Protecting Your Future: The Serious Consequences of Academic Misconduct
As a student, you’re often told that college is a time of experimentation, self-discovery, and exploration. However, what happens when you’re accused of academic misconduct? It may seem like a minor offense, but the consequences can have a serious impact on your future. Academic integrity violations can harm your academic career, jeopardize future earnings, and even impact your admission into graduate school. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and seek the best possible approach to nip this in the bud.
At Spodek Law Group, we understand the severity of these allegations and their potential impact on your life. That’s why our team, led by Attorney Todd Spodek, is here to help you every step of the way. We’ll bring our deep understanding of the law and our years of experience to your situation, giving you the best chance of protecting your future.
The Severity of Academic Misconduct
While the University of Nevada, Reno only specifies plagiarism and cheating as academic integrity violations, there are a wide array of other activities that fall under their definition of academic dishonesty. This definition includes “other attempts to obtain or earn grades under false pretenses,” leaving much open to interpretation.
According to the University’s Academic Standards Policy, there are three levels of academic dishonesty: Level A, Level B, and Level C. Level A is the least serious offense, such as failing to properly cite a quotation or source or unauthorized collaboration on coursework. Level B is a medium seriousness offense, including misquoting or failing to cite multiple sources on an assignment, signing into class a student who is actually absent, or copying answers or coursework from another student. Finally, Level C is the most egregious offense, where the alleged actions are severe and egregious.
The Possible Consequences
If your professor or the Academic Integrity Board determines that the allegations of academic misconduct are substantiated, then there are numerous possible sanctions that the school may impose. Academic sanctions are assigned to each level of academic dishonesty, ranging from a reduced grade or zero in the assignment or retaking the test or exam/resubmitting the assignment for Level A offenses, to receiving an F in the course for Level C offenses. These sanctions can have a serious impact on your academic career, potentially leading to suspension, expulsion, warnings, reprimands, probation, or even revocation of your degree.
At Spodek Law Group, we’re here to help you navigate the academic dishonesty procedures at the University of Nevada-Reno. Our team of attorney-advisors, including Todd Spodek and the Spodek Law Group, has years of experience working with families facing similar situations. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your future, bringing our heart, savvy, and knowledge to your case.
The Procedure for Undergraduate Students
If you receive a charging letter alleging academic misconduct, the first step is to meet with the faculty member who made the allegation within five days of receiving the letter. After the meeting, the faculty member may choose to withdraw the sanction and allegation or maintain it. If they maintain it, you must appeal in writing within ten days to the department chair, who will refer the matter to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC).
At the hearing with the Academic Integrity Board (AIB), both the faculty member and the student can present testimony, as well as any previously listed witnesses. The AIB will deliberate in a closed session and decide based on the preponderance of evidence standard whether it’s more likely than not that the academic dishonesty took place.
Protecting Your Future with Spodek Law Group
It can be challenging to navigate the academic dishonesty procedures and investigation process on your own. That’s why it’s essential to have a skilled attorney-advisor on your side, someone who understands the nuances of the process and has years of experience working with families facing similar situations. At Spodek Law Group, we have the expertise and knowledge necessary to help you protect your future.
We’ll work tirelessly to defend your rights and ensure that you receive a fair hearing. Our team will use compelling language and show-don’t-tell techniques to present your case in the most favorable light possible. We’ll emphasize the professionalism of our team and highlight our deep understanding of the law to demonstrate that we have the experience to handle your legal situation.
At Spodek Law Group, we believe that every student deserves the best possible defense when facing allegations of academic misconduct. That’s why we offer a range of services designed to meet your unique needs, including assistance with writing responses to charging letters, representing you at hearings, and appealing unfavorable decisions.
Don’t Wait to Get the Help You Need
If you’re facing allegations of academic misconduct, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Spodek Law Group today to schedule a consultation with Attorney Todd Spodek and our team of attorney-advisors. We’ll provide you with the emotional support, legal guidance, and professional expertise you need to protect your future.
Contact us at 888.535.3686 or reach out online to learn more about how we can assist you.
Levels of Academic Dishonesty at University of Nevada, Reno
Here is a table outlining the three levels of academic dishonesty at the University of Nevada, Reno:
| Level of Dishonesty | Severity | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Level A | Least Serious | Failing to properly cite a quotation or source, unauthorized collaboration on coursework |
| Level B | Medium Seriousness | Misquoting or failing to cite multiple sources on an assignment, signing into class a student who is actually absent, copying answers or coursework from another student |
| Level C | Most Egregious | Severe and egregious offenses |