Academic Misconduct: Frequently Asked Questions from Students

Q: Is the University Disciplinary System Confidential?

A: Absolutely. Student records maintained by the University of Washington are protected under the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Academic integrity conduct files and proceedings may be shared only with other University officials who have a legitimate educational interest, e.g., the instructor who filed the complaint. The University may disclose information regarding the disciplinary case only if the student provides the institution with a signed and dated written request specifying who is entitled to have access to the information. Conduct records are not a part of the student's academic record.

Q: If my instructor finds me responsible for academic misconduct and he or she chooses to handle the case informally, will the University maintain a record of the action?

A: Ordinarily not. Instructor interventions regarding academic misconduct are considered to be informal actions. As such, no formal records are maintained. Nevertheless, as a precaution against multiple violations, instructors are encouraged to notify the Dean's Representative when informal actions are taken. This information will be maintained by the Dean's Representative for the sole purpose of identifying students who have been involved in previous incidents. Once students are identified as having had previous informal violations, instructors are encouraged to refer subsequent incidents to the Dean's Representative for formal interventions.

Q: Will a record be kept if my case is referred to the Dean's Representative for action?

A: Only if the Dean's Representative finds you responsible. In that case a confidential record of the case will be maintained for seven years. Even though a file will have been created, however, the action will not be recorded on your academic record. Upon graduation, if you have had no further incidents, you may file a petition with the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life to have your record destroyed prior to the seven years state requirement.

Q: May I be represented by an attorney?

A: Hearings with instructors, the Dean's Representative and the University Disciplinary Committee are not considered formal hearings. Consequently, students are required to represent themselves by presenting their own evidence and explanations and introducing witnesses. They may, however, choose to have an adviser present at the hearing that may advise them, but not speak for them. This individual may be an attorney. If the case is appealed to the Faculty Appeal Board for a formal hearing, however, the individual IS entitled to be represented by an attorney and/or accompanied by an advisor of choice. Under all circumstances, no student will be compelled to give self-incriminating evidence.

Q: When is a "hold" placed on my records?

A: A "hold" is ordinarily placed on a student's record when he or she fails to cooperate with a request from the Dean's Representative to meet to discuss the complaint against him or her. Once the student cooperates by meeting with the Dean's Representative for a pre-hearing, the "hold" is lifted. A “hold” may also be placed on a student’s records if the student fails to comply with the Committee on Academic Conduct’s disciplinary measures.

Q: What are my rights?

A: Students charged with violating the University's Academic Standards of Conduct may get information about their rights by consulting the Student Conduct Code, contacting the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life (Schmitz Hall Room 476) or the Office of the Provost - Special Assistant (Gerberding Hall, Room 227). Generally, students have the right to view the charges filed against them, the right to refute charges, the right to a fair and impartial hearing, and the right to appeal a decision to a higher University authority.

Q: If I am found responsible, what sanctions can I expect?

A: Students sanctioned informally by instructors can expect grade-related sanctions on the specific assignments in question. These lowered grades are then factored into the student's final grade for the course. Sanctions imposed by the Dean's Representative are considerably different. They include the issuance of formal warnings, reprimands and disciplinary probation, in addition to more severe sanctions for repeat offenders such as suspension or expulsion from the University.

Q: What is the best way to avoid plagiarism?

A: The best way to avoid plagiarism is to make certain you leave ample time to complete your writing assignment. In addition it is essential to keep careful notes about the information you are including. This includes the name of the author and where the information was found. Equally important is referencing the author's work at the point it is used in your paper and using quotation marks for direct quotes. For those who believe it may reflect poorly on them to have citations in every paragraph they write, it is important to note that this is a common characteristic of scholarly work. Quoting, paraphrasing and citing is not only the right thing to do, it is the scholarly thing to do.

Q: What should I do if I see others cheating?

A: Creating a classroom environment that is respectful of the University's academic integrity guidelines is everyone's responsibility. Although the instructor has a special duty to structure the environment to assure fairness and to be vigilant regarding cheating, it is important that students cooperate in this regard, as well. Students who observe cheating by others are encouraged to discreetly bring the matter to the attention of the instructor, e.g., after class or during office hours.

Q: If I am found responsible for violating the University's academic guidelines, how can I make the best of it?

A: Being found responsible for a violation can be an embarrassing and troubling experience. It is important to remember, however, that everyone makes mistakes. And, those who are able to learn from their mistakes are often in a position to become more effective students and scholars. This particular outcome often results when students fully accept responsibility for their misbehavior and lack of judgment.