Academic Integrity at Western Governors University: Protecting Your Future
At Western Governors University, academic integrity is a crucial component of their commitment to quality education. The institution is renowned for its unique competency-based learning model, which emphasizes skills mastery rather than just advancing at the end of the semester. This approach is why you decided to attend this esteemed institution – to achieve a promising future.
However, academic integrity violations can impede your dreams from becoming your reality. That is why Western Governors University expects its students to uphold their standards of academic conduct. Violations can lead to specific procedures, which are handled by the Student Conduct Board. Repercussions can range from failed coursework to expulsion from the university.
As a student of Western Governors University, you have the right and responsibility to adhere to the code of student conduct and academic authenticity policies. Cheating, plagiarism, identity misrepresentation, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration, and misuse are all strictly prohibited. Any violation of these policies will be taken seriously, and charges will be reviewed by the Student Conduct Board.
If you find yourself in a situation involving student conduct code hearings, don’t handle it alone. Western Governors University allows students to bring an advisor to disciplinary hearings, and an experienced attorney can provide guidance crucial to your success and the best possible outcome.
Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek have a deep understanding of the law and exhibit the professionalism necessary to handle any legal situation. They have the experience to defend your rights and protect your reputation. With a successful track record of assisting clients in stressful hearings, the Spodek Law Group is equipped to evaluate the accusations and ensure a fair proceeding to get the best result in your academic integrity case.
Here’s what you need to know about Western Governors University’s student conduct code procedure:
Charges against a student for violations of the student code are taken seriously.
The Student Conduct Board reviews all charges that are submitted in writing, and a private board hearing may be set, which is also recorded.
The complainant, the accused student, and their advisors, if any, are allowed to attend the hearing.
All parties are responsible for presenting his/her own information, and advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing.
Once all information is presented, the Student Conduct Board determines by consensus whether the accused student has violated each section of the Student Code which the student is charged with violating.
Depending on the severity of the conduct violation allegation, the board may impose any number of sanctions, including written warnings, loss of specified privileges, work assignments or service, disciplinary suspension, removal from the academic program, disciplinary expulsion, revocation of grades as part of the student’s Academic Record, revocation of admission and/or degree, and withholding the awarding of a degree.
After a Board hearing decision is made available, Western Governors University students have five business days to file an appeal. They must submit the appeal in writing to the Student Conduct Administrator. An appeal is limited to a review of the verbatim record of the hearing and supporting documents for specific purposes.
Don’t let academic integrity violations prevent you from achieving your dreams. Contact the Spodek Law Group today at (212) 300-5196 to schedule a consultation with Attorney Todd Spodek. Protect your reputation and defend your rights with the Spodek Law Group.
Western Governors University’s Academic Integrity Policies
At Western Governors University, the commitment to ethical completion of all coursework is essential. Their academic authenticity policies mandate that students must complete their own coursework, with appropriately formatted citation, and may not use another person’s work without proper attribution. Unauthorized collaborative efforts are forbidden, and students may not access any device or material that is not specifically approved in advance.
Western Governors University’s Student Conduct Code Procedure
If a student is charged with violating the student code, the Student Conduct Board will review the charges that are submitted in writing. A private board hearing may be set, which is also recorded.
During the hearing, the complainant, the accused student, and their advisors, if any, are allowed to attend. All parties are responsible for presenting their information, and advisors are not permitted to speak or participate directly in the hearing.
Once all information is presented, the Student Conduct Board determines by consensus whether the accused student has violated each section of the Student Code with which they are charged.
Sanctions
Depending on the severity of the conduct violation allegation and the student’s history of misconduct, the board may impose any number of sanctions, such as written warnings at various levels, loss of specified privileges, work assignments or service, disciplinary suspension, removal from the academic program, disciplinary expulsion, revocation of grades as part of the student’s Academic Record, revocation of admission and/or degree, and withholding the awarding of a degree.
Appealing Board Decisions
After a Board hearing decision is made available, Western Governors University students have five business days to file an appeal. They must submit the appeal in writing to the Student Conduct Administrator. An appeal is limited to a review of the verbatim record of the hearing and supporting documents for specific purposes, including determining whether the hearing was conducted fairly and in conformity with prescribed procedures, whether the decision reached was based on substantial information, and whether any new information presented can change the decision or other relevant facts not presented in the original hearing.
Why Use an Attorney as Your Advisor?
Although academic misconduct is not illegal, it can have serious consequences, and Western Governors University understands that. That’s why the Student Conduct Board allows students to bring an advisor to disciplinary hearings.
An experienced attorney, such as those at the Spodek Law Group, can review the school’s code of conduct, gather pertinent information, help you prepare opening and closing statements, and coach you on answering questions and presenting yourself well. An attorney can also identify any procedural errors, disproportionate sanctions, and other factors that may impact your case.
Contact the Spodek Law Group
If you are facing academic dishonesty charges at Western Governors University, don’t wait to take action. The Spodek Law Group, including Attorney Todd Spodek, has unmatched experience in advising college students facing stressful hearings like yours. Contact the Spodek Law Group today by phone at (212) 300-5196 to schedule a consultation.