Policy on Academic Honesty

Principles
The pleasure and sense of accomplishment in doing original scholarship are central to the college experience. For some students, the resulting excitement and sense of purpose will be so great that they will decide to go beyond the undergraduate experience and dedicate their lives to research and writing. But for all students, the feeling of satisfaction and pride in producing their own work, without misusing or misappropriating the work of others, helps build confidence in their intellectual abilities and their powers of dealing with the larger world. To encourage this sense of purpose and accomplishment, Keene State College expects students to understand and observe widely accepted principles and standards of academic and intellectual honesty.

What is Academic Honesty?
Academic honesty is taking full responsibility for your course work and for your intellectual and educational development. One important aspect of academic honesty is acknowledging the writing, ideas, and research of others. This enables you to accept, without reservation, full credit for your own ideas and scholarly work. While learning from the work of others is essential to the educational process and to all serious research, it is important for you and for your audience to discern what is original in your work.

The accepted method of acknowledging the work of others when it appears in your writing is through citation and proper quotation. Citation may take one of several forms: footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical citation within the text of your essay. The best method is the one generally accepted in the field in which you are business. Quotations should be exact and enclosed in quotation marks. Some form of citation usually accompanies quotations. If you are restating in your own words the ideas of others you should use some form of citation to remind the reader that these ideas originated elsewhere. Websites as well as books and articles are sources you should acknowledge. If in dealing with a web site you are unsure of the author you should at least cite the location of the web page so your reader can examine it. Current handbooks and manuals such as the MLA Handbook and The Chicago Manual of Style explain how to cite websites as well as all kinds of printed materials.

Beyond the writing and research process, academic honesty extends to every aspect of course work. It requires proper conduct during exams, accepting assignments and carrying them out to the best of your ability, and always being truthful about every aspect of your course work, research, and laboratory work. The academically honest and responsible student respects the work of fellow students, respects the function and property of the library, honors scientific procedure, and understands the role of exams in determining intellectual growth.

What is Academic Dishonesty?
Honoring your own work is essential to the principles of academic honesty and integrity. If you plagiarize by incorporating the ideas or words of others without properly acknowledging them, you are violating those principles and doing yourself, your instructor, and the college a disservice. You cannot be fairly evaluated and cannot fairly evaluate your own education without distinguishing your own intellectual accomplishment from the accomplishments of others. If you cheat on exams, you are violating not only the regulations of the college and the trust of your instructor but your own intellectual integrity. If you fail to properly carry out laboratory experiments and simply fake the results, you are violating the principles of scientific research that have made the modern world possible. Because academic honesty is essential to the educational process, the College regards any violation of these principles as academic dishonesty and prescribes sanctions for these violations.

Academic dishonesty may include (but is not limited to) any of the following cases:

1. Giving or receiving aid in quizzes or tests, in the writing of papers, or in the preparation of lab reports or other homework assignments, unless an instructor explicitly allows for or requires collaboration; in such cases where collaboration is allowed or required, instructor guidelines on the form(s) and extent of such collaboration must be adhered to;
2. Taking an exam for someone else or having someone take an exam in one's place;
3. Purchasing a term paper, using one from a "file" of old papers, having someone write a paper, or writing one for someone else;
4. Turning in a "dry" lab report (faking the data without doing the experiment);
5. "Padding" items in a bibliography (i.e., listing works not actually used);
6. Feigning illness to avoid an exam or other required work;
7. Stealing a copy of an exam, or selling/using a stolen copy of an exam;
8. Sabotaging someone else's work or removing material from the library that other students are required to use or cutting material out of books or journals in the library;
9. Plagiarizing the work of others, including using material off the internet without proper citation (see also below);
10. Two students in two different sections or classes sharing research for a paper or in-class presentation (without specific permission to do so);
11. Altering or forging college documents (e.g., changing information in transcripts or grade reports or forging a faculty/library staff member's name or initials on a form);
12. Using materials, information, illustrations, charts or diagrams from websites without proper acknowledgement;
13. Not properly citing sources of information in speeches and/or public presentations.

There may be occasions when a faculty/library staff member permits, recommends, or even requires collaborative effort; however, students should be careful to follow whatever guidelines are set up by faculty/library staff for collaborative work. Unless such collaboration is specifically discussed, students should assume that collaboration is not acceptable, that collaboration is, in fact, a violation of policy.

Plagiarism is the use, in a paper or presentation, of the words, ideas, or opinions of someone else, from any source whatsoever, that appears to be your own. The most obvious kind of plagiarism is the use of another's exact words without quotation marks and/or without appropriate citation. A second kind of plagiarism is the use of another's ideas, thoughts, or opinions without proper citation: simply putting another's thoughts into your own words (paraphrasing) is not enough-you must also cite the source of material when you paraphrase another's ideas.

Another, more subtle form of plagiarism is the use of another's sequence of ideas, arrangement of material, or pattern of thought without giving proper citation. Material taken from internet or web sources must also be acknowledged through appropriate citation, whether you use the original source's words or not. In general, students should be aware that a good deal of material needs to have the source cited, that citations are not limited only to direct quotations (exact words within quotation marks).

