The University of Maryland’s Emphasis on Academic Integrity and The Importance of Student Defense Attorneys

The University of Maryland is one of the leading public universities, not just nationally but worldwide. As an esteemed institution, it places a significant emphasis on academic integrity. It commits to maintaining its principles on academic honesty and the truth. Every new student who enrolls must sign an honor pledge promising to uphold the university’s values and showcase academic integrity.

However, some students still fall short of upholding their honor pledge. So what happens when students fail to adhere to these codes of conduct? This article will discuss how the University addresses incidents concerning academic integrity violations and how student defense attorneys can provide guidance through this entire process.

The Code of Academic Integrity at the University of Maryland

According to the Code of Academic Integrity at the University of Maryland, any act constituting academic dishonesty violates its principles of academic honesty within the institution. Pursuant to this code, below are actions committed by students that qualify as academic dishonesty:

– Cheating
– Fabrication
– Plagiarism or self-plagiarism
– Facilitating Academic Dishonesty
– Fraud, deceit or dishonesty in any academic course or exercise that attempts to gain an unfair advantage.
– Using unauthorized materials (including information or study aids) in any academic course or exercise.

Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Conferences

Universities will typically investigate students accused of violating such policies via disciplinary proceedings. The Director of Student Conduct handles Disciplinary Conferences for cases where the alleged acts do not warrant suspension or expulsion from school.

During investigations in Disciplinary Conferences, schools review evidence alongside eyewitness testimonies to determine whether there has indeed been a violation. There must be clear and convincing evidence implicating a violating party in such activities.

At such conferences, students have several fundamental rights — including written notice about charges three days before the conference and access to their case file before and during the conference. They also have an opportunity to call witnesses on their behalf while receiving support from an advisor, advocate or support person. During this conference, students may respond to the evidence while still receiving assistance from an attorney who must be hired at the student’s cost.

Should a student fail to attend disciplinary conferences, the Director of Student Conduct would proceed with the investigation and impose relevant sanctions accordingly.

Honor Reviews

Regarding more serious cases of academic integrity violations, the University of Maryland may choose to conduct what it calls “Honor Reviews.” These investigations are confidential procedures reviewed by Honor Boards. During such reviews, both parties present arguments while cross-examining witnesses before determining whether academic dishonesty occurred. If found guilty of academic dishonesty following an Honor Review, there will be a sanction for such students as decided upon by a majority vote by members of the Honor Board.

Consequences of Academic Dishonesty

The consequences meted out for academic dishonesty in each case vary. However, one popular punishment is to receive an “XF” grade indicating that said student received an “F” due to academic misconduct. Alongside other penalties including being unable to hold office within any university organization(s) or participate in extracurricular activities during active suspension periods, these all impact one’s record negatively: it appears on transcripts for at least 12 months until removal via a petition process after this duration elapses.

There are various additional punishments available includes rescinding degrees previously awarded, suspensions or expulsion from school alongside penalties like a reduced letter grade or zero marks on assignments representing severe forms of such actions.

Appealing Sanctions

University students who believe they received undue sanctions also reserve the right to appeal. Appeals require notification stating intent at least three business days before filing and supporting arguments’ submission within seven business days after determination.

Grounds for appealing sanctions include substantial procedural error (including disproportionality), discretionarily imposed/determined sanctions or decisions with new evidence for the Honor Board’s review.

Why Consider Student Defense Attorneys?

The University allows students to work alongside advisors, including attorneys, concerning such cases. This collaboration is critical, placing priority on choosing an attorney that specializes in academic dishonesty-related issues.

These student defense attorneys provide guidance throughout the entire journey from building a new defense, preparing one for hearing and broadly serving your interests. The expertise of such an attorney is of the utmost importance when utilizing their services to truly understand key strategies for achieving optimal outcomes.

If you are facing academic misconduct allegations at the University of Maryland, it may be time to contact a student defense attorney. Attorney Todd Spodek has dedicated years of experience fighting academic sanctioning violations while still protecting his clients’ rights and futures fully – contact him today at (888) 535-3686.