Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Student Honor Code

• Why report every incident of cheating or plagiarism to Student Judicial Affairs?
• What sanction should you impose for a violation?
• What about confidentiality?
• What happens to this form upon completion?
• What if there is a disagreement with the student over this allegation?
• Academic Honesty Process Checklist
• Turnitin.com

WHY REPORT EVERY INCIDENT OF CHEATING OR PLAGARISM TO STUDENT JUDICIAL AFFAIRS?

All incidents of academic honesty should be reported to Student Judicial Affairs because:

• A. It helps avoid any claim that a student’s rights were violated by an instructor who did not follow UF procedures.
• B. Insisting on academic integrity is good educational practice. Following proper procedures will decrease the likelihood of a challenge to the University and its faculty’s/instructor’s judgements in dealing with an educational matter.
• C. It communicates the seriousness of the violation and to his/her classmates and promotes integrity.
• D. Accurate records document the extent of academic dishonesty and repeat offenders can be identified.

WHAT SANCTION SHOULD YOU IMPOSE FOR AN ACADEMIC HONESTY VIOLATION?

The value that the University of Florida places on education should be reflected in our response to academic dishonesty. In the absence of mitigating factors, we recommend that a grade penalty for the course should be the minimum appropriate response for deliberate violations. An appropriate supplement to the grade penalty you impose may be a referral to an educational or ethics seminar, all of which may be arranged through our office. If it is a second offense, suspension or expulsion could be considered as a sanction. This type of sanction can only be pursued through the University of Florida’s judicial system.

WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?

It does not violate state or federal confidentiality laws to discuss the student’s case with the judicial affairs staff or your department chair or dean. It would violate confidentiality; however, to reveal the charged student’s name, charges, sanction imposed to other students, instructors/faculty, or staff. You can seek the advice of colleagues about the nature of the incident without using the name of the student. It would also be helpful to discuss cheating, in general terms, with the class at the beginning of each semester.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THIS FORM UPON COMPLETION?

The form becomes part of the student’s disciplinary file, which is kept in Student Judicial Affairs for nine years from the year of the student’s matriculation and then destroyed (unless there is a suspension or expulsion). The student’s disciplinary file is subject to the same laws as other educational records, as this information can only be released within the University to those with a legitimate educational need to know. Any information can not be released outside without the student’s permission. No notation of academic dishonesty appears on the printed academic transcript.

WHAT IF THERE IS A DISAGREEMENT WITH THE STUDENT OVER THIS ALLEGATION?

In resolving a disputed case of academic dishonesty, the student and instructor must be treated fairly. This means that:

• A. The University’s judicial procedures must be used to resolve the case.
• B. A judicial committee can relieve you of being in the situation of resolving a dispute that you are to close to.
• C. The standard of evidence necessary is “more likely than not” in order to impose sanctions for a violation.
• D. The charges and hearing notice must be in writing to the student (our office will do that).

If it is apparent to us that your suspicions are supported by a preponderance of the evidence, a student’s meeting with us may clarify for him/her that a judicial committee will likely draw the same conclusion. This meeting may avoid the necessity of a hearing. However, the student may decide to resolve his/her case through a hearing. This meeting is not a trial; the format is informal.

ACADEMIC HONESTY PROCESS CHECKLIST

1. Gather documentation of academic dishonesty.
2. Thoroughly complete Faculty Adjudication Form.
3. Call Student Judicial Affairs to determine if student has a prior academic honesty violation.
4. Schedule a meeting with the student to discuss allegations. You may choose to have your supervisor in the room with you when meeting with the student.
5. Share with student all documentation of academic dishonesty.
6. Have student sign FAF.
7. Give copy of the completed form to student.
8. Forward Faculty Adjudication Form to Student Judicial Affairs whether the student agrees or not within 24 hours.
9. If the student disagrees with the allegation(s) brought forth, he/she will have an informational meeting with Student Judicial Affairs to choose either an Honor Court or Student Conduct Committee Hearing.
10. Have student sign forms that remain unsigned.
11. Follow up letters are sent to the student and faculty member referencing the outcome.
12. If the student is found responsible for academic dishonesty, the faculty member needs to submit the appropriate grade at the end of the semester to reflect the grade penalty.