Inquiry Process
The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts follows a collaborative, evidence-based process to investigate issues of academic integrity utilizing the role of the academic integrity officer (AIO) as a third-party, neutral mediator in all cases, and has a primary goal to help students in their learning processes and academic success. The AIO is a resource to both faculty and students throughout the process. The CISA Academic Integrity Officer is Kielii Lilavois, kielii.lilavois@asu.edu.
- The faculty member should first discuss their concerns with the student. An in-person meeting is preferred, but the faculty member may discuss the matter by email, telephone, or other means, if necessary. After the meeting, if it deemed warranted, the faculty member should inform the student that the case will be referred to the academic integrity officer, who will review the issue with the student and faculty member
- The faculty member will notify the academic integrity officer using the Academic Integrity Inquiry Form and include all evidence related to the incident. The documentation should include:
- Student’s name and course in which the incident occurred;
- Brief description of the incident to be inquired and the questions it raises about the student’s academic integrity as defined by the university policy; and
- Copies of evidence and correspondence with the student.
- The academic integrity officer will notify the student of the inquiry in process and will provide the student a summary of the information gathered. The student will have 5 business days after being notified to respond to the allegation and to provide materials that he/she would like to be considered during the inquiry process. The documentation may include:
- A description of the alleged incident, including a factual narrative of events, and the dates and times of occurrences;
- The names of persons having information about relevant circumstances and events; and
- The general nature and description of all evidence.
- At any point in the process, the student can contact the Academic Integrity Officer to seek consultation or clarification.
- The student may be accompanied by an Advisor at any point in the process. The Advisor is not permitted to participate directly or speak for the student.
- When the investigation is complete, the academic integrity officer will facilitate an inquiry with all parties using the evidence presented by both parties. The academic integrity officer will consult with the faculty member to make a decision about the outcome of the inquiry.
- The academic integrity officer will officially notify the student of the result of the inquiry and any consequence(s) to be imposed.
- If the student is enrolled in a college other than the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, the academic integrity officer will notify the AIO of the student’s college or school of the violation of the academic integrity policy after the result becomes final.
Results and Student Appeals
- The following results/consequences may be imposed for those found to violate the university’s academic integrity policy:
- Reduced or failing grade for the assignment, quiz, or activity involved;
- Reduced or failing grade for the course;
- An XE grade;
- Withdrawal of credit for a previously accepted course or requirement;/li>
- Suspension from the university for a specified period of time;
- Expulsion from the university without expectation of readmission; and/or
- Other consequences as consistent with the Academic Integrity Policy and the Student Code of Conduct:https://eoss.asu.edu/dos/srr/codeofconduct.
- The student will be notified of their right to appeal to the Dean. The student must file their appeal with the academic integrity officer no later than 10 business days after the date the official notification of the results of the inquiry was sent. If the student does not file in a timely manner, the outcome is final.
- A student’s appeal of a recommended consequence must be submitted in writing and include the following:
- The documentation provided during the inquiry process; and
- A written statement responding to the results of the inquiry process and any other reason why the consequence/result should not be imposed.
- If the student files an appeal, the student must meet with the academic integrity officer to discuss hearing procedures. The academic integrity officer will help the student navigate the process and provide additional information when needed.
- If the student files a timely appeal, the results will not be imposed until the appeal is resolved. If the student files an appeal at the end of a semester, or during the last semester of enrollment, the course grade or degree may be withheld until the matter is resolved. If a grade or degree will be withheld for any period, the academic integrity officer or dean must notify the Registrar’s Office.
- The appeal will be heard by 3 members of the college’s Grade Appeal and Academic Integrity Committee, including 2 faculty members and 1 student.
- The hearing committee will follow the procedures outlined in sections F and G of the university’s Academic Integrity Policy.
Tracking and multiple violations
The university keeps records of all sanctioned Academic Integrity Policy violations. Multiple violations of the policy will result in more severe consequences, up to and including a grade of XE (failure due to academic dishonesty), suspension, or expulsion.
How do I notify the academic integrity officer of a possible academic integrity violation?
The preferred method for contacting the academic integrity officer to review an incident is through the Academic Integrity Inquiry Form at the bottom of this page or here. If for some reason you are unable to use the form, you should email the information and evidence to the academic integrity officer.
Do I have to contact the academic integrity officer for all issues related to academic integrity?
