At Spodek Law Group, we understand the importance of a clean academic record, especially when it comes to your future job prospects. That’s why we have the experience and knowledge to help you fight against accusations of academic misconduct at Rowan University. With Attorney Todd Spodek and our team of legal experts by your side, you can be confident that you have the best possible chance to protect your reputation and your future.
Rowan University takes instances of academic misconduct seriously, and their Academic Integrity Policy leaves room for interpretation, which can lead to wrongful accusations. Don’t let vague terms and misunderstandings derail your academic career. The consequences of a violation can be severe and long-lasting. That’s why we’re here to help.
If you’ve been accused of academic misconduct at Rowan University, it’s essential to have the right legal representation. Our team of lawyers, including Todd Spodek, has a deep understanding of the law and the experience to help you fight against these accusations. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you get a fair hearing.
Rowan University’s Academic Integrity Policy defines four types of violations: academic misconduct, cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism. Each of these violations can have serious consequences, with Level 3 and 4 violations leading to suspension from the University. However, even Level 1 and 2 violations can lead to significant penalties, including failing grades.
If you’ve been accused of academic misconduct, the first step is to meet with your instructor. This meeting can be in person, over the phone, or through email, and your instructor will present you with a Report of an Academic Integrity Violation (RAIV) form. It’s essential to review this form carefully and respond to the allegations. If the violation is a Level 1 or 2 offense, your instructor will determine if the violation occurred and set a penalty. However, if it’s a Level 3 or 4 violation, the case will be referred to the Academic Integrity Review Board for a hearing.
The Academic Integrity Review Board is a six-member panel that includes two students, two faculty members, and two staff members. The Chair of the Board is the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, and an accused student has the right to an attorney during the hearing. The Board will hear testimony, review evidence, and deliberate in private before making a decision. If they find the student responsible for violating the Academic Integrity Policy, they will issue a sanction.
If the Board finds a student responsible for violating the Integrity Policy, the case is automatically appealed to the Provost. The Provost will review the case and the Board’s findings and provide the final decision, which cannot be appealed.
At Spodek Law Group, we understand the complexity and seriousness of these proceedings. That’s why we use our knowledge and experience to help you navigate the process and protect your rights. We know how to present a compelling case that shows your innocence and highlights any extenuating circumstances that led to the accusation. We also understand the emotional toll that these proceedings can take and will provide you with the support and guidance you need.
Don’t let accusations of academic misconduct at Rowan University derail your academic career and your future. Contact Spodek Law Group today and schedule a consultation with Attorney Todd Spodek and our team of legal experts. We are here to help you fight for your reputation and your future.
Rowan University’s Academic Integrity Policy
At Rowan University, academic integrity is critical to maintaining the high standards of academic excellence that the university is known for. The university’s Academic Integrity Policy outlines four types of violations: academic misconduct, cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism. Each of these violations can have severe consequences for a student’s academic career.
Levels of Violations
Rowan University recognizes four levels of academic misconduct, with Level 1 being the least severe and Level 4 being the most severe. Level 1 violations typically involve a minor portion of a course’s work and are the result of ignorance, inexperience, or a mistake. Penalties do not exceed a failing grade on the relevant assignment. A second Level 1 offense becomes a Level 2 violation, and a third offense becomes a Level 3 violation.
Level 2 violations affect a significant portion or aspect of a course. Sanctions do not exceed a failing grade on the relevant course. A subsequent Level 2 violation automatically becomes a Level 3 violation.
Level 3 violations involve academic dishonesty that affects a significant portion of the coursework, like a major paper or final exam. Level 3 sanctions can go up to suspension from Rowan University.
Level 4 violations are reserved for the most severe breaches of academic integrity, repeat offenses of lower-level violations, and violations that implicate a student’s Academic Integrity Probation.
Academic Misconduct Investigation by Instructor
If a Rowan University instructor suspects a student of academic misconduct, they will schedule a meeting with the student. During the meeting, the instructor will fill out a Report of an Academic Integrity Violation (RAIV) form and present it to the student. The student has the right to respond to the allegation and review the RAIV form and will be given a copy of the form at the end of the meeting. Signing the form during this meeting means that the student is aware of the allegation and understands the rest of the academic misconduct procedure.
For Level 1 and 2 violations, the instructor will determine if the violation occurred and set a penalty. Appeals by the student go to the Office of the Provost and are heard by the Academic Integrity Review Board.
For Level 3 and 4 violations, the case will be referred to the Academic Integrity Review Board for a hearing.
Hearings by the Academic Integrity Review Board
The Academic Integrity Review Board is responsible for conducting hearings related to Level 3 and 4 violations. The Board has six voting members, including two students, two faculty members, and two staff members appointed by the Office of the Provost. The Chair of the Board is the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.
During the hearing, the accused student has the right to an attorney, who can be present. The Chair of the Board runs the hearing and sets its procedure. However, the accused student has the right to submit a written statement to the Board before the hearing and has reasonable access to case materials before and during the hearing.
The Board will hear testimony, review evidence, and deliberate in private before making a decision. If the Board finds the student responsible for violating the Academic Integrity Policy, they will issue a sanction.
Automatic Appeal to the Provost
If the Board finds a student responsible for violating the Integrity Policy, the case is automatically appealed to the Provost. The Provost will review the case and the Board’s findings and provide the final decision, which cannot be appealed. The consequences of a conviction can be severe and long-lasting, which is why it’s essential to have a competent attorney by your side.
At Spodek Law Group, we are committed to helping our clients protect their rights and reputations. We understand the complexity and seriousness of academic misconduct proceedings, and we have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the process. Contact Attorney Todd Spodek and our legal team today to schedule a consultation and get the help you need to fight against accusations of academic misconduct at Rowan University.