CAL POLY POMONA: ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT POLICY

When it comes to post-secondary education, academic misconduct is a serious issue that California State Polytechnic University — Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) does not take lightly. In this article, we’ll outline Cal Poly Pomona’s academic misconduct policy and what happens when an individual is accused of such misconduct.

WHAT BEHAVIORS CONSTITUTE ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT AT CAL POLY POMONA?

According to the school’s website, academic dishonesty refers to any behavior that provides an unfair advantage. Furthermore, Cal Poly Pomona warns that academic dishonesty threatens the learning environment, degree quality and the institution’s reputation.

Examples of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:

– Plagiarism of ideas, words or work (this includes unintentional plagiarism, self-plagiarism and paraphrasing work without proper credit)
– Cheating (e.g., copying someone elses exam or using textbooks if prohibited)
– Use of unauthorized study aids (e.g., reference materials not approved by professor, having another student perform work for you)
– Falsifying documents (e.g., forging signatures on forms or falsifying prerequisite documents)
– Misusing homework help (e.g., sharing assignments or uploading homework)

Cal Poly Pomona asserts that each student should be aware of behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty. Students should also report all cases of such misconduct to their faculty members.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT?

Consequences are severe and may involve suspension as a base-level punishment. Executive Order 1006 outlines the repercussions for academic dishonesty at Cal Poly Pomona in detail. Any instances of such misconduct are initially dealt with by relevant faculty members who decide on appropriate punishments. The respective faculty member must then report the incident(s)to the Judicial Affairs Office. The faculty member must provide the students identifying information along with the nature of the offense and action taken against them. In some scenarios, a faculty member may advise for further disciplinary action.

Possible consequences for academic misconduct at Cal Poly Pomona include:
– Warnings
– Probation
– Suspension
– Expulsion
– Failing grades (in individual assignments or classes)

Depending on the severity of the issue, students may also face criminal charges. It is necessary to note that California law and Cal Poly Pomona have different policies regarding this matter.

WHAT ARE THE SANCTIONS FOR ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT?
In addition to punishments, Cal Poly Pomona might impose sanctions on students who violate their Student Conduct code which includes academic dishonesty in its provisions. Sanctions include expulsion from campus groups or organizations, restitution, dismissal of financial aid eligibility, prohibition from accessing certain campus services or resources, and more. The University may recommend counseling or alcohol assessment through Student Health and Counseling Services if necessary.

WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT?
The aftermath of academic misconduct can adversely impact a students future even years after graduation. For instance, if expelled from one institution, it may be difficult to enroll in another school. Students who are not registered for an appropriate number of semester hours could lose financial aid as well making it harder to finish their post-secondary education promptly thus adversely impacting their career prospects.

THE PROCESS BEHIND AN ALLEGATION OF ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT AT CAL POLY POMONA

When an accusation is made against a student at Cal Poly Pomona, all reports are handled by the Office of Student Conduct and Dishonesty. The first step typically involves scheduling a meeting with students involved in order to give them an opportunity to acknowledge what has happened accurately.

From there are two possible outcomes; they will find that no misconduct occurred (and the case will be dismissed), or they will investigate and might determine that academic misconduct took place, and then consequences are decided. It’s worth stating that when an academic misconduct hearing is underway, the student has the right to legal representation. An attorney cannot speak on behalf of the student during the hearing; however, engaging an attorney-advisor is recommended as they can offer valuable advice on presenting the case favourably.

THE ROLE OF AN ATTORNEY-ADVISOR

Even though an academic hearing isnt a court proceeding as such, it has significant consequences for ones future education and career prospects. Thus, having an attorney-advisor to guide you through this process can offer much needed support not only in terms of how best to present your case but also by examining evidence against you thoroughly. Although students must give up their right to a hearing if they do agree with Resolution Agreement per Cal Poly Pomona’s policy,hearing rights are still preserved so far as California law mandate it.

CONCLUSION

Cal Poly Pomona takes academics seriously thus puts rightly into place severe punishments for those found guilty of violating rules regarding academic integrity. Students should consult their applicable school materials towards familiarising themselves with what constitutes cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty in order to avoid any issues throughout their studies at the institution. Finally,should such issues arise,it is essentialto contact reliable legal representatives who specialize in this area to receive appropriate guidance & support while facing disciplinary action from Cal Poly Pomona.