Preamble:
The Board of Regents believes that academic dishonesty is inimical to the
fundamental ideas of public higher education. Furthermore, the Board believes
that public higher education has a mission to develop the moral reasoning
abilities of students and to promote the importance of integrity in all aspects
of student life, but particularly in academics. Therefore, it is the policy of
the Kansas Board of Regents that student academic dishonesty not be tolerated on
the campuses of the Regents institutions.
Board of Regents policy requires that Wichita State University implement and
promote specific policies, procedures, and programs which seek to: (i) identify
prohibited academic conduct by students; (ii) educate all students, faculty and
administrators with regard to the nature, impact and consequences of student
academic dishonesty; (iii) effectively report and seek to reduce such behaviors;
(iv) provide for due process for students accused of academic dishonesty; (v)
set forth clear sanctions, ranging from reprimand to dismissal from the
university, for students who have committed acts of academic dishonesty; and
(vi) implement a comprehensive and integrated plan to promote academic integrity
among students, faculty and administrators.
Policy Statement:
1. Opportunities for learning at Wichita State University involve the students'
right to express their views and to take reasoned exception to the views of
faculty; to examine all questions felt to be appropriate to a course of study;
to be protected from improper disclosure or ridicule of their views and beliefs;
to be tested and assessed in a fair and impartial manner; and to be treated with
dignity and respect. Students are responsible, however, for learning the
content of any course of study as outlined by their instructors, regardless of
any views or judgments privately held and for demonstrating their attainment and
performance regarding a course of study in an honest manner.
2. A standard of academic honesty, fairly applied to all students, is
essential to a learning environment. Students who compromise the integrity of
the classroom are subject to disciplinary action by their instructor, their
department, their college and/or the University. Violations of classroom
standards of academic honesty include, but are not limited to:
Students violating such standards must accept the consequences and
appropriately assessed penalties, which may include reprimand, a failing grade,
or suspension or dismissal from an academic program or the University. Students
accused of abridging a standard of academic honesty will be provided with
mechanisms for review and appeal of decisions regarding allegations of academic
misconduct.
3. The fundamental responsibility for the maintenance of the standards of
academic honesty rests with each student. It is each student's responsibility
to be familiar with University policy on academic honesty and to uphold
standards of academic honesty at all times and in all situations.
4. Faculty members need to be aware of the possibility of academic
misconduct, watchful for any instances of academic misconduct and diligent in
addressing those who do not maintain the standards of academic honesty.
5. Faculty members are responsible for clarification to their classes of the
expectations and requirements relative to academic honesty for class assignments
or projects. Each faculty member shall also make clear to each class the
faculty member's individual policy toward penalties given for breaches of
academic honesty.
6. If a faculty member alleges a violation of the University's standard of
academic honesty, but imposes no academic sanction, no official follow-up is
required. The faculty member should discuss her or his concern with the student
and may also provide an opportunity for the student to redo the assignment or
retake the examination.
7. When a faculty member has reasonable good faith belief that a student or
students have committed academic misconduct, that faculty member has the sole
discretion to give the student an "F" on the assignment/test on which the
student[s] committed academic misconduct or an "F" for the entire course. If
the student does not contest the allegation, no further action need be taken.
If the student wishes to contest the allegation and/or the grade (for the course
or the assignment/test), the student shall contact the Dean of the faculty
member's School or College, who will refer the matter for review by an
individual appointed by the Dean. The reviewer shall provide a report and
recommendations to the Dean within fifteen (15) class days. The Dean shall then
have ten (10) class days to act upon the report and recommendation and the
Dean's decision regarding the grade (for the course or the assignment/test)
shall be final. The Dean shall share her/his decision with the Vice President
for Campus Life and University Relations, the Provost and Vice President for
Academic Affairs and Research, the Dean of the student's School or College (if
different) and the faculty member.
8. If the Dean recommends that more severe sanctions should be imposed
and/or the Vice President for Campus Life and University Relations determines
that more severe sanctions, including suspension or expulsion from the
University should be implemented, the Vice President for Campus Life and
University Relations will implement disciplinary procedures as set forth in the
Student Code of Conduct.
Implementation:
This policy shall be included in the WSU Policies and Procedures Manual
and shared with appropriate constituencies of the University.
The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research and the Vice President for Campus Life and University Relations shall have shared responsibility for publication, dissemination and implementation of this University policy.
Effective Date:
July 14, 2010