There is, of course, nothing wrong with using the work of others, if the writer gives proper documentation. In fact, the use of sources ("authorities") to support one's views is often a tactic in increasing credibility; indeed, in certain kinds of papers students are often required to use other sources. A simple test is to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Have I read any materials that I am using in this paper but have not cited?
2. Am I deliberately referring to or recalling any particular source of information as I write this paper?
3. Am I quoting or paraphrasing any source as I write?

If the answer to all three questions is "no," the writer probably need not worry about using sources dishonestly; however, if the answer to any of these questions is "yes," the student must provide proper citation of his or her source(s). If there is any doubt whatsoever, it is always best to ask the faculty/library staff member for whom the paper is being written. Indeed, any question about any form of academic dishonesty should be addressed to the appropriate faculty/library staff member. It is always "better safe than sorry."

Academic Honesty for International Students
Academic honesty can have a very different meaning in educational institutions abroad, and there is an increasing number of international students at Keene State College. The National and International Exchange center provides assistance both to international students and to faculty/library staff who are dealing with issues of academic honesty with students from other countries. However, all Keene State students will be held accountable for adhering to the Academic Honesty Policy.

A Brief Overview of the Handling of Academic Honesty Policy Violations
The College review of Academic Honesty Policy violations is an administrative process. It is not a criminal law process, nor is it intended to resemble one. The College review of Academic Honesty Policy violations is not required to observe formal rules of evidence and may exclude unduly repetitious or immaterial information.

Although all cases of academic dishonesty are serious, some are more serious than others. Those which are less serious will be handled by the faculty/library staff member, who will decide on the appropriate sanction - from restitution to redoing the assignment to failure for the assignment to an F for the course. The initial sanction will be imposed by the faculty/library staff member, but all violations must be reported to the appropriate Dean/Director of Mason Library, who will schedule a meeting with the student to discuss the incident and the student's right to appeal. The Dean/Director of Mason Library will make a final decision regarding the student's responsibility in the case based on the preponderance of evidence. The Dean/Director of Mason Library will report the outcome to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), where the reports will be kept on file. The reports, with appropriate supporting documentation, will be kept in the VPAA's "active" file for five years after a student either graduates or stops taking courses at the college, after which time the reports will be removed to an archival file. Critical information from the cases will also be entered into a computerized database.

More serious offenses - the stealing, selling, or buying of an exam; the presentation of a paper that is wholly or largely the work of another, including "purchased" or "file copies" of term papers; or having a "substitute" take an exam - will be considered as grounds for, and may result in, permanent dismissal from the college.

Academic Honesty Violation Reporting Procedures Flowchart

• An alleged violation occurs
• Faculty/library staff fills out form that includes the following
  
  • Charge,
  • Evidence attached,
  • Sanction issued after consulting sanction guidelines
    (normally within one business day of discovering the violation).
• Faculty/library staff meets with student
• Form reviewed with student.
  
  • Faculty/library staff members explain charges, evidence and sanctions.
  • Student signs original of the form. This does not indicate responsibility, only that the student has been informed of, and understands the process and charges
  • A copy of the form is given to the student.
  • Faculty/library staff explains the hearing process with the Dean/Library Director.
    (normally within 3 business days of filling out the form).
• Dean/Library Director and Faculty/library staff Meet
  
  • Discuss form, evidence and sanction
    (normally within 3 days of receipt of form from faculty/library staff).
• Dean/Library Director and Student Meet
  
  • Review student history before meeting.
  • Meet with student and review form
    (normally within 3 days after meeting with faculty/library staff).
  • Student gives his/her account.
  • Student states whether or not he/she takes responsibility for incident.
  • Dean/Director determines student responsibility (Finding must normally be rendered within 5 days of meeting with student).
  • Dean/Director shares sanction with student and faculty/library staff.
  • Dean/Director explains the appeal process.
  • Dean/Director explains future consequences of violating policy.
• Dean/Director Provides the Student with a Copy of the Dean's Report
  (Normally, within 15 days of final meeting with Student)
• Student Determines if She/He Wants to Appeal
  
  • Student has 7 business days the receipt of the Dean's Report to submit, in writing, an appeal and grounds for appeal.
  • Appeals are sent to the VPAA.
  • VPAA determines which cases should be heard by Appellate Board (Board hears all cases that may result in suspension or dismissal).
  • Appellate Board makes recommendations to the VPAA. Decisions of the VPAA are final.
  • All case records are filed in the Office of the VPAA, outcomes are forwarded to the Office of Mediation and Dispute Resolution to be entered into a computerized database.

Procedures for Handling Academic Honesty Violations

1. A Violation of the Academic Honesty Policy is Identified and recorded
   

   When a faculty/library staff member determines that a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy has occurred, the faculty/library staff will report the violation by filing out a form (normally within one business day of discovering the violation) that included the charge and the sanction issued, attaching supporting evidence to it.

