Article IV: Academic Dishonesty
Purpose
The academic reputation of Normandale Community College is held in esteem based upon the rigor and quality of the academic work completed by students at our institution. Faculty, staff and students play an important role in promoting and preserving academic integrity on campus. Faculty and staff should educate students and discourage acts of academic dishonesty.
Definitions
Academic Dishonesty is a term that encompasses different forms of unethical or dishonest behavior in an academic setting. Examples that violate the Academic Integrity Policy include:
Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
• The attempt and/or use of unauthorized resources of academic and non-academic material in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems or carrying out other academic assignments.
• The attempt and/or use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests or examinations. This includes the use of electronic devices and/or software.
• Receiving and/or providing unauthorized assistance to another student in order to receive academic credit. Collaboration is encouraged when permitted by the instructor only.
• The acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty, staff, or student of the College.
• Failure to comply with testing expectations provided by the course instructor and/or proctor.
• Impersonating another individual during exams, assignments, or any academic activity.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:
• Includes but is not limited to the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment.
• The unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency (online assistance) engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
• Using someone else’s work and submitting it as own original content.
• The re-use and submission of an assignment that was used in another class to receive credit is only permitted with authorization from the instructor.
Furnishing False Information includes, but is not limited to:
• Knowingly providing false information to any college official.
• Use of misrepresentative information to any college official, faculty member or office. This includes any fabrication and/or manipulation of data, information, or sources in any assignment.
Forgery, alteration, or misuse includes, but is not limited to:
• Changing a grade submitted by anyone other than a college official/instructor.
• Altering any college document, record, or instrument of identification.
Other forms of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:
• Engaging in any behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member in the course syllabus or course discussions.
• Unauthorized distribution and/or sharing of instructor’s course materials.
Reporting of Violations
Faculty who have reason to believe a violation has occurred may submit a report to the Dean of Students Office through the student referral form. This report should include the name of the alleged student(s), evidentiary documentation, and date of the alleged violation. The Dean of Students Office will track any prior violations that have been reported and follow up with the reporter when appropriate. Additionally, the dean or appointee will identify what sanctions are warranted.
Procedures and Sanctions
Academic misconduct is considered a serious offense. Allegations of academic dishonesty will be resolved following the procedures described in the Student Code of Conduct. A violation of this policy may result in various resolutions that could lead to suspension or expulsion from the college.
Appeals
Students may appeal the sanctioning decision(s) in their resolution letter. This appeal must be generated by the student and must be submitted in writing within 5 business days upon receipt of their letter.
Students appealing the resolutions assigned by the Conduct Hearing Officer will be addressed by the Vice President of Student Affairs. Any concerns about their overall course final grade or the grade on an assignment will be reviewed through the Academic Grievance Procedure by the academic dean of that department.