Confronting & Reporting Alleged Violations

For instructors, one aspect of promoting academic integrity is can be the next steps after academic misconduct is suspected. The following information is designed to help instructors understand how to approach a suspected concern of academic misconduct and submit a referral to Student Conduct for review.

STEP 1: Approaching the student

Instructors are encouraged to discuss their concerns with students suspected of academic dishonesty and to inform the student of their decision to refer the suspected academic misconduct. However, instructors who wish to meet with students should remember to not ask the student any questions that could be considered self-incriminating and inform the student that they do not need to respond. Students are afforded the right not to make self-incriminating statements about their behavior, actions, or decisions.

Instructors choosing to meet with students prior to referring their concern of academic misconduct should consider the approach and the types of questions they will ask and the nature of the information they will seek prior to meeting with the student. 

Once confronted, some students may immediately accept responsibility; others may act completely surprised or strongly deny any involvement. If, after meeting with the student, a violation is still suspected, instructors should refer the matter to the Student Conduct for a review. Instructors should make sure to let students know that the final determination will be made by Student Conduct and that the student will have an opportunity to provide their account and respond to the alleged misconduct and concerns.

STEP 2: Gather and prepare all relevant material

You should gather all materials related to the allegations. All this information will be needed by the Student Conduct in the review of the incident. Some materials which can be considered evidence are:

• Copies of assignment(s) or exam(s) in question
• Instructions for assignment(s) or exam(s) in question
• Relevant email correspondence
• Copy of course syllabus
• Other materials to support the allegation(s)

STEP 3: Making a referral

Our referral form for academic dishonesty can be completed online. Referring parties should prepare a written narrative (including the name and PID of the alleged student) explaining what caused the referral, including as much detail as possible. The narrative provides most of the information Student Conduct will use to begin the process, thus the more detail and supporting materials provided, the better. Where appropriate, provide additional written statements by other factual witnesses narratives completed by co-instructors or Teaching Assistants. These individuals may be called as factual witnesses should a hearing take place.

STEP 4: Grades

Once a case is reported to Student Conduct for an alleged violation, we will contact the Registrar's Office and report an "NG" (No Grade) for the course in question until the case has been resolved. Once the case is resolved, a professional staff member with Student Conduct will reach out to you for a grade. The final grade may include a penalty of grade as recommended through sanctioning or no penalty based on the academic misconduct concern (if they are not responsible or not charged).

As always, questions may be answered by contact us at [email protected] or 919-962-0805.

Know Your Rights

Referring parties, or complainants, have basic procedural rights protected by the Student Conduct Procedures. These rights outline the level of participation allowed and request of the referring party as well as the ability to make recommendations regarding sanctioning.