The provost’s representative, the dean of Advising and Co-curricular Programs, is designated by the faculty and the Board of Trustees to be responsible for the observance and the enforcement of the standards of academic honesty. In turn, the dean of Advising and Co-curricular Programs has assigned responsibility for the supervision and coordination of academic conduct cases to the associate dean of Advising and Co-curricular Programs. All class deans in the Office of Advising and Co-curricular Programs serve as case administrators for allegations related to the Academic Integrity Policy. Normally, class deans do not handle cases that include students from the class levels they advise (e.g., the sophomore class dean will not normally be assigned a case involving a sophomore).
Student Affairs Committee
The Student Affairs Committee consists of nine Faculty members, at least two from each of the paired divisions (engineering/natural sciences and humanities/social sciences) and at least three non-tenured; and four student members. Ex officio members include (given the business at hand) the Dean of Advising and Co-Curricular Programs, the Registrar, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Dean of Students, the Director of Athletics, and the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative. Ex Officio members of the committee do not participate in Academic Conduct hearings.
The Student Affairs Committee is responsible for hearing cases that are referred to it by the dean of Academic Advising and Co-curricular Programs or in which respondents have elected, in accordance with the procedures laid out in the code, to have their case heard by the committee. At least five committee members must be present, including 3 faculty members and 2 students, for a hearing to take place.
Student members deliberate and vote during the committee’s determination of responsibility, but student members do not participate in discussions regarding sanctioning of a respondent.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students at Lafayette are part of a broader academic community, with a shared set of values and assumptions, and united by the common goals of acquiring and advancing knowledge. Within that community are many smaller, specialized communities, each with its own specific conventions for working and communicating. In general, however, intellectual endeavor involves discussing the ideas that others have already expressed; striving to understand them more deeply; applying those ideas to new and far-reaching problems; and respectfully challenging those ideas and attempting to extend or even replace them in light of new discoveries.
We at Lafayette share the values of the academic community, which (among other things) require us to acknowledge the contributions that others have made and to continue to add to ongoing intellectual conversations. Failure to uphold these values, either intentionally or inadvertently, is a violation of the community’s standards. Moreover, certain violations of the community’s standards clearly rise to the level of academic dishonesty and can have serious consequences.
While not an exhaustive list, the following actions are examples of academic dishonesty:
1. Submitting work that was completed, in whole or in part, by someone else or (in the case of Artificially Intelligent Large Language Models such as Chat GPT) something else, and representing the work as your own is an act of academic dishonesty. This includes published or unpublished writings, phrases, images, computations, data, analysis, artworks, performances, videos, computer code (including open source code or code described in textbooks, blogs, and discussion groups), or other products of a person’s intellectual work.
2. Incorporating, in whole or in part, someone else’s ideas, writings, phrases, images, computations, data, analysis, artworks, performances, videos, computer code, or other products of a person’s intellectual work into your own without proper attribution and representing it as your own.
3. Purchasing or attempting to purchase someone else’s work, or arranging to have your own academic work completed in whole or in part by someone else, with or without compensation.
4. Using unauthorized assistance on any paper, project, assignment, examination or other academic work; re-using material from previous courses without the explicit permission of the current course instructor; engaging in unauthorized collaboration with other students (including online discussion groups); copying answers from other students; accessing electronic messages or online content without the instructor’s permission; altering or misrepresenting experimental data, and programming calculators to store equations and other information; using the textbook or your instructor’s solutions, using instructors’ versions of textbooks, or using previously administered tests without the instructor’s permission.
5. Knowingly helping another student commit, or attempt to commit, academic dishonesty.
For helpful information, see Appendix II, How to Avoid Plagiarism.
A student who is found responsible for violating the Academic Integrity Policy may receive a range of possible sanctions, including suspension or expulsion. Finally, the underlying principle is one of intellectual honesty. If a person is to have self-respect and the respect of others, all work must be their own.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT PROCEDURES
The following procedures will be used to address alleged violations of the Academic Integrity Policy outlined in this code. These procedures may be altered as necessary by the provost or designee in order to maintain a fair and equitable process for all parties involved. Any alterations and a rationale for those alterations will be explained to all parties involved.
