Academic Integrity: Missouri State University Standards and Consequences for Violations

Missouri State University is home to scholars committed to fostering educated individuals who take responsibility for their actions. Missouri State requires all students to uphold academic and personal integrity, promote educational progress, and value respect towards everyone in the community.

However, students that fail to exhibit these values should expect disciplinary repercussions from the university. Such behavior could warrant an academic misconduct note in the student’s academic transcript, which could significantly influence their chances of gaining admission into graduate school or securing internships.

For students at Missouri State accused of violating academic integrity standards, know that your academic future might be at risk.

What is Academic Integrity?

Missouri State University maintains strict policies on academic integrity applied to all students. These policies define what constitutes academic dishonesty and explain how suspected cases get investigated. Additionally, instructors must create unique codes of conduct relating to specific classwork with potential consequences in case of any violations.

Examples of Violations

Academic dishonesty can manifest differently depending on different courses at Missouri State. That said, some practices are generally forbidden regardless of the course-specific codes of conduct. The following are common examples of such practices:
– Using or attempting to use unauthorized technology or materials during examinations
– Presenting false data or records during coursework assignments
– Breaching ethical guidelines regarding authorship during research activities
– Using published or unpublished content belonging to another scholar without due acknowledgment
– Prohibited use of papers already written by someone else

Procedures for Academic Integrity Cases at Missouri State University

Usually, faculty members would handle allegations related to a violation of academic integrity directly with their students. Suppose it remains unresolved; the problem escalates further upwards in the university’s administrative system. This escalation gets monitored by both an Academic Integrity Council (AIC) and Panel (AIP).

Reporting Suspected Cases

Any member within the university community can report any suspected instances of violations involving academic integrity. The affected course instructor can manage any instances that occur within their classes, and in case not resolved, the department head could be involved. Additionally, the AIC accepts reported cases of suspected academic misconduct.

Meetings with Instructor and Department

Suppose a faculty member accuses you of committing academic dishonesty. In that case, you will have a meeting to address said suspicions. Generally, at such hearings, students may present evidence or an explanation for any allegations made against them.

It then becomes the professor’s prerogative whether they choose to hold on or drop those allegations. However, if those accusations persist and the instructor cannot resolve them on their own, they make formal reports to their department head and the AIC. At this point, as a student under investigation, you have two options: either accept or challenge the claims made by your faculty.

Should you accept such allegations, then rest assured that the respective instructor gets to determine what sanction suffices as punishment justly. However, suppose you opt for an appeal during such circumstances; note that you should send an appeal request to the department head within five days from receiving your faculty member’s allegations’ official report — quite crucial since missing this deadline results in automatic disqualification from appeals.

Hearing Phase

Where there is no resolution between parties after following through with all due processes above but disagreeing with whatever outcomes were arrived at before panels such as Department Head or AIP must engage.
The hearing consists of five members affiliated with AIC but excluded from original hearing attendance instead reviewing evidence submitted by both professor or student side evenly.
Both presenting parties can also bring witnesses or have documents submitted before said hearing starts for review purposes.
Presented evidence gets subjected to questioning by both parties while also answering questions posed collectively by panels overseeing proceedings legality.

Review Process

If either campus staff – professor or a student – disagrees with decisions made at hearings conducted up to this point, there is a need for review. This step saw five AIC members come together to do an independent review of all evidence and determine impartially whether correct sanctions implemented after judging all merits.
Appeals that students may file in this specific process wont lead to any existing sanctions reduced, stays or gets overturned resulting in new hearings only.

Sanctions from Academic Dishonesty at Missouri State University

Typically, students could experience academic sanctions from course instructors or get formally imposed by the AIC. Examples of such measures include but are not limited to:
– Lowered grades
– Failing class assignments, quizzes, or exams
– Failing a full course
– Revocation of one’s privilege to participate in student organizations fully
– Disqualification from participating intercollegiate activities
– Mandated service requirements within or outside the university community.
– Recommendations made by the Provost requesting either suspension or dismissal from Missouri State University
-A request being made by a Provost that your academic credentials be revoked after graduating

Note that it’s possible for you as a student at Missouri State University to receive more than one such statement.

Student Defense Attorney Advisor: Partnering with Spodek Law Group

If circumstances turn against you as a Missouri State Student and find yourself accused of academic dishonesty, always remember you’ve got someone on your side who can act as an advisor through all levels of campus investigation proceedings. Such advisors can help incorporate relevant evidence on your behalf, provide guidance on conducting yourself during meetings and/or hearing appearances, then ultimately build strong arguments tailored towards advocating your innocence.

For over fifteen years now, attorney Todd Spodek has represented countless college goers in similar academic predicaments nationwide whereby accusations regarding integrity violations are involved. Reach out today via call (888) 535-3686 and gain an ally in fighting against unfair treatment while protecting the future of your education!