   The form is available in the Faculty Handbook as well as in the Outlook public folders for Academic Affairs. The charge must be specified clearly on the form. (Please see the list of possible infractions in the "Sanctioning Guideline" for help in defining the charge and determining the appropriate sanctions.) The submitted evidence should include a copy of the student's work. Other evidence may include but is not limited to copies of the original work copied by a student (website, paper etc…), evidence of cheating, and previously submitted papers.

2. The Faculty/Library Staff Member and the Student Meet
   

   The faculty/library staff member making the charge shall normally meet with the student within three business days of filling out a report of an academic honesty violation. If the student fails to communicate with the faculty/library staff member, the faculty/library staff member shall complete the form without the student present and send the form to the Dean/Director of Mason Library.

   The faculty/library staff member should clearly explain the charge, the evidence of an academic honesty violation, and the sanction that she/he chooses to impose. The faculty/library staff member should also explain the academic honesty policy in general and its attendant system of three levels of charges and sanctions. The Dean/Director of Mason Library explains the appeals process in general and makes clear the student's rights in the case. Finally, the student must sign the original report of academic dishonesty. Student signature on the form is in no way an admission of responsibility. The faculty/library staff member should present the student with a copy of the Academic Honesty Form.

3. The Dean/Director of Mason Library and Faculty/Library staff Member Meet
   

   The Dean/Director of Mason Library and faculty/library staff member reporting the infraction shall normally meet within three business days to discuss the report form and any of the evidence of the violation. During this meeting, the faculty/library staff member will explain the rationale for the sanction being issued to the student in question and the Dean/Director of Mason Library will also address any concerns she/he has with the faculty/library staff member's report.

4. The Dean/Director of Mason Library and the Student Meet
   

   Within five business days of meeting with the faculty/library staff member charging the student, the Dean/Director of Mason Library will meet with the student. Before the Dean/Director of Mason Library meets with the student, she/he will check the student's Academic Honesty history, especially to see if there is any prior charge of Academic Honesty on file in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). When the Dean/Director of Mason Library meets with the student, she/he will discuss with the student the report of a violation of the College's Academic Honesty policy filed by the faculty/library staff member and then ask the student to give her/his account of the incident. At this time, the student may choose to accept responsibility for the charge or dispute it. The Dean/Director of Mason Library will determine if the student is responsible and will share the rationale for the finding with the student (if possible, in this meeting, but if not, soon after). In this meeting, the Dean/Director of Mason Library will discuss with the student the faculty/library staff member's sanction and will explain the ramifications of the charge being entered into the file maintained in the Office of the VPAA. The Dean/Director of Mason Library may alter the sanction issued by the faculty/library staff member only when the student's prior Academic Honesty history necessitates a more serious charge. (The Dean/Director of Mason Library may, however, wish to discuss the severity of the sanction with the faculty/library staff member, before or after meeting with the student.) The Dean/Director of Mason Library will explain the appeal process to the student. In most cases, the student will leave the Dean/Director of Mason Library's Office with a completed copy of the report. The Student must receive a copy of the report within 15 business days of the meeting.

5. Appeals
   

   Either the accused student or the faculty/library staff member who filed the original complaint may appeal the findings of the Dean/Director of Mason Library to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or to the Appellate Board (in cases of Suspension or Dismissal). The role of the Vice President or Appellate Board is not to repeat the duties of the Dean/Director of Mason Library. Generally, an appeal review is limited to an analysis of the letter of appeal, the record and documents of the meeting with the Dean/Director of Mason Library, and an interview with the Dean/Director of Mason Library. If, however, new relevant evidence has emerged, this information may be included as part of the review process.

   All appeals must be in writing and contain the substantive or procedural grounds for the appeal. The written appeal must be received by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or a designee within seven (7) business days of the date indicated at the top of the Dean's Report form. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will determine, based on the appeal letter, whether or not there are grounds for appeal (see below). If he/she determines there are grounds a hearing may be scheduled.

Grounds for Appeal: An appeal shall only be granted if it is based on one or more of the following purposes:

1. To determine whether the meeting with the Dean/Director of Mason Library was conducted fairly in light of the charges and evidence presented. This meeting must also have been conducted in a manner that conforms with the prescribed procedures, allowing the faculty/library staff member who presented the complaint reasonable opportunity to prepare and present evidence that the Academic Honesty Policy was violated and allowing the accused student reasonable opportunity to prepare and present a rebuttal to the allegations.
2. To determine whether the facts of the case were sufficient to establish that a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy occurred and, based on a preponderance of evidence presented at the meeting, whether the accused student, more likely than not, committed the violation.
3. To determine whether the sanction imposed was appropriate in relation to the violation committed and the past Academic Honesty history of the student.
4. To consider whether new evidence not brought out in the meeting with the Dean/Director of Mason Library is sufficient to alter the decision or outcome. New evidence or facts will be considered if it is clear that such information could not have been known by the student appealing at the time of the meeting with the Dean/Director of Mason Library.

If an appeal is upheld by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Appellate Board due to new information or a procedural error, the matter shall be handled by the VPAA or his/her designee.