Complaint
When an instructor suspects a student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy, the instructor shall consult with another member of the department (normally the head of the department) to obtain a second opinion. If the instructor’s assessment is upheld by the second member of the department, the instructor shall submit to the dean of Advising and Co-Curricular programs a written statement explaining the allegations and all other relevant information and course materials.
Case Administrator Meetings
The following procedures will be in effect for academic conduct meetings with the case administrator:
The respondent will be contacted to schedule the first of two informal academic conduct meetings with the case administrator. During the first meeting, the respondent’s procedural rights are reviewed, and the respondent is notified of the particular way in which the Academic Integrity Policy was alleged to have been violated. The respondent receives the instructor’s written statement with all supporting case documents. The respondent may be accompanied by an individual chosen as adviser by the respondent from the student body, faculty, or administrative officers of the College. The respondent has the option to discuss the circumstances surrounding the alleged violation(s) with the case administrator.
“The respondent will schedule the second informal academic conduct meeting to elect one of three courses of action, retaining the right to appeal in accordance with the standards and procedures outlined in the appeal section of the Student Handbook (see grounds for appeal listed in the Appeal Procedures section. In certain circumstances, the respondent may be permitted to elect their course of action as part of the first meeting with the case administrator, making the second meeting optional. Regardless of the choice made by the respondent, if the case administrator has determined that an allegation could lead to a sanction of suspension or expulsion, the respondent will be automatically referred to the Student Affairs Committee for a full conduct hearing. The three courses of action are:
1. The respondent may accept responsibility for the alleged violation and request that the dean of Advising and Co-curricular Programs determine an appropriate sanction while reserving the right to appeal solely on the ground of inappropriate sanction(s) to an appeals panel comprised of members of the Faculty Committee on Student Conduct. Previous academic and/or student conduct violations will be taken into account when determining a sanction. The dean of Advising and Co-curricular Programs may refer the case to the Academic Progress Committee for a hearing regardless of the wishes of the respondent.
2. The respondent may accept responsibility for the alleged violation and request a sanctioning hearing before the Student Affairs Committee while reserving the right to appeal solely on the ground of inappropriate sanction(s) to an appeals panel composed of members of the Student Conduct Board. Previous academic and/or student conduct violations will be taken into account when determining a sanction.
3. The respondent may deny responsibility for the alleged violation. The case administrator will refer the matter to the Student Affairs Committee for a full conduct hearing. If the respondent is found responsible, previous academic and/or student conduct violations will be taken into account when determining a sanction. The student reserves the right to appeal the sanction(s) on any or all of three grounds: procedure, new information, and/or inappropriate sanction.
If an alleged incident occurs prior to the deadline to withdraw from classes, a respondent’s option to withdraw from a course in which an academic integrity allegation is pending will be held in abeyance until the allegation is resolved through the conduct process. Regardless of when an incident occurred, if the academic sanction is a failing grade or a grade of “NF” in the course, the respondent’s transcript will reflect the failing grade.
Student Affairs Committee Hearing
The chairperson for the hearing is a faculty member selected by the hearing panel prior to the start of the hearing. The following procedures will be in effect for academic conduct cases heard by the Student Affairs Committee:
1. At least 48 hours prior to the hearing, the respondent shall be given written notification of the time and place of the hearing.
2. Student shall be entitled to an expeditious hearing of their case.
3. Hearings shall be conducted by members of the Student Affairs Committee. A quorum of the committee shall consist of five members of whom at least three have faculty status. Decisions will be made by a majority vote of those present. The case administrator will be responsible for maintaining an appropriate record of the proceedings and outcome, which shall be available for review by the appeal bodies and the appellant during the appeal process.
