Academic Referrals

Disruptive Classroom Behavior and Academic Dishonesty

Allegations of academic dishonesty and disruptive classroom behavior are first addressed by the instructor. Academic sanctions, such as a failing grade or dismissal from a program, are determined by the instructor and the academic unit. After consultation with the department chair, the matter may then be referred to the Office of Student Affairs for consideration of possible disciplinary sanctions in addition to the academic consequences imposed by the instructor or department.

Complete, accurate documentation is essential. You may be asked to appear as a witness in a University Conduct Board hearing. Students who are suspended or expelled at public universities in Minnesota have the right to request a Chapter 14 contested case hearing before an administrative law judge, in addition to an appeal to the college president.

Before referring to Student Affairs or assigning an academic sanction, instructors must make a good faith effort to give the student an opportunity to question the evidence and tell his/her side of the story before imposing consequences. As a guiding principle, think about how you would want to be treated if you were the subject of an allegation.

Students should be afforded the following due process considerations:

1. Oral or written notice of the allegations.
2. An explanation of the evidence supporting the complaint.
3. An opportunity to present their side of the story.
4. A written notice of the decision and any applicable sanctions.
5. An opportunity to appeal the decision and sanction(s).

To refer a matter for possible conduct review, submit a memo to the Office of Student Affairs, 228 Wigley Administration Center.

• Include the students name, tech I.D., and address (if known).
• Explain the concerning behaviors. Include dates/times of occurrences.
• Identify any witnesses.
• Summarize the steps you have taken to address the problem and describe the students response.
• In cases of academic dishonesty, explain the academic consequences assigned.

HELPFUL ATTACHMENTS:

• A copy of your course syllabus if it outlines behavioral expectations and/or academic integrity expectations and possible consequences, e.g. failing grade for the course.
• Copies of suspected plagiarism along with plagiarized sources. Also include prior writing samples if the suspicious assignment is markedly different from the students typical writing style.
• E-mails or other communication you have received from the student related to the allegations.
• Brief description of any lectures to the class about expected classroom behavior or definitions of cheating.

For consultation or other assistance, contact Mary Dowd, Office of Student Affairs, 389-2121, mary.dowd@mnsu.edu.