Changes to Sanction(s): Sanctions that are appealed by the student may not be increased; instead, the outcome of a successfully appealed sanction may be a reduction, alteration, or continuation of the original sanction(s). An accused student will not risk a more severe sanction simply by exercising the right to request an Appeals Review of the original sanction.

However, in cases where the appeal is requested by the Faculty/library staff filing the complaint, the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Appellate Board may reduce, alter, or increase the original sanction. This decision must be based on the student's academic honesty history. Normally, sanctions will not be increased unless prior violations are discovered.

The Appellate Board will make recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs regarding the disposition of the case. When possible, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will attempt at the time of the review to give oral notification to the student who initiated the appeal process. In addition, a written notification of the decision shall be sent to the student requesting the appeal within fifteen (15) days of the review.

If the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Appellate Board orders an appeal hearing, the Vice President will schedule it as soon as possible. When there is reason to believe that the sanctioned student or other members of the College community are at risk, or when a need exists to protect College property or prevent material disruption of the College's educational process, the Vice President may immediately enforce any or all of the original sanctions, and they shall remain in effect pending the final outcome of the case. A case is deemed closed when all records are forwarded to the Office of Mediation and Dispute Resolution. The Dispute Resolution Coordinator will enter the outcome into a database which the Deans and the Director of the Library can access for any future cases.

Composition of Appellate Boards: Normally, each new nominee shall be required to successfully participate in Appellate Board Training. Seminars are held in the spring semester and may be repeated in the fall semester by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee. These training sessions will offer the knowledge and skills necessary to serve on the Appellate Board. The Vice President shall confirm that each student nominee is in good standing with the College.

If a student member of the Appellate Board is placed on academic or disciplinary probation, is unwilling or unable to maintain appropriate standards of conduct or competence required to act in this capacity, or ceases to be a member of the College community, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will discontinue the appointment.

1. General Statement of Membership and Assignments - The Appellate Board is comprised of trained and qualified students and faculty/library staff. Members of the Appellate Board await their assignments in what is commonly referred to as the Appellate Pool, and they are drawn from this body to serve as members of an Appellate Board. The Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee is vested with the authority to constitute, train, advise, and assign cases to members of the Appellate Board.
2. Qualifications and Appointments - Appellate Board members are chosen within the first month of each semester, nominations are made by the Dean/Director of Mason Library, the President of the Student Body, and the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs for individuals to serve on the Appellate Board. Individual members of the College community may submit nominations (including self-nominations) through any of these offices. All nominations shall be forwarded to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. In situations where the Vice President for Academic Affairs has reason to believe that a member of the Appellate Board has deliberately disregarded the rules, guidelines, procedures, or philosophy set forth in the Academic Honesty Policy, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall notify the member that she/he is suspended from the Appellate Pool. Following a review, the Vice President may order the reinstatement of the member or discontinue the appointment.
3. Assignment and Composition: The Vice President for Academic Affairs constitutes an Appellate Board, as needed, by drawing from members of the Appellate Pool. An Appellate Board is authorized to perform appellate reviews of any finding and/or sanction(s) issued by any Dean/Director of Mason Library. The Appellate Board is comprised of five (5) members, three (3) of whom shall be faculty/library staff members and two (2) of whom shall be students. All members of the Appellate Board shall be trained by the start of the semester. One of the faculty/library staff members will serve as the Appellate Board Chairperson. Hearings shall be conducted according to the procedural rules of appeals and in a manner that is consistent with the provisions set forth in the Academic Honesty Policy. All members of the Appellate Board, whether students or faculty/library staff, shall participate and be regarded as equals. It is the responsibility of the Appellate Board to utilize a process that is thorough, fair, and respectful of the sensitivities, rights, confidentiality, and integrity of those involved. Should the Board determine that one of its members is unable to review a particular case without prejudice, that member shall voluntarily remove herself/himself from that discussion. The Vice President for Academic Affairs serves as the Advisor to this Board. The Advisor shall observe all deliberations, and advise on procedural matters, sanctions, and interpretations of the College Academic Honesty Policy and other College policies. She/he shall not vote to determine responsibility for violations.

Appeal Hearing Outline

Introduction of Chair and Members
The Vice President of Academic Affairs/Chair of the Appeals Board will introduce himself/herself and explain his/her role in the process. In the case of an Appellate Board Hearing, the Chair will explain that he/she does not vote except in cases of tie votes and that her/his role is to serve the Board as advisor on policies, procedures, and sanctions. The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will remind all parties present that all individuals presenting testimony in a hearing are expected to present complete and truthful information and that failure to do so may result in further charges and sanctions. The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will also explain that the hearings are tape-recorded and will encourage all present to speak clearly and at a reasonable volume.

Faculty Filing Charge
The faculty member or librarian who filed the original charge against the accused student will introduce himself/herself and briefly state the nature of the charge.

Accused Student(s)
The student(s) who has/have been charged and who are appealing either the charge or the sanction will be introduced and will introduce any advisor asked to accompany the accused.

