Violations of Academic Integrity
When a faculty/staff member or other instructor believe that an incident of plagiarism or other violation of academic integrity has occurred, they should:
- Notify the student of concern and schedule time within five (5) business days to discuss with the student the reasons for this concern, providing the student with an opportunity to prepare a response.
- Complete the Academic Integrity Reporting Form and forward to the program director.
Upon receipt of the Academic Integrity Reporting Form, the program director will:
- Schedule a time to meet and discuss possible outcomes with the student in person or via phone within five (5) business days to ensure the student understands the process.
- Provide the student with an opportunity to respond in writing within five (5) business days.
- Consult with the Office of Academic Affairs to determine whether any previous academic integrity allegations or violations are on file.
- Issue a sanction if a violation has occurred.
Sanctions for Violations of Academic Integrity
During students' academic careers at Mercy College, each academic integrity violation will be reported using the Academic Integrity Reporting Form to the appropriate program director.
The sanctions for academic integrity violations are as follows:
- First incident may include requiring the work to be redone; assigning a failing grade for the assignment; or assigning a failing grade for the course.
- Second incident in the same course will result in a failing grade for the course. Second incident in another course during the same semester will result in a failing grade for that course. A second incident in a subsequent semester will also result in a failing grade for that course.
- Third and final incident of academic integrity violation will result in dismissal from the program/College. The division dean may notify the Office of Student Records to enter the notation “dismissed for academic integrity violation” on the transcript.
All records of violations of academic integrity and sanctions will be kept by the Office of Academic Affairs in a secure file.
Academic Integrity Violation Appeal
Students disputing academic integrity sanctions may appeal according to the following procedure:
- Students must submit the following to the appropriate division dean:
- An Academic Integrity Appeal Form within five (5) business days of the signed program director’s decision
- A copy of the program director’s decision
- A written statement of why the student disagrees with the academic integrity violation or proposed sanctions, and
- Any evidence or material supporting the reasons for disagreement.
- The division dean will review all submitted materials and communicate as necessary with the parties involved.
- The division dean will issue a final written decision (electronic and U.S. mail) based on all submitted evidence or material to students within five (5) business days from receipt of the appeal.