Yes, if you observe or determine that it is more likely than not that the student violated the academic integrity policy, then you must contact the academic integrity officer. The academic integrity officer serves as a mediator in all cases to help determine what has happened and what to do next. Following this protocol ensures that the student receives the appropriate due process and that any consequences applied are consistent and consideration is taken for multiple offenses.
Who has the burden of proof?
The faculty member is responsible for providing evidence that the student more likely than not violated the academic integrity policy. Faculty members should communicate with students or meet with them to determine if an academic integrity issue exists. However, please do not inform the student of any consequences at this time. The academic integrity officer will review the evidence, meet with the student, and help determine the outcome of the case. The AIO will notify the student of any official results when the investigative process is complete.
Will the academic integrity officer determine the consequences?
The faculty member and academic integrity officer will work together to determine from evidence revealed in the inquiry process an appropriate consequence when it is determined that it is more likely than not that a student violated the academic integrity policy. This process is meant to help students learn about academic integrity more than penalize them for violations, so this will guide how results are determined.
What happens after I submit the report?
If there are any follow-up questions to your report, the academic integrity officer will contact you for clarifications. Additionally, the academic integrity officer will contact you to discuss your recommended or other possible consequences. If the student requests an appeal hearing, you will be contacted about participating in that event.
What if I suspect academic dishonesty is going on, but I don’t think I can prove it?
If you suspect academic dishonesty, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with the student(s). Provide the student(s) the opportunity for feedback and encourage them to review the ASU academic integrity policies. Ultimately, any communication, assignments, warnings, or face-to-face meetings that increase a student’s knowledge of academic integrity are encouraged. If in doubt, submit the inquiry form or discuss your concerns with the academic integrity officer.
How do I minimize opportunities for cheating in my classes?
Instead of asking how to stop students from cheating in your classroom, we challenge you to think first about how you can create a learning-oriented environment. For ideas and a better understanding of how this approach is a more effective strategy for fostering academic integrity, check out Bertram Gallant’s (2017) article, Academic Integrity as a Teaching & Learning Issue, or this bibliography on Pedagogy and Prevention compiled by Rebecca Moore Howard (Syracuse University). We realize that even in the best environments, there will be violations, some intended, others unintended. If you have a concern about academic integrity, discuss your concerns with the student(s) and determine if this is a case of academic dishonesty. Take this opportunity to educate your student(s) about academic integrity, your particular expectations, which may not be shared by other teachers before you, and the university policy. Inform the student that the academic integrity officer will contact them to discuss the incident and, if appropriate, help determine any consequences.
Do we have any system in place to help students learn more about academic integrity and the consequences of multiple violations after their first offense?
Yes, in addition to orientation and ASU 101, ASU and CISA offer several resources that students can access at any point in their educational career. Many of those resources can be found here. Additionally, all students who are found to have violated the academic integrity policy for the first time are required to complete the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts Academic Integrity Course in Canvas. We encourage faculty members to regularly communicate, educate, and remind students of academic integrity expectations in their course. Resources for faculty and students can be found in the Classroom Resources tab on this page or here.
Will I be required to state my case to a hearing board?
You will only be required to state your case to a hearing board if the student appeals the results of the initial inquiry process. The student must file their appeal with the academic integrity officer no later than 10 business days after the date that the official notification was sent. If the student does not file in a timely manner, the outcome/result of the inquiry process is final. For more information about the appeal process, please read sections F and G of the ASU Academic Integrity Policy.
Will there be data available?
Yes, the more formalized process will allow us to access data on student demographics, instruction mode, courses, types and number of violations, etc. This data will be made available to CISA faculty and staff.
What should I put in my syllabus about academic integrity and copyright policy?
Every CISA syllabus is required to have a statement about academic integrity and copyright policy. Sample language for your syllabi can be found on the Classroom Resources tab or in the CISA syllabus template here. Be sure to log in using your ASUrite ID and password to access the syllabus resources on the CISA employee site.
If you choose to list possible consequences for academic dishonesty, please include the complete list and not a specific consequence. Here is an example:
Students are expected to complete their own work. If you engage in academic dishonesty (may list specific behaviors applicable to your class) as determined through a collaborative inquiry process with your instructor and the academic integrity officer, consequences include:
- Completion of an Academic Integrity Course
- Reduced or failing grade on an assignment
- Reduced or failing grade for the course
- XE (failure due to academic dishonesty)
- Suspension
- Expulsion
What do I do if my course materials are found online, and I suspect they are involved with an academic integrity violation?
