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1. The integrity of academic programs is imperative to Rowan University's mission. While acknowledging the social and collaborative nature of learning, the University expects that grades awarded to students will reflect individual efforts and achievements.
2. All members of the Rowan community are responsible for understanding what constitutes academic dishonesty; upholding academic integrity standards and encouraging others to do likewise; and knowing the procedures, rights and obligations involved in the Academic Integrity Policy. Academic dishonesty, in any form, will not be tolerated. Students who commit an act of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion from the university.
3. Violations of academic integrity are classified into four categories based on the seriousness of the behaviors and the possible sanctions imposed.
1. A Level 1 violation may occur because of ignorance or inexperience on the part of the person(s) committing the violation and ordinarily include a very minor portion of the course work. A sanction for a level 1 violation will not exceed a failing grade on the assignment.
2. Level 2 violations involve incidents of a more serious nature and affect a significant aspect or portion of the course. A second Level 1 violation will automatically become a Level 2 violation. A sanction for a Level 2 violation will not exceed a failing grade in the course.
3. Level 3 offenses are even more serious in nature and involve dishonesty on a more significant portion of course work, such as a major paper, hourly or final examination. If a student had previously been found responsible either of one or more violations at Level 2 or higher, or of two Level 1 violations, an additional violation at any level will automatically become at least a Level 3 violation. A sanction for a level 3 violation will not exceed suspension from the University.
4. Level 4 violations are the most serious breaches of academic integrity. They also include repeat offenses below Level 4 violations and violations committed while already on or after returning from Academic Integrity Probation.
4. Reporting And Adjudication Of Academic Integrity Violations
   1. A student or University employee who has witnessed an apparent act of academic misconduct or has information that reasonably leads to the conclusion that such an act has or will occur must inform the instructor or the Office of the Provost.
   2. Test center proctors, graduate teaching fellows, or other such surrogates acting on behalf of an instructor who believe that a student has attempted or committed an apparent act of academic misconduct must inform the instructor or the Office of the Provost and turn over all physical evidence.
   3. An instructor who believes that a student has attempted or committed an apparent act of academic misconduct must investigate the matter. Instructors are encouraged to consult with staff in the Office of the Provost.
   4. Role of Instructor
      1. If the instructor then concludes that misconduct has occurred, he or she must obtain a copy of the Report of an Academic Integrity Violation (RAIV) form from the web, the departmental office, or the Office of the Provost. The instructor must complete as much of the RAIV form as possible prior to meeting with the student, including the appropriate type of violation/level.
      2. The instructor must make reasonable attempts to meet with the student in question as soon as possible. When necessary, such meetings may be conducted by telephone or electronic mail. In this meeting every effort must be made to preserve the basic teacher/student relationship. The student must be given the opportunity to respond to the allegation and to review and sign the RAIV if he/she so chooses. The student's signature signifies that he/she is aware of the alleged violation and understands where information on next steps in the procedure can be found. The student must be allowed to remain in class and complete course work until a final resolution is reached.
      3. For Level 1 and Level 2 violations, the instructor must indicate sanctions on the RAIV before the student signs the acknowledgement section of the RAIV form. (Instructors do not recommend sanctions for Level 3 and 4 violations.) Instructors may recommend sanctions up to and including a failing grade for the course depending on the level of violation. Students must not sign the form if they have additional questions or want to consult staff in the Office of the Provost.
      4. At the conclusion of the meeting the instructor must provide the student with a copy of the RAIV form, whether the student signed the form or not. The instructor must then forward the form and all supporting documentation to the Office of the Provost.
         1. Level 1 violations: The instructor will make the determination on whether a violation has occurred and on the penalty. Appeals go directly to the Office of the Provost and will be heard by the Academic Integrity Review Board.
         2. Level 2 violations: The instructor will make the determination of whether a violation has occurred and on the penalty. Appeals go directly to the Office of the Provost and will be heard by the Academic Integrity Review Board.
         3. Level 3 and 4 violations: The Office of the Provost will refer the matter to the Academic Integrity Review Board for adjudication at a hearing. The Board will issue a finding and recommendation to the Office of the Provost, which will make the final irrevocable decisions on both rulings and appeals.
         4. Students reported for Level 3 violations who choose to take responsibility for their violations may waive their right to a hearing. (This applies only to students for which it is their first violation.) In such instances, students will acknowledge their violation in writing, and sanctions will be determined by the Office of the Provost (not to exceed the maximum sanction of suspension for a Level 3 violation). To do so, students must sign and return the form included in their violation report to the Office of the Provost within 5 business days. (Students who do not return the form within that time frame will be scheduled for a hearing in front of the Board.)*
            *(Policy item d. currently is under University Senate review and is considered interim policy pending approval.)
      5. Additional sanctions, including suspension or expulsion from the university, may be recommended when requested by the instructor, requested by the academic unit in which the violation occurred, or when stipulated by the academic integrity policy (i.e. the level of the violation or the existence of previous academic integrity violations by the student).
      6. In the case that an instructor must assign a grade before the case is resolved, the instructor must assign a grade of "INC," which will be changed when the case is resolved.
      7. A student may not withdraw from a course in which he or she has committed or has been accused of committing an academic integrity violation. A student found to have withdrawn from a course in which an academic integrity violation is alleged or determined will be re-enrolled in the course upon receipt of a RAIV by the Office of the Provost. In addition, a student found responsible for an academic integrity violation in a course in which they have participated but have not enrolled will be retroactively enrolled and assigned an appropriate sanction
5. Academic Integrity Review Board
1. The Academic Integrity Review Board may be convened for adjudication of an allegation of academic dishonesty.
2. The Academic Integrity Review Board is chaired by the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. The Chair shall be a participating but nonvoting member of the Board.
3. The Board is composed of six regular members.
   1. A minimum of two student members from a pool of between 7 and 14 students who are appointed by the Student Government Association. Student members must be matriculated and in good standing with the University.
   2. Two full-time members of the faculty who are appointed by the University Senate President.
   3. Two members of the administration who are appointed by the Office of the Provost.
   4. Two alternates from each category will also be appointed.
4. When convening the Academic Integrity Review Board for adjudication of an allegation of academic dishonesty, a quorum of four members, including at least one student, one faculty member and one administrator, must be present.
6. Rights in Hearings
   1. The University disciplinary system is not a criminal or civil law process and the legal procedures applicable in criminal and civil cases will not apply. This policy is not intended to supersede any existing law or regulation.
   2. University disciplinary hearings will accord the following specific rights to all students:
      1. To receive written notice of the alleged violation.
      2. To have reasonable access to the case materials prior to and during any hearing.
      3. To have access to advice by an individual of his or her choosing, including an attorney. However, the advisor may not participate in the hearing. The student must sign a FERPA waiver indicating he/she has consented to have the individual present.
      4. To participate in the hearing, present information on his or her own behalf, call witnesses and question information provided at their hearing. This does not include the right to directly question witnesses.
      5. To receive written notification of the decision reached and a list of any sanctions imposed.
7. Description of Sanction
   1. A student may receive a single or multiple sanctions for violations of the Academic Integrity policy. Factors to be considered in deciding sanctions will include present demeanor and past disciplinary record of the student and the nature and severity of the violation.
   2. Sanctions which may be imposed upon a student found responsible for a Level 3 or Level 4 include the following:
      
