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Code of Student Conduct

I. Preamble

II. Rights and Responsibilities

III. Definitions

IV. Standards of Conduct

V. Judicial Structure and Procedures

VI. Conflict Mediation

VII. Academic Honesty

1. Academic Life

   Education is the primary reason for attending a college or university, and the academic life is central to the experience of a student at Susquehanna.As a general rule, the requirements of academic courses take precedence over all extra-curricular activities, although both are considered essential to a well-rounded educational experience. The aim for each student is a program of study appropriately challenging and demanding of his/her time, interest and attention.

   Academic information and academic regulations of the University are contained in the University Catalog. Students are expected to become familiar with the contents of the Catalog and to use it as an academic guide. Replacement copies are available in the Admissions Office.
   

2. Jurisdiction
   1. A faculty member has original jurisdiction for all first time offenses involving cheating or plagiarism on tests, quizzes, papers, exams and all class assignments.
   2. The Academic Honesty Judicial Board (AHJB) shall have appellate jurisdiction for any case in which the instructor has original jurisdiction.
   3. The AHJB shall have original jurisdiction in all repeat offenses of academic dishonesty and in all cases where suspension/expulsion is a potential sanction.
   4. When the AHJB is not in session, all cases will be adjudicated through an administrative resolution.
3. Procedure when the instructor has original jurisdiction
   1. Prior to determining responsibility, the instructor will call the Student Life Office to check the records to determine whether the incidence is a repeat offense. If the student has a prior record of academic dishonesty, the case will be referred to the AHJB.
   2. The faculty member shall make every effort to confer with the student before assessing responsibility.
   3. The instructor will turn in a grade of "N" (no grade) for any individual whose case is unresolved at the end of the semester.
   4. If the student is found responsible for academic dishonesty, the instructor shall determine the sanction in consultation with his/her department head.
   5. The instructor shall provide written notification to the student and the Dean of Student Life of the sanction imposed.
   6. The student will have seven days from the date of receiving the written notice of the sanction to appeal the decision to the AHJB. Appeals can only be made on the grounds of new evidence to present, denial of a fair hearing or an unduly harsh sanction.
4. Academic Honesty Judicial Board
   1. Membership
      1. The AHJB shall be composed of four students from the Conduct Board and three faculty members elected by the faculty.
      2. The students shall serve for a term of one year with the opportunity to serve additional terms.
      3. The faculty shall be elected for three-year terms. The initial elections shall be all three members for one-, two-, and three-year terms. Subsequently, one faculty member will be elected each year for a three-year term.
      4. The Dean of Student Life shall serve as an ex officio, non-voting member and record keeper of the AHJB.
   2. Procedures
      1. The accused student is entitled to a minimum of two days notice of a hearing, a statement of the charges and a fair hearing.
      2. Hearings shall be closed.
      3. The instructor filing the charges will present the case at the hearing. Witnesses may be called for additional information.
      4. The accused student will present his/her case and may call witnesses.
      5. The accused student and instructor will be notified in writing of the decision of the AHJB.
   3. Appeals of AHJB Decisions
      1. Appeals of AHJB decisions can only be made on the grounds of new evidence to present, denial of a fair hearing or unduly harsh sanction.
      2. Appeals must be made within seven days of the date of notification of the AHJB's decision.
      3. The Vice President of Academic Affairs shall serve as the appeals officer.
      4. Final appeal jurisdiction in any case rests with the President of the University.
5. Sanction Guidelines for Academic Dishonesty

   Violation	Corresponding maximum sanction
   Cheating or plagiarism on tests, quizzes, exams, papers, or any class assignment	Failure in course
   Unauthorized possession of tests, examinations or papers	Expulsion
   The physical theft, duplication, unauthorized distribution, or sale of tests, examinations, or papers	Expulsion
   Tampering with grades or grade books/attempting to alter in any way grades assigned by instructor	Expulsion
   Other acts of academic dishonesty	Expulsion

   Established by the Faculty and the Student Government Association December 1981. Last revised July 2003.

VIII. Student Organizations