You should copy the URL of each item and send that to the academic integrity officer with the course prefix and number and a description of what is being provided at each URL (EX: exam #1, question 2). The AIO will then request the item(s) be taken down and also the time/date, first and last name, and contact information for the individual who posted that material online. If appropriate, the AIO will work with you to determine next steps.
What do I do if I’m concerned that my course materials are being uploaded to the Internet, but the material doesn’t have anything to do with an academic integrity violation?
If you discover course materials on the Internet, you may request they be removed by using use this form for selected websites (Chegg.com, Courserank.com, Cramster.com, Notehall.com, StudentFortune.com, Instaedu.com, Campussocial.com and Zinch.com). When making these requests you should use your university e-mail address and identify yourself properly. Please contact the AIO for assistance for course materials found on websites not listed in the take down notice.
What do I do if I have an academic integrity issue, but I’m concerned for my safety?
If you have an immediate concern for your safety, you should call 911. If you have a concern but it is not an emergency, you should call the ASU Police non-emergency phone number at 480-965-3456 for help with determining the best course of action. Additionally, for non-emergency situations, you may call and consult with the academic integrity officer at 602-496-0696 or 480-965-6159. Finally, faculty members are encouraged to contact the employee assistance office when/if there is a need to utilize ASU’s free counseling services https://cfo.asu.edu/counseling-consultations.
If you have other questions, please contact the CISA Academic Integrity Officer Kielii Lilavois, kielii.lilavois@asu.edu.
Resources to Provide Students
ASU Student Honor Code
Academic Integrity Tutorial
Plagiarism Awareness Tutorial
Video: Why is Academic Integrity Important?
CISA Academic Integrity for Students
Syllabus Statements
In your course-specific information, consider adding a statement on your particular expectations regarding academic integrity in this course.
Students are expected to complete their own work. If you engage in academic dishonesty (may list specific behaviors applicable to your class) as determined through a collaborative inquiry process with your instructor and the academic integrity officer, consequences include:
-
- Completion of an Academic Integrity Course
- Reduced or failing grade on an assignment
- Reduced or failing grade for the course
- XE (failure due to academic dishonesty)
- Suspension
- Expulsion
If you have questions about academic integrity or how to complete an assignment, please contact me to discuss in advance of submitting your assignment. You may also reach out to the college’s academic integrity officers. More information can be found here.
Student Conduct and Copyright
ASU and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts expects and requires its students to act with honesty, integrity, and respect. Required behavior standards are listed in the Student Code of Conduct and Student Disciplinary Procedures, Computer, Internet, and Electronic Communications policy, ASU Student Academic Integrity Policy, and outlined by the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Anyone in violation of these policies is subject to sanctions. Students are entitled to receive instruction free from interference by other members of the class. An instructor may withdraw a student from the course when the student's behavior disrupts the educational process, according to the Instructor Withdrawal of a Student for Disruptive Classroom Behavior guidelines.
The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities accepts incident reports from students, faculty, staff, or other persons who believe that a student or a student organization may have violated the Student Code of Conduct.
Students must refrain from uploading to any course shell, discussion board, or website used by the course instructor or other course forum, material that is not the student's original work, unless the students first comply with all applicable copyright laws; faculty members reserve the right to delete materials on the grounds of suspected copyright infringement.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is expected of all students in all examinations, papers, laboratory work, academic transactions and records. The possible sanctions include, but are not limited to, appropriate grade penalties, course failure (indicated on the transcript as a grade of E), course failure due to academic dishonesty (indicated on the transcript as a grade of XE), loss of registration privileges, disqualification, and dismissal. For more information, see provost.asu.edu/academicintegrity.
If you fail to meet the standards of academic integrity in any of the criteria listed on the university policy website, sanctions will be imposed by the instructor, college, and/or dean. Academic integrity violations include, but are not limited to, cheating on an academic evaluation or assignment, plagiarizing, academic deceit (such as fabricating data or information), or falsifying academic records. Turning in an assignment (all or in part) that you completed for a previous class may be considered an academic integrity issue. Students who have taken this class previously and/or would like to use work from previous assignments or courses should contact the instructor for permission to do so.
If you have any questions about your work and the academic integrity policy, please discuss your assignment or concerns with your instructor, teaching assistant, or your college academic integrity officer in advance of submitting an assignment. Student resources on Sun Devil Integrity and strategies for completing your work with integrity and avoiding plagiarism are available here: ASU Student Resources for Academic Integrity or provost.asu.edu/academicintegrity for more information.