Reporting Academic Integrity Violations

This guide is for instructors who suspect or need to report an academic integrity violation.

What is an Academic Integrity Violation?

Students are expected to act with honesty and integrity when completing academic assignments, as outlined in the ASU Student Academic Integrity Policy. Academic integrity violations fall into five broad categories:

1. Cheating on an academic evaluation or assignment
2. Plagiarism
3. Academic deceit, such as fabricating data, information, or documentation
4. Aiding others in committing integrity violations and inappropriately collaborating
5. Falsifying academic records

Preventing Violations

You can take steps to promote academic integrity in your course and discourage dishonesty. Some deliberate design choices can prevent students from making a choice that violates academic integrity. When students understand what is expected and know what success looks like, they are less likely to resort to cheating.

At a minimum, your syllabus should include statements and guidelines regarding academic integrity. Clarify where collaboration is appropriate and discuss the proper citation of sources. Explain important deadlines and clarify policies regarding late submissions. Providing clear instructions for assignments will help students understand what’s expected of them. Having these in place in advance will serve as supporting evidence if you ever encounter a violation.

(Check out our in-depth guide to prevent violations in your course by design: Academic Integrity Guide and Resources.)

Reporting an Academic Integrity Violation at SOLS

If you believe one of your students has committed an act of academic dishonesty in your course, follow the process outlined below. If an agreement can’t be reached during this step, continue to the next step to escalate.

1. Communicate with the student
   1. Send an email to the student notifying them of your concern and requesting a meeting. The email should include a response deadline.
   2. Meet with the student face-to-face or via Zoom. Either the instructor or the student may request a third party be present. The Curriculum and Academic Support Manager is available to attend the meeting upon request.
2. Submit evidence to the SOLS Undergraduate Academic Integrity form.
   1. Include your syllabus, a copy of the assignment, any related evidence, and a detailed description of the allegation.
3. Violation under review
   1. While the violation is being reviewed, the student should be allowed to participate normally in the class.
   2. The Curriculum and Academic Support Manager reviews the submission and contacts the instructor to discuss.
   3. Unit leadership reviews the incident and confirms that the student violated the Academic Integrity Policy.
   4. If the unit determines that the student violated the Academic Integrity Policy, the Curriculum and Academic Support Manager then submits the Academic Integrity Policy Violation Report Form to The College Academic Integrity Officer (AIO).
   5. The AIO contacts the reporting instructor regarding the incident.
   6. The AIO sends a notification to the student regarding the allegation and sanction, including their right to appeal.
4. Student appeal and committee hearing
   1. The student has 10 business days after the AIO notification to appeal. If the student does not file a timely appeal, the sanction will become final.
   2. If the student files an appeal, they must meet with the Academic Integrity Officer to discuss the next steps.
   3. The AIO schedules a hearing of The College Student Affairs and Grievance Committee.
      • The instructor (or unit representative) is asked to participate in the hearing in order to present the details, including all evidence related to the violation, as well as justification for the sanction.
      • The student is required to participate in the hearing in order to present the details, including any relevant evidence related to their appeal of the allegation and/or sanction.
   4. After the hearing, the committee makes a written recommendation to the Dean.
5. Final determination
   1. The Dean reviews the case and the committee's written recommendation, and then makes a final determination on the appeal.
   2. The AIO notifies all parties involved of the Dean's final determination.
   3. Unless the sanction is suspension or expulsion from the university, the student has no further appeal options.

If you have further questions regarding academic integrity, contact Christy Adams ([email protected]).

Resources and Next Steps

Office of the University Provost: Student Academic Integrity Policy
TLC Guide: Academic Integrity Guide and Resources
SOLS Advising and Support: Academic integrity resources for faculty