Unofficial scores
A teaching assistant reported a senior to Student Judicial Affairs (SJA) for misconduct in connection with a staining practical in Microbiology 101. The staining practical consisted of multiple parts graded by the TA. Classmates witnessed this student fabricate lab data and fill in two of his own scores and reported him to the TA. When meeting with a judicial officer, the student admitted to the misconduct and stated that his lab partner took too long using the lab equipment, so he fabricated the data and filled in his scores because he didn’t want to turn in blank answers. He also claimed that he thought he wouldn’t receive points since the TA didn’t initial the scores. However, the student did receive points for the fabricated lab data and didn’t approach the TA to correct it. In doing so, he gained an unfair advantage and was found to have violated the Code of Academic Conduct. Since this was his first referral to SJA, he agreed to the sanction of disciplinary probation until graduation. This will not affect his academic standing, but if again referred to SJA and found in violation for another act of dishonesty or academic misconduct, the student will most likely be suspended or dismissed from the university.
Three strikes and you’re out
This senior agreed to the disciplinary sanction of deferred separation until graduation after he was referred to SJA for possible cheating during two exams. The TA reported this student after observing suspicious behavior during two separate exams. After the first exam, the TA approached the student and instructed him to be more careful to keep his eyes on his own exam. However, during the second exam, the TA noticed the same behavior and reported him to SJA. When meeting with a judicial officer, the student admitted that his eyes were wandering during both exams, but denied cheating. The sanction this student agreed to allows him to continue taking classes until referred to SJA for another act of dishonesty or academic misconduct. If found in violation after an informal hearing (he has waived his right to a formal hearing), he will be dismissed from the university.
Homework theft
A junior was referred to SJA for stealing another student’s work. The professor stated that the student submitted an assignment that was not his in an attempt to raise his grade. When meeting with a judicial officer, the student stated that he found the graded assignment in class, took it home, changed the name on the assignment to his name, and re-submitted the assignment as his own. When asked why he did this, he stated that he was on academic probation and would be subject to dismissal if he did poorly in the class. The student agreed to the sanction of deferred separation, which means that he can continue to take classes until referred to SJA for another act of dishonesty or academic misconduct. If found in violation, the student has waived the right to a formal hearing and will be suspended or dismissed from the university. In addition to deferred separation, the student agreed to write a stress management and reflection paper and a second writing assignment. He was also referred to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to help deal with his stress.
CAMPUS JUDICIAL REPORTS are compiled by members of Student Judicial Affairs.
