Levels of Violations

All violations of academic integrity will be penalized as appropriate. In determining the appropriate penalty, consideration should be given to the knowledge-level and experience of the person committing the violation, the degree of intention in the violation, the nature of the violation, and whether or not this is a first offense or a repeat offense.

Level 1 — Level 1 violations may occur because of the violator’s lack of knowledge in cases where this knowledge could be reasonably expected. The violation is not intentional and is the first offense. In general, the nature of the violation is minor and may involve only one assignment in a course. Penalties are educative rather than punitive, and may include: [1] making up the assignment; [2] requiring the student to rewrite a paper for a minimally passing grade; [3] requiring acquisition of specific knowledge related ethics; [4] community service for a specified number of hours.

Level 2 — Level 2 violations are of a more serious nature. The violation occurs when the violator has some knowledge or experience and the violation was committed with some degree of intent. Penalties may include: [1] an academic warning for a stated period of time (not to exceed one year) during which time any further violation will constitute grounds for a Level 3 penalty; [2] assigning no credit to the work; [3] assigning a failing grade in the course; [4] writing a short paper on the ethical issues related to the violation and what was learned from the experience.

Level 3 — Level 3 violations are of a very serious nature. The violation is intentional and premeditated. It directly benefits the violator or harms others, or both. The nature of the violation is major. Repeated Level 2 violations may constitute a Level 3 offense. Mitigating circumstances may include the acceptance of responsibility by the violator when confronted. Penalties may include: [1] academic probation for a stated period of time (may exceed one year and include the loss of some or all benefits of programs, university related scholarships, and the like); during this time any further violation will constitute grounds for a Level 4 penalty; [2] assigning a failing grade in the course; [3] restitution for damages; [4] suspension from the University for one or more semesters with notification that further violations will result in dismissal from the University; [5] withdrawal of University funding.

Level 4 — Level 4 violations are the most serious violations. The violation is intentional and premeditated. It directly benefits the violator and harms others. Repeated Level 2 or 3 violations may constitute a Level 4 offense. Penalties may include: [1] dismissal from the University;  [2] permanent notation on the student’s transcript; [3] restitution for damages; [4] revocation of an awarded degree.