4. Hearings shall be open only to the members of the committee, the respondent, the person or persons bringing the allegations, and, for the relevant portions of the hearing, witnesses called by the respondent or the College. In addition, the respondent may be accompanied by an individual chosen as an adviser by the respondent from the student body, faculty, or administrative officers of the College. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain their adviser. The purpose of the adviser is to advise the respondent, but the adviser may not directly address the committee or witnesses.
5. Normally, the College will serve as the complainant and information will be presented to the committee and the respondent by the case administrator and the instructor. The respondent shall be entitled to present oral and/or written information on their behalf. The respondent may elect to produce witnesses on their behalf and have the opportunity to hear and question all witnesses.
6. The respondent may ask questions of the Student Affairs Committee, the case administrator, and the course instructor. The course instructor shall not directly ask the student questions. The respondent may challenge the credibility and accuracy of any information presented at the hearing.
7. The respondent may remain silent for any questions asked of them.
8. If a respondent is found not responsible for a violation, the process will end. If a respondent accepts responsibility for a violation or is found responsible for a violation by the Student Affairs Committee, previous academic and/or student conduct violations will be taken into account when determining sanctions for the current infraction.
9. The respondent shall be informed promptly in writing of the decision rendered and the reasons for it.
10. A respondent will be notified of the right to appeal the decision and the procedures that will apply to the appeal. Please note that respondents who accept responsibility for a charge may appeal solely on the ground of inappropriate sanction. (See Appeal Procedures.)
Appeal Submission
A respondent who wishes to appeal the decision of a case administrator or hearing panel must follow the instructions contained within their outcome letter to submit the appeal. Appeals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the third business day following the day date of the outcome letter.
The written appeal must:
1. Specifically state the ground(s) for the appeal;
2. Offer a detailed supporting rationale for each ground;
3. Include any relevant documentation or information that the panel is requested to review and/or list any witnesses that the student would like to present before the panel; and
4. State what action the appeals panel is requested to take.
Grounds for Appeal
The option to appeal is limited to respondents who participated in the original conduct hearing or meeting. For an appellant who accepted responsibility, the only ground of appeal is inappropriate sanction (see number three below). Appellants who did not accept responsibility are permitted to appeal on any or all of the following grounds:
1. Procedure: A procedural error occurred that can be shown to have meaningfully impacted the outcome of the conduct meeting or hearing.
2. New Information: New information has become available that was unavailable at the time of the original conduct meeting or hearing and that would have substantively impacted the outcome of the conduct meeting or hearing.
3. Inappropriate Sanction: The sanction(s) imposed in the case can be shown to be substantially disproportionate to the severity of the violation.
Appeal Response
Appeals of academic conduct decisions reviewed by the Office of Student Conduct. The Assistant Dean of Students or designee process the appeal according to the procedures outlined in the Appeals section of the Student Conduct section of the Student Handbook.
OFFICE OF ADVISING AND CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS RECORDS RETENTION POLICY
All records pertaining to student academic conduct meetings or hearings are maintained either on paper or electronically by the Office of Advising and Co-curricular Programs and are considered part of a student’s education record as defined by FERPA. These records are maintained permanently.
SANCTIONING GUIDELINES FOR SELECT POLICY VIOLATIONS
The sanctions listed below are not exhaustive and may be added to or modified by the case administrator, Student Affairs Committee, or appeal panel as deemed appropriate to achieve the goals mentioned above.
The following sanctions are intended to communicate to respondents the likelihood that repeated or escalated behavior could result in more severe sanctions including suspension or expulsion. Individual departments and programs, both internal and external to the College, may establish their own guidelines that rely in part on a student’s disciplinary status. It is important to note that even if the case administrator or board panel has assigned a sanction that does not have any restrictions, this does not preclude other programs and organizations from enacting their own sanctions or limitations based on these sanctions.
Academic Sanctions: See section below.
Formal Warning: Serves to remind a respondent that the incident will be recorded in the Office of Advising and Co-curricular Programs and will be considered in any future conduct cases.
