DEFINING ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

Miami Dade College, like other universities and academic institutions worldwide, is dedicated to upholding the highest levels of academic integrity. As such, the college has a clear definition of what constitutes academic misconduct or dishonesty, which includes academic cheating, sabotage of other students’ work, and plagiarism.

WHAT CONSTITUTES ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE?

According to the Miami Dade College Code of Conduct in 2018, there are four types of academic misconduct that fall under the category of Academic Dishonesty:

1. Cheating on exams, including assisting someone else’s cheating
2. Collaborating on projects without permission from the instructor
3. Plagiarism
4. Submitting work from another course without permission from the professor

It is worth noting that Miami Dade College does not use the term “misconduct” but rather refers to cheating as “academic dishonesty.”

THE PUNISHMENTS FOR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND THOSE RESPONSIBLE

Miami Dade College applies two primary types of punishment for Academic Dishonesty: Level I and Level II consequences. Level I punishments include requiring students to retake an exam or redo an assignment, receiving an F on exams or assignments or lowering grades in courses as penalties.

Based on Miami Dade College policy in 2018, professors cannot give a final grade of F if there is evidence of academic dishonesty only; one must provide additional reasons for earning an F grade.

Level II punishments consist mainly but are not limited to failing a whole course or even expelled from college.

Professors teahing in Miami Dade College have independent authority over imposing Level I punishments. However, both level I and level ii require approval from Academic Hearing Committee (AHC).

Before Going to the Committee

The first step in dealing with academic dishonesty is a preliminary meeting between the instructor and the accused student. At this stage, the instructor is required to notify students about Miami Dade College’s Students’ Rights and Responsibilities webpage.

In cases where the student admits fault, if the level I punishment is considered adequate by both the professor and the accused student, then Miami Dade College considers it resolved. If the accused denies wrongdoing or if there is an appeal for higher-level penalties based on evidence presented, a formal hearing guided by college policies will take place.

THE ACADEMIC HEARING COMMITTEE

The Academic Hearing Committee comprises students (2), faculty members (2), administrators (2), and Student Deans.

Before appearing before this committee, Miami-Dades student dean meets with alleged students in person to deliver written information called a Notice of Charge. The purpose of this communication is to provide details of what will happen at that stage, how disciplinary measures apply, and what rights the school gives to all charged students. After understanding current disciplinary requirements, students must return filled Notice of Charges within three business days.

Miami Dade College recognizes everyone’s right to view and hear all evidence against them while testifying to present witnesses, testimony from any side while questioning other witnesses while presenting own evidence too.

Appealing Decisions

After receiving an Academic Hearing Committee’s certified decision letter, unsuccessful parties have three business days to file an appeal with reported grievances. Evidence of arguments needed includes proof why penalty severity or non-compliance with current codes are claimed as causes for failed adjudication processes.

How An Advisor Can Help

Arguing ones case in front of board officials may seem intimidating for inexperienced people accused of Academic Dishonesty but obtaining formal legal advice early can help studnets understand their legal protections and obligations as well as be prepared for such situations effectively avoiding missteps that could lead to worsen resukts even accusing those who remain innocent.

Todd Spodek, an attorney-advisor based in Philadelphia, provides relevant legal expertise that helps clients develop and create a personal plan tailored to individuals’ needs. For legal assistance, contact the Spodek Law Group at 212-300-5196.