How are Academic Misconduct Incidents Handled at OSU?
OSU employs a restorative approach to academic integrity, providing students with opportunities to learn and correct behaviors that may hinder their academic progress. By transferring the investigation process to a third party, we aim to eliminate potential biases and power dynamics between faculty and students.
This approach also allows faculty to focus on their teaching and research by reducing the time spent in discussions with students about misconduct.
Our goal is to facilitate educational conversations with students and ensure positive learning outcomes through our process.
Hearing Officer
What is the role of College Hearing Officer?
College Hearing Officer (CHO) plays a crucial role in upholding academic integrity and fostering a fair learning environment. CHO conducts hearings related to allegations of academic misconduct, ensuring that all parties involved have the opportunity to present their perspectives and evidence. The responsibilities include conducting thorough investigations, reviewing relevant policies and procedures, and making impartial decisions based on the information presented. By upholding the standards of academic integrity, CHO contributes to maintaining the credibility and reputation of OSU's academic programs.
Academic Integrity Process
1. Concern Identified
Faculty member or TA identifies a possible concern regarding a student's participation or academic work.
2. Follow Up
Faculty member may meet with student directly to learn more about the concer. If concern is not related to academic misconduct (e.g., omitted citation due to error), faculty member can resolve the concern with student directly.
3. Consultation
If concern relates to academic misconduct, faculty member meets with their unit head before proceeding.
4. Report submitted
Instructor reports alleged academic misconduct violation to College Hearing Officer (CHO). Instructor can recommend possible academic sanctions when submitting the report.
5. Report Reviewed
CHO reviews report and evidence and determines whether to move forward with adjudication.
6. Notice Sent
CHO sends Notice of Charge Letter to student's ONID account to set up an administrative conference with student.
7. Meeting
During the administrative conference, CHO and student discuss alleged violation and review submitted report and documentation.
8. Written Statement
Following administrative conference, CHO sends student a letter providing 5 days to submit a written statement to allegation. Student may or may not provide a written statement.
9. Decision
If CHO determines the student is responsible for the alleged violation, CHO will send the student a decision letter. Faculty member will then be updated regarding relevant academic penalties.
10. Appeal
If student wishes to appeal this decision, they must submit an appeal using the link in their decision letter within 5 business days. Appeals must meet standards set out in the Code of Student Conduct, Section 8.2.
Reporting Academic Misconduct
Once you have identified a case where you believe Academic Misconduct has occurred, it鈥檚 essential to . You may skip Step 3: Consultation with the Unit Head unless it specifically needs to be addressed.
The Reporting Process is thoroughly detailed at the . It requires little effort on your part.
Reporting Timeline:
Report incidents as soon as possible. Late submissions prevent students from receiving timely feedback, which could help them adjust their behavior earlier in the course. Prompt reporting also allows all parties to resolve the issue efficiently.
Filing Tips:
- TAs can help you pull together supporting evidence.
- Check any boxes (Plagiarism, Cheating, Assisting, etc.) you think may have occurred. The College Hearing Officer (CHO) will make a final decision.
- The standard penalty set by the College of Engineering is 鈥淧enalty on Assignment鈥 (0 points).
NOTE: Except in rare, severe cases, a harsher penalty will not be approved. - Assisting is considered misconduct. This means that if Student A copied Student B, both should have reports filed with charges such as cheating/assisting, and the CHO will attempt to sort out the details.
- For programming assignments, you should attach all relevant files and/or websites for each submission. It also helps if you clearly note (in a separate document or in a notes field) the sections of the program that the CHO should look at when investigating.
- The first confirmed case of Academic Misconduct results in educational counseling and an assignment penalty. Any later cases can result in a course level penalty or a suspension.
- Because of the above, if you, for whatever reason, are submitting multiple reports on the same student at the same time, submit only one report and include all violations. This allows the student a chance to correct their actions.
Recommendations:
- to scan for academic misconduct violations.
- Consider having a TA whose assignment is to scan for cheating and report to you for final determination.
Grading:
- A common method of dealing with the grade while the investigation is in progress is make a note in an area it will not be missed at the end of the term (such as an un-published module page), then email the student (or post an Assignment comment in Canvas) informing them of the process. This may include text such as...
Your assignment is under review for a potential case of academic misconduct. The College of Engineering Hearing Officer will be in touch soon regarding the incident, and any inquiries should go to them. Your grade will remain unassigned until the case has been reviewed and a determination has been made by the College Hearing Officer. For more information on the process, please check the COE Academic Integrity Page. - If it is time to submit grades and you have not received confirmation of responsibility from the College, give students a grade of I/X where X is the letter grade they would receive if they were found responsible (i.e., they did commit academic misconduct).
- Upon receiving the outcome, faculty must update the grade as soon as possible, but no later than one week after notification.
Resources for Syllabus Statement and Classroom Management
offers resources to promote academic integrity in the classroom.
Academic Integrity Sample Quiz: Access sample quizzes you can provide to students.
has a certificate option.
AI Chatbot Policy Example: Find examples of AI chatbot policies to include in your syllabus.
Academic Integrity Modules for Faculty: If you are interested in utilizing the modules on Canvas, please contact Dr. Danielle Safonte at safonted@oregonstate.edu. The modules include, but are not limited to, an instructor handbook, sample academic integrity policy statements, and customizable quizzes.
FAQ
Report an incident whenever you observe or suspect academic misconduct and intend to apply a penalty.
Include the student's information, a brief explanation of your concerns, any evidence or relevant information, and your academic integrity policy.
Generally, about 5 minutes.
The time for resolution varies case-by-case but generally takes from a week up to a month. Students should still be allowed to complete other coursework and treated as innocent until determination is made by the college hearing officer.
Please mark it as incomplete.
You will receive a copy of the outcome via email. Please update the grade accordingly.
Please consult with the college hearing officer.
Yes, the college hearing officer will conduct an investigation based on the preponderance of evidence.
While the decision is up to you, you can indicate that the college will be contacting the student.
Please notify the college hearing officer.
The college will not consider any negative feedback resulting from reporting academic misconduct.