Academic Honesty Policy
Academic Honesty Policy
The faculty of Gustavus Adolphus College expects all students to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty and to refrain from any action that impinges upon academic freedom of other members of the College community. In all academic exercises, examinations, presentations, speeches, papers, and reports, students shall submit their own work. Footnotes or some other acceptable form of citation must accompany any use of another’s words or ideas. Students are especially cautioned that quoting or paraphrasing from electronic sources without proper citation is as serious a violation as copying from a book or other printed source.
A student may not submit work that is substantially the same in two courses without first gaining permission of both instructors if the courses are taken concurrently, or permission of the current instructor if the work had been submitted in a previous semester.
The faculty regards the damaging of library materials and failing to sign out or to return them properly, and the misuse of computer files and programs, as equally serious violations of the ethical standards of courtesy, fairness, and honesty that bind together a community of scholars.
Individuals who use the College’s computer facilities assume the responsibility of seeing that these resources are used in an appropriate manner. Misuse of computer hardware, software, data, and output is a violation of College policy and regulations and may also be a violation of law if data of other computer users are disturbed or the privacy of individuals is violated.
In order to maintain classrooms as places for the respectful exchange of ideas, and to preserve the integrity of a community of scholars, audio or video recording and dissemination of course–related content require the express permission of the individual faculty member who will also respond to infractions as necessary. Recording as a disability accommodation (without dissemination) is coordinated by the Academic Support Center.
Finally, students who serve the College in positions of responsibility in which they deal with test materials, letters of recommendation, and other matters that must be held in confidence are expected to maintain confidentiality and to adhere to the same high standards of personal integrity.
Reporting Academic Dishonesty
Reports of academic dishonesty can be made here: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?GustavusAdolphusCollege&layout_id=6
Academic Honesty Violations
In cases of academic dishonesty, the instructor informs the student and the Office of the Provost of the nature of the offense, the penalty within the course, and the recommendation of the instructor as to whether further disciplinary action is warranted.
In cases where the student has two or less violations of the academic honesty policy college-wide, the in-course penalties will normally be the only penalties.
Students may be placed on disciplinary probation or disciplinary suspension for repeated violations of the Academic Honesty policy.
Students will be placed on disciplinary probation after three instances of academic dishonesty and must meet with an Academic Dean within the first four weeks during the semester of probation. Students will not be able to register for the next semester until completing this revalidation appointment with the Dean. Moreover, students on disciplinary probation for repeated Honor Code violations are not permitted to participate in internships, or study-away programs, or in off-campus Summer Term courses. Students who register for such programs and courses accept the financial risks associated with being barred from participating should they be on prohibited from participating in them when the term begins. These financial risks include, but are not limited to, unrecoverable deposits, fares, reservations, and prorated group travel costs.
Students will be suspended owing to repeated violations (four or more) of the academic honesty policy. Suspension for academic dishonesty will be for one semester (Fall or Spring).
Readmission After Suspension for Academic Dishonesty
Students who want to return to Gustavus after having been suspended for reasons of academic dishonesty must complete an online Application for Readmission found on the Academic Support Center website. The applicant must also provide transcript documentation of successfully completing 12 or more credits with a 2.75 term grade point average at another accredited institution during a Fall or Spring semester and remaining in good academic and disciplinary standing. Applications for readmission are acted upon by the Director of the Academic Support Center and the Provost’s Office.
Expulsion due to Academic Dishonesty
A student may be expelled for severe or repeated violations of the College’s Academic Honesty Policy. The student’s permanent academic record will carry a notation of “Academic Expulsion.” The decision to impose Academic Expulsion may be appealed to the President of the College.
Honor Board Process
If a student disputes the allegation of academic dishonesty, the student can request an Honor Board hearing.
A six-member Honor Board panel (three students and three faculty members) will investigate and hear the case. Both the accused student and the instructor have the right to submit statements and documents and/or be present for the proceeding.
A vote of at least 4–2 is needed to decide that the student is indeed guilty of an academic honesty policy violation. If the Board rules that a violation occurred, all other provisions of the academic honesty policy will apply, including the instructor’s in-course penalties, and possible probation or suspension for repeated offenses. If the student is not found guilty, it will be presumed that no violation occurred, and the faculty member will not penalize the student for an honesty violation (honesty aside, the quality of the student’s work is still subject to the instructor’s professional judgment.) The decisions of the Honor Board hearing are final.
The Honor Board pool comprises six students and six faculty members. From this pool of 12, three students and three faculty members will be appointed by the Office of the Provost to investigate and adjudicate cases involving the academic honesty policy. Potential student members are required to complete an application and are interviewed and nominated each spring for the next academic year by the Student Senate Academic Affairs Committee. After receiving the nominations, the Student Senate Cabinet appoints the student board members. Faculty members are drawn from the Adjudication Board appointed by the Faculty Senate. Each Honor Board member participates in an orientation session and is instructed on the importance of confidentiality and proper investigation procedures.