Function of the Appeals Process
The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will read the following statement: "It is the goal of this hearing to determine the facts surrounding the case under consideration, to determine as reasonably as possible the probability of responsibility. Unlike a court in which the terms 'guilty' and 'innocent' are used, the Keene State system looks at whether there is a preponderance of evidence which makes it reasonable to assume that the student is responsible for an act of academic dishonesty. The standard of proof is not 100 % or even 99 %; it is not 'beyond a reasonable doubt.' There simply must be more evidence to suggest that a student is responsible than there is evidence to suggest he or she is not."

Expectation of Truth
The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will read the following statement: "Again, we must be clear: it is our expectation that all persons appearing before this Board will present information which is both complete and accurate. Students must understand that providing false information is a violation of the College Judicial Code and could result in further charges and disciplinary sanctions. Likewise, faculty or staff who testify are to be held to this same standard of completeness and accuracy."

The Rights of the Accused
The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will review the rights of the accused student(s): these include the rights to have adequate and timely notice of the hearing and charges, not to be presumed responsible until the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Board determines ultimate responsibility, to present evidence and to examine all evidence against them, to remain silent, to have an advisor present, and to receive timely notification of the outcome of the hearing.

Reading of the Report
The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will read aloud the report filed by the faculty member or librarian.

Accuser's Verbal Account
The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will then ask the accuser if he/she wishes to add anything to the written report.

Questioning
The Chair will ask the Board if any member wishes to have anything clarified. The Vice President for Academic Affairs may ask questions.

Accuser's Questioning and/or Statement
The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will then ask the accused student(s) if there are any questions or if there are any statements the accused would like to make.

Concluding Statement by Student
At the end of the accused's statement, the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will ask if the accused would like to enter a final statement regarding his/her responsibility. He or she may state that they are: "responsible," "not responsible," "responsible but with extenuating circumstances," or "responsible but the sanction is capricious." Then the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will ask if the accused, or the accuser, have any final questions. The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chair will inform all parties that the decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Board will be delivered in writing to all parties within 15 Days.

Final Statements to the Board
After all questions and statements have been presented, the student(s) and faculty/librarian will be asked: "Before the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Board renders a decision as to your responsibility in this case, is there any additional information that either party would like to present at this time which might have an impact on the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Board's decision?" When all parties have made their final statements, the student(s) and faculty/librarian will be asked to leave. The student will be advised the following: " The College has a policy limiting the amount of information that will be released from a student's educational record. If a student receives a sanction of probation, suspension, or dismissal, the student's parent or legal guardian will be notified, in the case of 'dependent' students (as determined by the information maintained in the Student Financial Services Office for students receiving any financial aid). The student and faculty/librarian will then be told that the outcome of the hearing will be delivered in writing within 15 days of the hearing.

Deliberation by the Board
The Board will then discuss both the charge(s) and sanction(s) and render its decision. The Chair will listen to the conclusions of the Board. If the Chair does not accept the rationale of the Board, he/she will ask the Board to re-consider. If the Board members are firm in their decision, the decision carries. The Chair will vote only in cases of tie votes. The decision will be communicated to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within 24 hours.

Determining Student Responsibility
The Academic Honesty system is not a court of law; the rules of evidence do not apply. Meetings and hearings are designed to be educational and corrective rather than punitive. Students who demonstrate behavior that is found to be in violation of the Academic Honesty Policy are found to be "responsible" rather than "guilty," and are given sanctions that are intended to assist in their development as responsible members of the college community. The determination of responsibility will be based on the standard of evidence known as "a preponderance of evidence." This standard requires that it be more likely than not that the accused student has committed the violation(s) as charged.

Academic Honesty Policy Violations
As members of the College community, students have an obligation to know and obey the College Academic Honesty Policy. Through its policies and regulation statements, the College has made an effort to outline the academic honesty standards it holds. In general, the College expects that the common sense of a mature and responsible individual will determine if the behavior is one that should be avoided. Accordingly, the following list is intended to serve as examples of behaviors that are considered unacceptable to students enrolled at Keene State College. This list is intended, therefore, to be illustrative and not exhaustive.

Plagiarism

16.1	Violation of any published policies, rules and regulations pertaining to Academic Honesty for the Keene State College Community.
16.2	Improper citation (not meeting, MLA, APA, etc, guidelines). In cases where there seem to be minor editorial errors and not a pattern of improper citation, this may be handled informally at the discretion of the faculty.
16.3	"Padding" items in a bibliography (i.e. lying regarding sources, making up texts).
16.4	Turning in a "dry" lab report (faking the data without doing the experiment).
16.5	Submitting an assignment, completed for one class, in any other class without explicit permission of the faculty
16.6	Plagiarizing, either in written format or orally, the work of others including unacknowledged information from the internet or other electronic data-bases.
16.7	Purchasing a term paper or using one from a "file" of old papers, or downloading whole or significant parts of a paper.
16.8	Altering or forging college documents (e.g., changing information in transcripts or grade reports or forging a faculty or staff member's name or initials on a form.)

