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The scholarly community of the university depends on the willingness of both faculty and students to uphold the honor code. When a violation of the honor code is observed, it is the duty of every member of the academic community who has evidence of the violation to take action. Students should take steps to uphold the honor code by reporting any possible offense to the instructor or the honor board. Students should under no circumstances tolerate any form of academic dishonesty. In all work submitted for academic credit, students are expected to represent themselves honestly. The presence of a student's name on any work submitted in completion of an academic assignment is considered to be an assurance that the work and ideas are the result of the student's own intellectual effort, stated in his or her own words and produced independently, unless clear and explicit acknowledgement of the sources for the work and ideas is included. This principle applies to papers, tests, homework assignments, artistic productions, laboratory reports, computer programs, and other assignments. If a violation of the honor code is suspected, the associate or assistant dean will provide the accused student with a copy of the formal charge in writing: the nature and occasion of the alleged violation, the name of the complainant, copies of the documents pertinent to the allegation, and a copy of the honor code. He or she will be allowed four working days to prepare his or her case; an extension to this period will be granted by the dean if necessary. The student may seek the counsel of a college adviser in preparing for the hearing. The adviser may be present at the hearing but can not testify. Because the hearing is an administrative procedure, internal to the workings of the university, the student shall not be represented by legal counsel. The student is expected to attend the hearing but non-attendance by the student and/or witnesses will not in itself prevent a hearing or the imposition of appropriate sanctions. The accused student may make a statement before the honor board, testify, present evidence, call witnesses, and examine or dispute any evidence. Conversely, the student may choose to make no statement and/or decline to respond to any question. The student is entitled to a fair and confidential hearing and will be presumed innocent. If the student is judged innocent, there will be no report of the case on his or her college record. If the student is judged guilty, he or she will have the right to appeal the verdict and/or recommended sanctions to the appropriate dean within seven working days of the hearing. The appeal must be in writing and must provide evidence of substantial procedural error, excessive penalty or new evidence. It should be noted that the hearing is not a legal procedure, so formal rules of evidence and courtroom procedures do not apply. The purpose of the hearing is to provide the student with an opportunity to be heard and to supply the hearing panel with the relevant information necessary to reach a decision. Honor board procedures are of grave importance and are to be taken seriously by all concerned. All persons appearing before the honor board are obligated to be completely honest. Charges can result in suspension or expulsion from the university. It is every student's duty to ensure that the principles of the honor code are upheld and that the procedures are properly followed. Any student behavior that indicates a lack of academic honesty and integrity is considered a violation. The following are defined as violations: Cheating: Unauthorized giving, receiving or use of material or information in examinations, quizzes, assignments or other course work, or trying to do so, with the attempt to influence a grade. Plagiarism: The use of the ideas, data or specific passages of others that are unacknowledged or falsely acknowledged, with the purpose of influencing a grade. Any paraphrasing or quotation must be appropriately acknowledged. Falsification of research: The fraudulent or deceptive generation of data or the knowing use of data gathered in such a manner. Unauthorized collaboration: Collaboration not explicitly allowed by the instructor to obtain credit for examinations or course assignments. Multiple submission: Presentation of a paper or other work for credit in two distinct courses without prior approval by both instructors. Misrepresentation: One person taking a quiz or examination, or producing a paper, for another. Falsification of academic records: Forging the signature of an instructor or adviser on any form directly affecting a grade or academic credit. False testimony: Knowingly presenting false accusation or testimony before the honor board or its representatives. Improper disclosure: Failure of an honor board member to maintain strict confidentiality concerning honor board proceedings. Responsible adult behavior is expected of students in University College in both scholastic and non-scholastic affairs. Violations of the rules and regulations, including those on academic honesty, lead to disciplinary action by a dean of University College, the Vice President for Student Affairs, or other appropriate University authority. University College reserves the right to be the judge of a student's fitness to continue attendance or to be recommended for graduation. Departures from acceptable conduct may lead to fines, disciplinary probations, suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary probation (which refers to conduct and not to academic standing) and suspension usually are imposed for a stated period. Suspension and expulsion involve exclusion from classes and from all University activities. Students suspended or expelled receive W's or WF's in all courses at the discretion of the dean. Expulsion is the most serious academic penalty and is permanent. It is noted on the student's record and included on transcripts issued thereafter. Suspension is noted on the student's record and on transcripts issued while the penalty is in effect, but the notice is removed from the transcript at the end of the suspension. Transfer credits cannot be accepted for students who attend other colleges or universities while ineligible for any reason to continue in University College. All students must report to the Dean of University College, the Vice President for Student Affairs, or to their adviser or instructors without delay when notified to do so. The University College Grievance Committee is composed of three faculty and two student members and the associate or assistant dean as a non-voting member. One of the committee's duties is to hear students' grievances and complaints against Tulane University and University College or Tulane personnel, including the faculty. The Grievance Committee deals with issues such as the grading system, sexual harassment and unfair treatment. Students desiring a hearing before the committee must submit their request in writing to the associate or assistant dean. Students who are dissatisfied with the committee's decision may appeal to the dean. For additional information about the committee and its procedures, the student should contact the University College office. Privacy of students' records and affairs is protected under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (P.L. 93-380) and by policies issued by the Tulane University Board of Administrators: (1) a university must allow a student the opportunity to review and inspect his or her educational records; (2) a university must give a student the opportunity to challenge the content of his or her records under certain circumstances; (3) a university must not grant access to or allow disclosure of a student's records to outside parties, unless such disclosure is specifically permitted under the law or is made with the student's written consent; (4) a university must notify students of their rights under the law. For further details, contact the Office of Student Affairs at (504) 865-5180. |
School of Continuing Studies | Tulane University | 125 Gibson Hall | New Orleans, LA 70118 | (504) 865-5555 | askscs@tulane.edu