Warning Probation: Given for a stated period of time as a warning that further misconduct may result in a more severe sanction. Warning Probation is not restrictive in nature.
Disciplinary Probation Level I: Given for a stated period of time. Level I may affect involvement in College programs and activities, such as full participation on sports teams and residing off campus. Specific departments and programs should be consulted for eligibility. While a student on Disciplinary Probation Level I may apply to study abroad, the probationary period must end before the official start date of the program. Please refer to the study abroad website for more detailed information. Any subsequent violations of college regulations may result in Level II Probation or suspension or expulsion from the College.
Disciplinary Probation Level II: Given for a stated period of time. A student on Level II is not eligible to hold office in any student organization or to represent Lafayette College in any official capacity (including study abroad, intercollegiate athletics, or club sports). The student is ineligible to become affiliated with a living group, and may not participate in extracurricular activities except those of an academic or religious nature or those approved specifically in the outcome determined by case administrator or board panel. Moreover, it is a warning that any further violations may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.
Social Probation: Social Probation is assigned to organizations that are found responsible for violating College policy. The specific restrictions placed on an organization that has been assigned Social Probation are determined by the case administrator or board panel making the decision in each case.
Suspension: The student is removed from the College community for a specified period of time. Suspension may be for the remainder of the semester and/or for the following semester(s). Suspension is noted on the transcript for the duration of the suspension. A student who is suspended from the College may not be present on any College property or participate in any College or student organization sponsored programs or services during the suspension.
Expulsion: The student is permanently removed from the College community without an opportunity for readmission. Expulsion is noted on the transcript permanently. A student who is expelled from the College may never be present on any College property or participate in any College or student organization sponsored programs or services.
Educational Sanction: Individuals or organizations may be required to participate in an educational experience such as a program, workshop, online tutorial, or individual meeting.
Fines: Fines will be billed to a student’s College account or assessed to a student organization as appropriate.
Loss of Privileges: Individuals or organizations may be denied access to privileges afforded to them as a member of the community as appropriate. Privileges include, but are not limited to, internet access, parking privileges, cross-visitation, and involvement in College programs or activities.
Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s) Conference: The parent(s) and/or guardian(s) will be asked to have a conference (in person or over the phone) with the respondent and an appropriate College administrator to discuss the incident.
Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s) Notification: A copy of the outcome letter will be sent to the address on file for the respondent’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s).
Revocation of Admission/Degree: Admission to or a degree awarded from the College may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violations of institutional standards in obtaining the degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.
Substance Use Assessment: Individuals may be required to complete a substance use assessment with an agency identified by the College or of the student’s choosing. A student also may be required to complete any recommendations for treatment resulting from the assessment. The student will be required to furnish proof of completion of any required assessment or treatment.
Other Sanctions: Case administrators and panels may create and design sanctions as appropriate to achieve the goals of sanctioning mentioned above and to respect the individuality of each case and each respondent. These may include, but are not limited to, reflection papers, research papers, service projects, program attendance, meetings, and program creation.
Academic Sanctions
In addition to the above penalties, the following guidelines will be used to determine academic sanctions when a respondent has been found responsible for violating the Academic Integrity Policy. The case administrator or panel may modify these guidelines:
1. For a first offense, the student shall receive a minimum sanction of a grade reduction on the assignment to a maximum sanction of a grade of “NF,” which carries the value of “F” in computing semester and cumulative averages. In addition, the student may receive a sanction ranging from Formal Warning to Disciplinary Probation Level II.
2. For a second offense, the student will receive a grade of “NF” and will be suspended for a period of time not less than one semester and not greater than one year. In addition, the student may receive a sanction ranging from Formal Warning to Disciplinary Probation Level II.
3. For a third offense, the student will receive a grade of “NF” and will be permanently expelled from the College.
A grade of “NF” will be noted permanently on a student’s transcript and indicates that the grade resulted from an academic conduct case. A sanction involving a grade in a course does not take effect until the end of the semester.