Cheating

17.1	Giving aid in quizzes or tests, in the writing of papers, or in the preparation of lab reports or other homework assignments (without specific permission to do so).
17.2	Seeking and receiving unauthorized aid in quizzes or tests, in the writing of papers, or in the preparation of lab reports or other homework assignments.
17.3	Two students in two different sections or classes sharing research for a paper or in-class presentation (without specific permission to do so).
17.4	Cheating on a exam (i.e., using notes, copying another student's work).
17.5	Feigning illness or emotional distress to avoid an exam or other required work.
17.6	Removing material from the library that other students are required to use.
17.7	Cutting material out of books or journals in the library.
17.8	Taking an exam for someone else.
17.9	Using a stolen copy of an exam.
7.10	Violations of the Computer Usage policy.
17.11	Having someone take an exam in one's place.
17.12	Stealing, buying and/or selling an exam.
17.13	Misrepresenting one's identity in an academic context.
17.14	Sabotaging someone else's work (in a lab or on a computer disk for instance).

Sanction Definitions
Students who demonstrate behavior that is found to be in violation of the Academic Honesty policy are given sanctions that are intended to assist in their development as responsible members of the College community. Although the goal of the Academic Honesty Policy is to ensure that students take full responsibility for academic course work and for their intellectual/educational development, some behaviors might jeopardize academic integrity and/or compromise the reputation of the College and may result in sanctions that are punitive.

Educational Sanctions:
Specific educational assignments, workshops, or actions may be identified to be performed by a student. Educational sanctions are designed with the intent of teaching the student about academic honesty and why the behavior displayed is not acceptable within the context of our learning community.

Restitution:
Paying for damage that occurred during a violation of the Academic Honesty policy. Students will be billed through the Bursar's Office. The ability to register for classes and/or request transcripts can be withheld until such time as the bill is paid.

Official Reprimand:
A written communication that serves as a documented warning that unacceptable behavior has occurred and that any further such behavior will result in more serious sanctions.

Loss of Privilege:
Assigned for a specific period of time, generally not less than one semester. Loss of Privilege means that due to a specific policy violation, a student will be unable to access resources such as a computer lab or the library.

Academic Probation:
Assigned for a specific period of time, generally not less than one semester. Academic probation places restrictions on the degree of activities that a student may participate in. Certain scholarships may be withheld or lost due to academic probation. A student on academic probation is not viewed as "in good standing" by the College. Further violations of the Academic Honesty Policy that occur while the student is on probation generally result in more serious action such as suspension or dismissal from the College.

Threat of Academic Suspension:
This sanction may be activated by the failure of a student to comply with a prior sanction, or behavior contract, or by a repeated violation. When this sanction becomes active, the suspension will occur immediately, and there will be no right of appeal except on the grounds that the failure to comply did not occur. Pending the result of an appellate review, full suspension shall remain in effect.

Academic Suspension:
An academic suspension occurs when, as a result of a student's violating the Academic Honesty Policy, she/he loses the privilege of attending Keene State College for a specified period of time, not normally less than one semester or more than two years. During the period of suspension, the student is not eligible for a statement of "good standing" from the College. A suspended student is banned from campus. She/he may not register for or attend classes during any semester including the summer sessions. She/he may not participate in any class offering from the Continuing Education Department or any other extension service of Keene State College. No credits from other colleges will be accepted for transfer if taken during the period of suspension. She/he may not attend or participate in any College function during this period except as stipulated by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students who are suspended for violations of the Academic Honesty Policy may be allowed on campus for legitimate campus administrative business with the prior approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. A notation of "Academic Suspension" is entered on the student's transcript and may be removed upon completion of the suspension with the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Students suspended for a semester or more must apply to the Director of Admissions for formal re-admission to the College.

Academic Dismissal:
This is the most serious sanction that can be imposed on a Keene State College student. It constitutes a final separation from the College and renders the student ineligible for re-admission at any time in the future. In addition, the student is permanently barred from the College premises and may never receive a statement of "good standing." Students who are dismissed for violations of the Academic Honesty Policy may be allowed on campus for legitimate campus administrative business with the prior approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The notation of "Academic Dismissal" is entered on the student's transcript and becomes a part of her/his permanent record.

Disciplinary Records
Written Records -The written records of all disciplinary actions, including academic misconduct sanctions that are forwarded from the Office of Academic Affairs, shall be kept in the student's official file that is maintained by the Office of Student Development. Student academic misconduct files are also maintained in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. An additional copy should be forwarded to the Office of Mediation and Dispute Resolution to be kept with all other conduct files. All records are maintained for five (5) years after a student has discontinued her/his relationship with the College. These confidential records cannot be removed through any method and may be accessed only by written request of the student, by campus officials who have a legitimate educational interest in accordance with FERPA, or through a court order.

"Academic Suspension" and "Academic Dismissal" are entered on a student's academic transcript as well as in his/her official file. The notation of an "Academic Suspension" shall remain on the transcript unless the student petitions the Vice President for Academic Affairs to have the notation removed. Generally, consideration for removal will not be granted in less than a one-year period following the end of the suspension. A student-initiated leave of absence or a withdrawal during the period of academic suspension shall not be a basis for the early removal of this notation. The notation of "Academic Dismissal" shall not be removed from a student's transcript except upon the order of the President.

