Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if…
If the professor in your class asks to speak to you about a suspected violation, they may suspect that you took part in an activity that violates the JU policy. For example, the issue could be cheating on a test or quiz, accepting unauthorized assistance from another student or outside entity, failing to appropriately cite your sources on a paper or essay, or allowing another student to use your answers or information on their assignment.
The conversation with the faculty allows them to determine if there was a violation. This is generally the first step in the process.
You should listen and take responsibility if you did indeed violate the policy. If you did not violate the policy, you should attempt to explain what you did that may have been misinterpreted by the professor. An appeal is possible if the professor files an academic misconduct notification form.
If you have not been approached by the professor regarding the issue, you should contact them to find out why the form was filed. If you were aware of the issue you should receive an email from the Director of Academic Integrity with further instructions.
Students have the right to challenge the accusation of academic misconduct. This is one of the choices you will be given in your communication with the Director of Academic integrity.
To have a hearing you should:
- Gather any evidence you have that supports that you did not engage in academic misconduct. This might include verification of the details of the assignment, paperwork that shows that you were the original author of the work you submitted.
- Be prepared to attend the hearing or submit your statement and evidence to the Director of Academic Integrity so that it can be presented to the hearing panel.
When a student loses a challenge the original course and university-level penalties will apply. If this is a warning-level offense the student will be required to attend training. Course penalties may be appealed through the grade appeal process (see catalog).
You should bring this to the attention of your professor/instructor as soon as possible so it can be investigated. If the professor decides to submit the academic misconduct notification form, you may be asked to provide a statement as evidence of the offense.
There are numerous opportunities to complete the training including some on-line options. However, if there is an extenuating circumstance you should contact the Director of Academic Integrity and explain the issue. The hold may be temporarily lifted, but will be put back in place to ensure that the training is completed in a reasonable amount of time.
Incidents of academic misconduct are not shown on your transcript. Grades in courses may be lower based on the course-level penalty, but there is no indication of what caused the low grade.
If the course-level penalty is an F for the course you will not be able to retake the course with grade forgiveness, or drop/withdraw from the course once the penalty is established. Retaking the course is possible, but the new grade will average with the F in your GPA.
NOTE: If the penalty is an F on an assignment that results in failure of the course, you may retake the course with grade forgiveness.
You may appeal the course-level penalty through the grade appeal process (see catalog)
The registration hold will also prevent you from receiving transcripts that are needed for transfer. This means that you will need to complete the training to get the hold lifted before you can order transcripts sent to your new school.
You can still change your major. The Academic Integrity policy applies to all students in all programs at JU. Even if you change majors you will need to complete the academic integrity training.
An academic integrity violation puts a hold on your account. This means that although you may graduate, you will not be able to get a copy of your transcript of your final diploma until you have completed the required training. If the course-level penalty results in failure of a class required for your major, you will need to retake the course in order to graduate.
A first offense typically results a course-level penalty, and a warning at the university level. Course level penalties are under the control of your professor and they will specify the penalty in their conversation with you. The warning includes completion of training to assist you in avoiding making the same mistake again.
A second offense may be accompanied by a Citation at the university level, and always puts the student on a watch list. This means that a third infraction may result in suspension from the university for a semester. Students who have committed a second offense are required to complete additional training.
A third offense typically results in suspension for a semester. Your dean can reduce this penalty, but in practice this is rare.
A warning is intended to make you pay attention. It carries with it the requirement to complete training in both writing to avoid plagiarism and reflection on the academic integrity values.
A citation means that the next infraction may result in suspension from the university for a semester. Students who have committed a second offense are required to complete additional training to help them avoid the mistakes in the future.
Suspension means that you are not permitted to attend the university for one term/semester. You may return at the end of the suspension period and resume taking courses towards your degree.
Expulsion means that you are permanently removed from all classes at JU. This is a very severe penalty.
The infraction will be reported to the Athletics Department, as required by NCAA. The email is sent to the appropriate Athletics personnel, and Faculty Athletics Representative.
International students are subject to the same policies and procedures as all JU students. Warnings and citations result in course-level penalties as decided by the professor, and university-level training to help prevent repeat offenses. If an international student commits a third offense, they may be suspended and would not be able to return to classes for a semester/term. Suspension may put their student visa at risk. International students who are in their final semester and receive a third offense may be denied OPT.