Suggestions
for Students
The best way to protect yourself from an
allegation of
academic dishonesty is simple: Don't cheat. Read on for the answers to
frequently asked questions on this topic, which is of increasing
interest
on campuses throughout the world. I think I know what cheating is, but how
does MSU define
cheating? Download Spartan Life: Student Handbook
and Resource Guide and scroll down to the Academic
Freedom Report, especially Article
2. Then move on to Protection
of Scholarship and Grades. Here you'll find conduct
that violates the fundamental principles of truth, honesty, and
integrity.
The following conduct is specifically cited: Your question assumes that innocent behavior
can attract
negative attention from instructors, and that may be true. To protect
yourself
from any suspicion of cheating, try the following. If this should happen, stay calm. Don't
get angry or
rude. During your meeting with your instructor, politely ask him or her
why he or she believes you have cheated. You then should explain
why you believe you did not commit an act of academic misconduct.
Remember, pleading ignorance of the rules of say, plagiarism, is not a
defense for your actions. If you believe witnesses are available
to support your position, ask your instructor to meet with them and
you--the sooner the better. If you are unable to resolve the dispute with
your instructor, you may discuss the matter with the chair/director of
the department/school that offered the course. If that meeting
fails to settle the situation, the final step in the process is to
request the department/school hearing board review the case. You may consult with the University Ombudsman
at any time during these negotiations. The ombudsman will explain
the process of contesting an allegation of academic dishonesty, review
the university rules and policies regarding academic integrity and
explain the hearing process. You should take notes during or after every
discussion.. What happens to me if I am guilty of
cheating? If your instructor believes you have committed
an act
of academic misconduct, s/he may give you a penalty grade -- either a
failing grade on the assignment or in the
course.
If your instructor gives you a failing grade in the course, the Integrity
of Scholarship and Grades All-University Policy requires your
instructor to send a letter to your dean to explain the circumstances.
Depending on the seriousness and extent of violation, the instructor
also may request the dean to call for a disciplinary hearing to impose
additional sanctions or penalties. Visit the Ombudsman to clarify
the procedures and policies. If I see a student cheating, what should I
do? MSU does not have an all-university honor
code, but some colleges, schools and departments do. If you are
enrolled in a program that has an honor code, consult the code on how
to proceed. Otherwise, you are not required to report an
incident of academic dishonesty. You may, however, do just that,
especially if you believe your instructor is unaware of cheating taking
place in the course. It will then be up to your instructor to
look into the matter. Any other advice? Again, don't cheat. The stakes are too costly
for your
academic career and your reputation. Faculty are increasingly resorting
to various strategies to discourage their students from committing any
acts of academic dishonesty, including stepping up their monitoring of
students during exams. If you need assistance in passing a course, seek
help from your instructor. The Learning
Resources
Center can provide you with strategies to improve your study skills
and habits. Start on projects early in the term, give yourself adequate
time to study for exams, and don't pressure yourself to be perfect. See
also Plagiarism
and Suggestions for Faculty. Need assistance? Click here.
Academic
honesty and integrity are
fundamental values
in a community of scholars. As stated in the MSU Academic
Freedom Report, students and faculty share a commitment to and
responsibility
for "maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and professional
standards." To abuse these values is to assault one's own personal
integrity
and character. Yet cheating occurs on this campus and elsewhere. One
researcher
has called cheating an "international epidemic."
From this, it's obvious that you can't -- or at
least shouldn't:
How can I avoid even being suspected of
cheating?
When taking
quizzes, tests or exams:
When completing
lab projects, term papers
and take-home
tests:
What do I do if my instructor accuses me of
cheating--and
I really didn't do it?
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