Computer Records -Computer records of academic misconduct will also become part of the campus Judicial Network. This network is maintained in the Office of Mediation and Dispute Resolution. Access to the database will be given to the Deans/Library Director and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Tape Recordings - Appellate hearings shall be recorded except in extraordinary cases and only with the authorization of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. All tape recordings of Appellate Board Hearings shall be destroyed after one (1) semester has passed.

Interpretation and Revision
Upon the request of any member of the College community, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall constitute the Academic Integrity Review Committee for the purpose of interpreting policies. Requests for such a review shall be made in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The review meeting shall be arranged as soon as possible, preferably within five (5) business days of the receipt of the letter. The interpretation of the Academic Integrity Review Committee shall be final. It will be delivered, in writing, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, as soon as possible, but within five (5) days from the date of the review meeting. The Academic Honesty Policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years, or more often. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall propose non-substantive changes as necessary. It is the responsibility of the Vice President for Academic Affairs to ensure that adequate notice of any and all changes is given to the College community.

Rights of Accused Students:
In keeping with the fundamental concepts of due process, all hearings shall be fair and reasonable. Hearings shall be conducted according to procedural rules of the Academic Honesty Policy and in a manner consistent with the provisions set forth in the Academic Honesty Policy. Along with the right to privacy and the right to protection against discrimination, both of which apply to all Keene State College students, students accused of violating the Academic Honesty Policy shall also be given the following rights:

1. Right to adequate and timely notice of charges
   1. A student against whom charges have been made is entitled to notification of those charges within reasonable time (normally a period of at least three [3] and not more than fifteen [15] days).
   2. A student found responsible for violating the Academic Honesty Policy shall have seven (7) days in which to file a written appeal with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
2. Right to be presumed not responsible - A student is presumed not responsible until a decision is reached as a result of a preponderance of evidence formally presented before the Dean/Director of Mason Library. An accused student may voluntarily accept responsibility for a violation(s).
3. Right to present and examine evidence and witnesses - A student alleged to have violated the Academic Honesty Policy shall be given the opportunity to appear, present statements, and present evidence and witnesses. Any witnesses presented in support of the charges normally shall be subject to cross-examination by the accused student. Unless otherwise authorized by the Dean/Director of Mason Library for the purpose of protecting an individual or the College community (with the exception of some victims/witnesses), all such presentations and cross-examination shall occur at the time of the hearing and in the presence of the accused student. The Dean/Director of Mason Library shall assure that the accused student is apprised of the evidence and testimony against them in sufficient detail to enable them to prepare their case. It is the responsibility of the Dean/Director of Mason Library to determine the nature and extent of the testimony and other evidence to be considered in deliberations.
4. Right to remain silent - A student may invoke the right to remain silent. The choice to remain silent will not exclude the student from the right to present and cross-examine witnesses and other evidence, nor shall it be regarded as an admission of misconduct or an acceptance of responsibility.
5. Right of appeal - Upon a finding of responsibility, the accused student may request an appellate review on either procedural or substantive grounds. While an appeal is pending, the status of the student shall not be altered, nor her/his right to be present on campus and to attend classes, except for reasons relating to the physical or emotional safety of the accused student and/or another member of the College community, the protection of College property, or to prevent material disruption of the College's educational process.
6. Right to an advisor - The accused student has a right to have an advisor of her/his own choosing at her/his own expense. The advisor will not play a formal role in the hearing, that is, make statements, nor cross-examine witnesses or other evidence. The advisor shall not address the Dean/Director of Mason Library during a hearing, unless authorized to do so by the Dean/Director of Mason Library.
7. Right to timely notice of findings - A student has the right to timely notification of the results of a hearing or an appellate review. A decision may be rendered orally immediately after the conclusion of the hearing or appellate review. Written notification of the finding(s) and, when applicable, sanction(s) shall be delivered to the accused student within fifteen (15) days following the completion of the hearing or appellate review.

Sanction Guidelines
The purpose of this document is to assist faculty/library staff and others managing violations of the Academic Honesty Policy by offering definitions of violations and guidelines for sanctions. In determining the seriousness of a policy violation, it may also be appropriate to take into consideration the year of the student. It seems more likely to believe that a first year student might lack the skills or knowledge to use proper citation than it would be to believe the same of a senior; therefore, issuing sanctions which might lean in a more educational direction may be appropriate for first year students than for more experienced students.

Initial and Subsequent Violations: An initial transgression of the academic honesty policy may result in a level - one,- two, or - three violation charge, depending upon the seriousness of the offense. All initial infractions (with the exception of those that result in dismissal) require that the student take the MITT program for educative purposes. A subsequent confirmed violation at any level will automatically be charged at the next highest level in relation to the initial transgression. For example, if a student already has an initial level-two infraction, any subsequent violation would be charged as a level three. Moreover, three consecutive confirmed level-one violations will result in the second such breach being treated as a level two and the third as a level three. Finally, any subsequent confirmed offense after a level-three violation requires a sanction of immediate dismissal.

