This article is an overview of Monmouth University's academic misconduct disciplinary procedures. If you have been accused of this violation and attend this institution, it is strongly recommended that you read your Monmouth's student handbook supplementary to this overview. Although my article contains valuable information you might need, a thorough read of the policies may provide you with more insight.
Monmouth University's “Academic Honesty” Policy
Monmouth University encourages its students to be responsible and honorable in each and every one of their endeavors. These qualities must be maintained through the completion of academic works also. Anytime a student partakes in a behavior that can be considered dishonest, it will be considered academic misconduct. Academic misconduct comes in many forms. The actions that constitute this violation of school policy consist of (but are not limited to) the following actions:
Plagiarism. This form of academic misconduct is reworking or completely copying the work or ideas of others and passing them off as your own. Some of the following actions can be regarded as plagiarism.
- Using verbatim elements or passages from an existing work in one's own work without quotation marks or otherwise clear indication of authorship
- Claiming ownership of an article of writing or artwork created by someone else
- Making use of ideas acquired from other sources without appropriately and clearly acknowledging the source
Falsifying information. This action involves making false statements or inventing information for an academic exercise or product. Any of the following actions could constitute falsifying information:
- Bending the truth to obtain an extension on an assignment or project, or any other favorable consideration
- Inventing data or resources for an assignment
- Submitting work completed in another class for credit without explicit permission from an instructor
Unauthorized aid. These actions consist of making use of prohibited materials, study guides, or other assistance in academic exercise. There are several examples of unauthorized aid.
- Collaboration on academic endeavors that are assigned individually
- Looking up solutions to homework problems online
- Accessing prohibited material for an exam
- Obtaining the solution to a problem from a classmate
- Obtaining test questions before an exam is given
Intentional vs. Unintentional Conduct
Unfortunately, the question of whether a student intentionally or unintentionally committed misconduct is not relevant when it comes to these cases. When a form of academic misconduct is committed, like plagiarism for example, the school will solely focus on the existence of a violation in the work submitted. School authorities will not be concerned with what should have been submitted.
Procedures
In cases where an instructor has a reason to believe that a student has committed academic misconduct, the instructor should discuss the matter with the student promptly. During this meeting, an instructor must acknowledge their suspicions, the evidence that fuels this suspicion, and their intention of filing official charges. The academic misconduct procedure will officially begin after this confrontation.
- If the matter involves a grade for a paper or test (rather than a grade for the course) and the student agrees with the instructor's assignment of an “F,” nothing further needs to be done. If the student doesn't agree, he or she may request that the matter be reviewed by the department chair, who shall decide the matter with no further recourse.
- If the matter involves assigning a grade of “F” for the course, the instructor will also promptly discuss the matter with the student. If the student accepts the grade, a brief written report will be sent to the Provost or another administrator. If the student chooses not to accept the grade, he or she may then request the department chair to review the grade.
- In the event that a dean concludes that the seriousness of an offense warrants consideration of a penalty more serious than the failure of a course, the matter will be referred to the University Disciplinary Committee.
- The University Disciplinary Committee will have wide discretion over the matter, deciding that either a course-level sanction or higher level sanction is applicable in a case. Ultimately this committee will make the final call if a student reaches this stage.
- A disciplinary hearing is only recommended when the existence of a violation is extremely unclear. A notice will be sent to the student and all other pertinent parties. The notification will specify the date, time, and place where the hearing will be located. The committee will hear all sides, deliberate, and make a decision.
Appeals
An appeal is a request for a school to reconsider its decision. In order for an appeal to be granted, it must be based on reasonable grounds. For more information on these grounds, contact a skilled student defense attorney.
A student must appeal within 10 days from the date of a determination for it to be considered by an institution.
New Jersey Student Defense Attorney
A determination that dictates there has been a violation of academic honesty can jeopardize your academic and professional goals. All the time, money, and energy you've invested in your education at Monmouth University may be spent in vain if you're found responsible for these serious allegations. If you value your education, it's important you contact a skilled student defense attorney. Joseph D. Lento has helped students in your predicament overcome their academic misconduct charges, and he can do the same for you. Contact him today.
