Consequences

When meeting with a student to discuss a suspected case of academic misconduct (that is not severe misconduct), two possible approaches are available to the instructor.

In the disciplinary approach, the instructor reflects on the student’s input after the meeting, decides if a violation of the policy has occurred and determines an appropriate consequence.

If an approach that is guided by restorative principles is used, the instructor has the option of including the student in determining the consequence as part of the meeting.

In both cases, the following options are available:

• A written warning
• Requiring the student to redo the assignment being investigated, with a mark reduction
• Reducing the grade on the assignment being investigated
• Giving the assignment a mark of zero
• Requiring the student to complete training about academic integrity (online or otherwise)

Regardless of the type or severity of the academic misconduct, the instructor informs the student and the Academic Integrity Office of the decision and the disciplinary action by email. If a student feels that academic misconduct did not occur, they have the right to request a review hearing. (You can learn more about review hearings in the Procedures segment of this website.)

When a restorative conference, also known as a restorative circle, is used to address academic misconduct, a trained restorative conference facilitator supports the student and the instructor in choosing and agreeing upon appropriate consequences and a course of action.

REQUEST A RESTORATIVE RESOLUTION

When a case requires a hearing, the penalty is assigned by the faculty adjudicator. The university is aware that many cases of academic misconduct are a result of lack of skill and knowledge rather than dishonesty, so operates on the principle of escalating penalties. Therefore, if a student has violated the policy before or is charged with severe or multiple violations, the disciplinary action is more severe than it is for a first-time offence. As well, the adjudicator may impose more than one sanction.

The following options are available to the adjudicator:

• A written warning
• Requiring the student to re-do the assignment that is being investigated and assigning a reduced mark
• Reducing the mark on the assignment being investigated
• Giving the assignment a mark of zero
• Requiring the student to complete training about academic integrity (online or otherwise)
• Assigning a reduced grade for a course in which the violation occurred
• Assigning a grade of F in the course, with or without a transcript notation of "academic discipline." The notation is applied even if the student withdraws from the course.
• Rescinding the credential, with a transcript notation of "academic discipline"
• Expelling the student permanently, with a transcript notation of "academic discipline." This consequence must be made in consultation with the Dean of the faculty or school and be approved by the Dean.

The faculty adjudicator submits a report to the Academic Integrity Office, which informs the student, chair, and Dean of the decision by email. If the student disagrees, the decision can be appealed by requesting an appeal hearing through the Academic Integrity Office. (You can learn more about appeal hearings in the Procedures segment of this website.)