Violation Definitions
Level One Violations: These violations affect only the individual student. Some of these violations may be due to ignorance or misinformation. These violations have minimal impact on the outcome of the class and can be addressed through education and/or some form of reparation. Some issues that arise in this category are due to discipline-specific demands that require specialized instruction.

Level Two Violations: These include subsequent confirmed Level One Violations. Initial level two violations affect the individual and could have some affect on other students within the class. These violations have a major impact on the outcome of the class that cannot be completely addressed through education and/or some form of reparation.

Level Three Violations: Includes subsequent confirmed Level-One and -Two Violations. Initial level three violations affect the individual and usually have an impact on other students within the class. The violation is blatant. These violations typically have a grievous impact on the student's college career, and no form of education and/or reparation would be appropriate.

Sanction Guidelines and Examples

Level - One Violations
Examples (this list is not exhaustive):

• Improper citation (not meeting MLA, APA, etc. guidelines). In cases where there seems to be minor editorial errors and not a pattern of improper citation, this may be handled informally at the discretion of the faculty/library staff.
• Giving aid in quizzes or tests, in the writing of papers, or in the preparation of lab reports or other homework assignments (without specific permission to do so).
• Seeking and receiving unauthorized aid in quizzes or tests, in the writing of papers, or in the preparation of lab reports or other homework assignments.
• Two students in two different sections or classes sharing research for a paper or in-class presentation (without specific permission to do so).
• Repeated occurrences of attempting to inappropriately remove materials from the library.

Sanctions: Participation in the MITT is required, and one or more of the following is possible:

• Other Educational Sanctions such as:
  • Requiring the assignment to be redone on a different topic, or
  • Requiring additional assignments to be completed.
• Restitution (in cases of damage to materials, such as in the Library).
• Receiving an "F" for the assignment.
• Loss of a privilege such as use of a computer lab, the ability to check materials out of the library or loss of the use of the library. This sanction is usually for a set amount of time.
• Issuing an Official Reprimand or written warning which will be recorded in the student file.

Level - Two Violations
(includes subsequent Level - One Violations)
Examples (this list is not exhaustive):

• Subsequent confirmed violations of items listed above.
• Cheating on an exam (i.e., using notes, copying another student's work).
• "Padding" items in a bibliography (i.e. lying regarding sources, making up texts).
• Feigning illness or emotional distress to avoid an exam or other required work.
• Removing material from the library that other students are required to use.
• Cutting material out of books or journals in the library.
• Taking an exam for someone else.
• Turning in a "dry" lab report (faking the data without doing the experiment).
• Using a stolen copy of an exam.
• Violations of the Computer Network Use policy.
• Submitting an assignment, completed for one class, in any other class without explicit permission from the faculty/library staff.
• Plagiarizing, either in written format or orally, the work of others including unacknowledged information from the internet or other electronic data-bases.

Sanctions: Participation in the MITT, if not previously assigned, is required, and one or more of the following is possible:

• Other Educational Sanctions such as:
  • Requiring the assignment to be redone on a different topic, or
  • Requiring additional assignments to be completed.
• Receiving an "F" for the class with the notation that the grade is a result of an Academic Honesty Policy violation.
• Restitution.
• Loss of a privilege such as use of a computer lab or ability to check books out of the library. This sanction is usually for a set amount of time.
• Academic Probation.
• Threat of Academic Suspension.

Level - Three Violations
(Subsequent Level - One and Level - Two Violations)
Examples (this list is not exhaustive):

• Subsequent confirmed violations of items listed above.
• Having someone take an exam in one's place.
• Purchasing a term paper or using one from a "file" of old papers, or downloading whole or significant portions of a paper.
• Stealing, buying and/or selling an exam.
• Misrepresenting one's identity in an academic context.
• Sabotaging someone else's work (in a lab or on a computer disk for instance).
• Altering or forging college documents (e.g., changing information in transcripts or grade reports or forging a faculty/library staff or staff member's name or initials on a form).

Sanctions: Participation in the MITT, if not previously assigned, is required before returning to KSC (where possible), and one or more of the following is possible:

• Academic Suspension: while suspended from the institution the student may be required to complete educational sanctions (i.e., completion of the MITT) and/or to participate in counseling before being allowed to return as a student. In addition when the student returns to the college she/he may be placed on Academic Probation and/or Threat of Academic Suspension and may be required to participate in additional Educational Sanctions.
• Academic Dismissal.

Conclusion
As indicated at the outset, the principle of academic integrity is so central to an academic institution that academic dishonesty is one of the most serious offenses in any college and it is one that Keene State College will not tolerate. Ignorance about what constitutes academic dishonesty or about the policy of the College will not be considered an acceptable defense, and to that end, efforts will be made to inform students of Keene State's policy - through discussions at Orientation and in appropriate courses (like English 101) and through publication in appropriate places (the Catalog and Student Handbook, for instance). Any questions about the policy or the procedures may be addressed to the Dean/Director of Mason Library. Questions about specific cases should be addressed to the appropriate faculty/library staff.