      1. Notation of Academic Integrity Violation on Transcript: When a student fails a course because of a Level 3 or Level 4 violation, this will be noted on the student's transcript. The notation can be removed from the transcript at the student's request provided the student has had no further academic integrity violations for one calendar year (365) days. The student can have a maximum of one such notation removed in his/her career as a Rowan student.
      2. Academic Integrity Probation: Academic integrity probation is a period of one calendar year (365 days) indicating that a student is no longer in good standing with the university vis-à-vis academic integrity because of a Level 3 or Level 4 violation. (This status is distinct from Academic Probation, which concerns academic performance.) Any subsequent Academic Integrity Violation while in this status will likely result in suspension or expulsion from the university.

      3. Suspension: Beginning on the date the suspension takes effect, the student is no longer a registered student, may not attend classes, nor receive grades for a specified period of time. In addition, while in this status, the student is not permitted to be present on the campus or at a University-sponsored event for any reason whatsoever. The suspension will be noted on the student's academic transcript as disciplinary suspension. The notation will remain on the student’s transcript permanently. The student is not entitled to any refund of any fees after published refund dates.

      4. Expulsion: Beginning on the date the expulsion takes effect, the student may never again be a registered student, may never attend classes, nor receive grades. In addition, the student may never be present on the campus nor at a University-sponsored event for any reason whatsoever. The expulsion will be noted on the student's academic transcript as Academic Integrity Expulsion. The student is not entitled to any refund of any fees after published refund dates.

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