Faculty & Staff FAQ
What is the process for responding to possible academic integrity violations?
See the Academic Integrity Policy for a full description of the process for responding to an academic integrity violation. If a faculty or instructor become aware of a potential academic integrity violation, they should schedule time to meet with the student to discuss the concerns and listen to the student’s perspective. If the student agrees that there was an academic integrity violation, you should complete the Honor Code Academic Integrity Policies Incident Form. If the student does not agree that their actions were a violation of the academic integrity policies, you will complete the Academic Integrity Incident Form and refer to the Honor Board.
The student agreed that they violated an academic integrity policy, what are the consequences?
Based on the severity of the specific violation, the faculty member determines the appropriate class-related sanction(s). Instructors may elect to fail the student for the assignment, for a related unit in the course, or for the entire course. For very serious cases, you may decide to assign an “Integrity F” for the course. This would be indicated on a student’s academic transcript.
The faculty or instructor should complete the top portion of the Honor Code Academic Integrity Policies Incident Form and the student will check responsible and sign and date. The form should then be forwarded to Dr. Paul Miller for review of institutional sanction decision. The review will include previous case history.
For first-time violations categorized as a low-level of seriousness, the student will be sanctioned to an Academic Censure. For second-time violations and/or first-time violations categorized as a high-level of seriousness, a student may be suspended or permanently separated from the university.
Can the student appeal the course-related sanction that I assign?
No. If the student accepts responsibility for an academic integrity violation or is found responsible by the Elon Honor Board, they may not appeal the course-related consequences.
The student did not accept responsibility for a violation and the case will be heard by the Elon honor board, what is my role in the student conduct process?
The honor board hearing will be scheduled at a time that is convenient for your schedule. Prior to the hearing, you will be contacted by the Office of Student Conduct in order to discuss the hearing process and answer any of your questions. The student has an opportunity to meet with a university administrator who will explain the hearing process to the student.
You can provide any evidence to Dr. Paul Miller who will share with the Office of Student Conduct. You will also receive communication from the Office of Student Conduct to submit any additional notes or evidence that will be included in the hearing. This information should include relevant materials that led you the concern for a potential policy violation. All information will be compiled into a packet that is shared with appropriate Honor Board participants (Honor Board panel, the Honor Board convener, the student). You will receive the Honor Board packet at least two business days prior to the hearing.
During the Honor Board, you will be asked to present an opening statement (how did you come across a potential policy violation), answer questions from the Honor Board panel, ask questions to the student, and provide a closing statement.
How much evidence do I need?
The Elon student conduct process requires a preponderance of evidence for a finding of responsible. Unlike the criminal system, which requires evidence “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the university system is based on the “greater weight of the evidence.” In other words, the university requires that the information show it is “more likely than not” that a violation occurred. The Honor Board will make the determination if the information and evidence supports Preponderance of Evidence.
The responding student has the right to hear and respond to all information that may be utilized for a decision. If you have questions about the evidence you have, please contact Dr. Paul Miller, associate provost for academic excellence and operations.
Can I just refer an academic integrity violation to the office of student conduct or my department chair rather than responding to it myself?
There are many resources for support and guidance if you have questions or concerns about academic integrity and the conduct process. We are here to ensure you feel knowledgeable and comfortable during your conversation with the student. Your face-to-face discussion with a student can be a valuable opportunity for them to better understand the Elon expectations and policies as well as professional ethics.
Can I just fail the student and not file an honor code violation?
The Honor Code process ensures fairness and consistency for all Elon students. The reporting process has been developed to ensure there is not an unrecognized pattern of academic integrity violations (by a single student or as a larger trend). By following the appropriate documentation and reporting process, you help ensure that the Honor Code values are upheld.
How much time does this process require?
The initial conversation with the student may be as long or as short as you feel appropriate. Preparation for an Honor Board hearing may take some time to gather documents. The Honor Board hearing itself may take 1-3 hours.
Will I be informed of the outcome for an academic policy charge?
Yes. Since you are responsible for assigning class-related sanctions, you will know the decision of the Honor Board for cases involving academic integrity violations.