
Many students accused of academic misconduct fight an uphill battle. Universities will go to great lengths to collect evidence, witnesses, and other damaging information. An attorney will use their legal expertise to give you a fair chance at a favorable outcome. They can prepare your defense, coach you before your hearing, and even help you appeal disciplinary decisions.
Attorneys can also make sure you avoid pitfalls that can hurt your case. Many students fail to meet deadlines or file the necessary paperwork. An attorney can ensure you don't miss any steps along the way.
Your Attorney-Advisor
An academic misconduct violation can threaten your future. Don't let an allegation jeopardize your education or career. By contacting an experienced student defense attorney, you can give yourself the best opportunity to clear your name. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has helped many students overcome academic misconduct charges. For many years, he has defended students and fought fiercely on their behalf. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation.
