Academic Integrity Procedures
Cumberland University considers any violation of academic integrity a significant offense and therefore subject to an appropriate sanction. Academic integrity violations at the University are classified into minor and major categories each with two levels of violation for a total of four levels of violations. Faculty make the distinction within their course syllabi of the characteristics that define the category of academic integrity violation for a particular course. The sanction levied is decided upon by the faculty member in consultation with the appropriate Program Director and/or School Dean. The University recommends sanctions intended as a general guideline for the academy. Furthermore, extenuating circumstances may influence the imposed sanction, as degree of responsibility and experience of an individual student may be a factor in determining the appropriate sanction. For example a first-year student’s imposed sanction for a given violation may not be as severe as that imposed on a more experienced student (upper-classman or graduate student) for the same violation. All transgressions identified are recorded in the office of the Dean of Students (DofS). Academic Integrity Violations and Sanctions Policy
Every student is charged with the responsibility of acting in accordance with the standards of integrity established by the University, and ensuring that his/her fellow students also abide by these standards. As a member of the University community, if you have knowledge of a possible academic integrity offense, you should immediately contact the appropriate academic body (School Dean, faculty mentor or academic advisor) that will act as an academic integrity advisor. You do not necessarily need to disclose the course, the instructor, student suspect and/or other identifying details at this time. During this conversation, the advisor will explain the three criteria necessitating the action of reporting an academic integrity violation. Student Reporting Academic Integrity Violations Guidelines Calling upon the advice of an academic integrity advisor in no way binds you to report a case; however, it should be noted that academic integrity is the foundation of the academy.
All students are afforded the right to appeal a charge and/or sanction for an Academic Integrity violation. Grounds for an appeal include significant new evidence and/or procedural error. The Academic Integrity Board, Vice President for Academic Affairs and/or President reserve the right to accept or reject any appeal. All appeals must be reported on the Academic Integrity Appeal Form.