The classification of a violation depends on the particular facts and circumstances of the case. In general:
Level 1 Violations
Level 1 violations are less serious violations of academic integrity. They may occur because of inexperience or lack of understanding of the principles of academic integrity. These violations are often characterized by a lack of premeditation or planning. Level 1 violations are generally quite limited in extent, occur on a minor assignment or quiz, or constitute a small portion of an assignment or the overall course grade. Below are a few examples of violations typical Level 1 violations (when committed by an undergraduate student as a first-time offense):
- Plagiarism on a minor assignment or a very limited portion of a major assignment
- Unpremeditated cheating on a quiz or minor examination
- Prohibited collaboration with another student on a homework assignment
- Unauthorized sharing of course materials
- Citing a source that does not exist or that one has not read on a minor assignment
- Signing in for another student via attendance sheet or clicker in a course where attendance is graded
Level 2 Violations
Level 2 violations are serious violations of academic integrity that affect a more significant portion of the course work, when compared to Level 1 violations. An alleged second violation of the Academic Integrity Policy may also be characterized as a Level 2 violation. Level 2 violations are often characterized by substantial premeditation or planning and clearly dishonest or malicious intent. Below are some examples of typical Level 2 violations:
- A second violation
- Substantial plagiarism on a major assignment
- Copying or using unauthorized materials, devices, or collaboration on a major exam
- Falsifying, selectively omitting, or altering evidence, data, or other source materials for a major assignment
- Distribution of course materials for financial gain
- Facilitating dishonesty by another student on a major exam or assignment
- Intentionally obstructing another student’s work
- Participating in an organized cheating scheme
Level 3 Violations
Level 3 violations are serious breaches of conduct that may involve a serious violation of a professional code of conduct or include extreme cases of dishonesty and maliciousness. Level 3 violations may include a violation of law, or may be likely to cause direct harm to others. Below are some examples typical Level 3 violations:
- Any violation involving potentially criminal activity
- Coordinating an organized cheating scheme
- Having a substitute take an examination
- Cheating and/or plagiarism on a capstone project, thesis, or dissertation
- Intentionally destroying another student’s work
- Falsifying patient or client records
When a student is accused of a Level 3 violation that includes alleged violations of law or a professional code of conduct, or when it is reasonable to believe that the student is likely to cause direct harm to others, they may be removed from a course or a clinical or internship setting on an interim basis, with the approval of the dean of the school. The student will be immediately informed in writing of any interim removal and has the right to appeal to the appropriate Chief Academic Integrity Officer (the official responsible for administering the Academic Integrity Policy on each campus).