Academic Integrity: The Backbone of Education

Preserving the Quality of Education

At Spodek Law Group, we understand that academic integrity is essential to higher education institutions. When academic integrity declines, the quality of education does also. That’s why colleges and universities nationwide prioritize enforcing rules to preserve academic integrity. Violations of these rules, known as academic misconduct, can lead to very serious consequences.

What is Academic Misconduct?

Colleges and universities in Michigan have strict guidelines to maintain academic integrity. These rules keep students accountable and transparent when it comes to the formulation of their own academic works and respect for the work of others. Any actions that break these rules constitutes academic misconduct.

The Consequences of Academic Misconduct Violations

There are various forms of academic misconduct, including cheating, fabrication/falsification, plagiarism, and complicity. Some examples of actions that might be punishable at your college include:

Cheating

• Having a stand-in take an exam for you or standing in for someone else
• Copying from another student during an exam
• Sharing answers from a take-home exam (unless specifically authorized by an instructor)
• Using unauthorized materials, written notes, concealed information, or prepared answers to complete an exam or project.
• Allowing another person to write a paper for you

Fabrication/Falsification

• Creating or altering citations within a paper
• Making up events, people, or interactions to complete an assignment

Plagiarism

• Passing off the words, ideas, or concepts of others as your own
• Using portions or the entirety of another’s work in your own work without acknowledging the source. This is known as citing the source. Citing must be done properly, and credit must be given for every direct quote, paraphrased ideas, summaries, or information that isn’t considered common knowledge.

Complicity

• Allowing another student to copy answers from your exam onto theirs
• Letting another student use your identification to access restricted parts of campus

This list is general and not intended to be restrictive or exhaustive. For a more detailed list of definitions and examples, please see your institution’s code of conduct.

The Harsh Consequences of Academic Misconduct

Since administrators want to keep the quality of education high, they don’t take kindly to academically dishonest acts. The consequences for academic misconduct violations are almost always severe. In fact, the effects of these repercussions can extend beyond college sanctioning and into a student’s professional life.

Job prospects with access to academic records will question the integrity of students with this violation. Government jobs, professions in law, and careers in academia are just some examples of prospects that may use this violation to justify denying people of employment.

How Spodek Law Group Can Help

It’s important for students accused of academic misconduct to seek the help of an attorney advisor. An experienced legal professional, like Attorney Todd Spodek, can help you clear your name, salvage your reputation, and avoid getting a record for your employer and outside institutions to see. At Spodek Law Group, we exhibit professionalism and a deep understanding of the law, demonstrating our experience to handle any legal situation. We understand that academic misconduct charges can upend an accused student’s life if not properly addressed, and we prioritize our clients’ needs and well-being. Our attorneys use emotionally charged language and compelling arguments to show that our clients are not only innocent but also valuable members of the academic community. We employ show-don’t-tell language and adjectives that exhibit professionalism, making a strong case that can persuade college administrators to dismiss or reduce the charges.

Michigan Academic Misconduct Advisor: Todd Spodek

At Spodek Law Group, we believe that hiring a skilled student defense attorney is a must for anyone facing academic misconduct charges. That’s why we recommend Attorney Todd Spodek to our clients. Attorney Lento has unparalleled experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at colleges and universities in Michigan and throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome and instead prioritizes his clients’ interests and well-being.

Attorney Lento is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and he is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide. He serves as a professional academic misconduct advisor for students facing disciplinary cases in Michigan and throughout the nation. With his help, students can ensure that their interests are protected and their futures secured.

Contact Spodek Law Group Today

If you value the investment you’ve made into your education and your professional future, contact Spodek Law Group today. Our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to provide you with the best legal representation. We understand the importance of academic integrity, and we will do everything in our power to help you clear your name and safeguard your future. Contact us today at 888-981-9148 to schedule a consultation with Attorney Todd Spodek or another member of our legal team.