Academic Integrity

If a student has violated any component of the Alamo Colleges District Board Academic Integrity Policy (Academic Integrity; F.4.2), it is important to follow the steps below and the defined Procedure (Academic Integrity Disciplinary and Appeal Process; F.4.2.2) to report the alleged violation and ensure fair and complete processes for students and the faculty or staff members who are involved in the alleged violation.

The Academic Integrity Disciplinary and Appeal procedure applies to each of the following academic integrity violations (a definition of each can be found in F.4.2.2).

1. Sale of academic product.
2. Academic enticement or influence.
3. Academic misconduct.
4. Cheating.
5. Fabrication.
6. Collusion.
7. Plagiarism.

If you detect one of these violations you are expected to report it to the college, even if you dismiss the charge of a violation or if the only sanction is a written or verbal warning to the student. Sanctions are determined by the faculty and can include one or more of the following:

1. Dismissal of the charge of a violation.
2. Issue written warning to student.
3. Reduction of grade on the assignment or test.
4. Reduction of final grade for the course.

Steps to Follow:

1. Within 5 business days of detecting an alleged violation, contact the student about the alleged violation (i.e., via email, Canvas Inbox, comments on assignment, phone call, meeting before or after class, or any combination of these to ensure a student response).
   
       a. Do not enter a grade relevant to the alleged violation until having discussed it with the student and student agrees with outcome. In cases when the student appeals a decision or the process, it is important to ensure that a grade is not entered until the process is complete.
   
   
2. In your communication to the student, set a time to meet face-to-face with student.
   
       a. Face-to-face meeting is strongly preferred (signatures are needed on the Academic Integrity Report Form).
   
       b. Over the phone meeting may be necessary for online students.
   
   
3. In the meeting with the student.
   
       a. Bring copy of F.4.2 (policy) and F.4.2.2 (procedure) to meeting – as well as the Academic Integrity Report Form F.4.2.3.F (form).
   
               i. Fill in the necessary components of the form before meeting with the student.
   
       b. Define Academic Integrity and the type of violation alleged.
   
       c. Student has opportunity to explain the alleged violation.
   
       d. Explain procedures (including appeal process) and recommended sanctions.
   
       e. Complete Academic Integrity Report Form F.4.2.3.F (form).
   
               i. Student should be asked:
                   1. Do you agree or accept responsibility for the allegation of committing an academic integrity violation?
                   2. Do you agree or accept the recommended resolution for this matter, as proposed by the instructor?
               ii. If either is “no” then mark “disagree” on F.4.2.3.F – if both are “yes” then mark “agree” on F.4.2.3.F.
                   1. These are separate fields on the NVC Academic Integrity Incident Form.
               iii. Student signs the form.
               iv. Instructor signs the form.
   
   
4. Collect documentation relevant to the alleged violation.
   
       a. Academic Integrity Report Form F.4.2.3.F – signed by the instructor and the student.
               i. Student signature not required if student does not respond to communication after 5 business days or refuses to meet with the instructor in person.
   
       b. Course syllabus.
   
       c. Assignment details.
   
       d. Copies of emails or other communication you’ve had with the student.
   
       e. Evidentiary documents (assignments, plagiarized sources, photographs…).
   
   
5. Fill out the NVC Academic Integrity Incident Form and upload all documentation (from step #4 above) within 5 business days of the meeting with the student (1GB maximum total size; multiple files can be uploaded).
   
       a. There are separate boxes to indicate whether the student agrees or disagrees with the allegation and resolutions on this form (unlike F.4.2.3.F).
   
       b. The instructor can choose to be copied on the emailed report by checking a box at the bottom of the form.
   
   If the student disagrees with the allegation, the resolution, or did not respond to contact from the instructor, proceed to #6.
   
   
6. Information and documentation (from step #4) is forwarded to the Department Chair (or designee) within 5 business days of the meeting with the student – who reviews the case and makes a decision.
   
       a. If the violation is dismissed, fill out the NVC Academic Integrity Incident Form and upload all documentation (from step #4 above) within 5 business days of the meeting with the Department Chair.
   
               i. Written notice of dismissal of the charge will come from the Dean for Academic Success.
   
       b. If the student agrees with Department Chair (or designee’s) decision – fill out the NVC Academic Integrity Incident Form and upload all documentation (from step #4 above) within 5 business days of the meeting with the Department Chair.
   
               i. If the student disagrees with the Department Chair’s decision – proceed to step #7.
   
   
7. Information and documentation is forwarded to the VPAS (or designee) within 5 business days of student disagreeing with chair or designee – who sets a date for the Academic Integrity Panel to meet.
   
   
8. Academic Integrity Panel meets, reviews the case, and makes a decision within 5 business days of the meeting, this decision is final.
   
   
9. VPAS is notified of the Academic Integrity Panel’s decision and notifies the student within 5 business days.