What is "A Culture of Honesty?"
This is the University of Georgia's policy about academic honesty. It applies to all academic work such as tests, term papers, lab assignments, group projects, and computer assignments.

Who is covered by this policy?
Every student who enrolls at the University agrees to be bound by the policy. This means that each student has a responsibility to read the policy and comply with it. It's no defense to a charge of academic dishonesty to say "I didn't know that was prohibited."

What conduct by students is prohibited?
Students must perform all of their academic work without plagiarizing, cheating, lying, tampering, stealing, receiving assistance from others (unless the faculty member authorizes that assistance) or using sources to assist in that work (without giving fair attribution). Examples of academic dishonesty are copying answers from another student during an exam, giving a false excuse for failing to show up for an exam, obtaining advance exam copies by unauthorized means, and damaging a computer disk to prevent evaluation of the work on that disk. Students who assist other students in academically dishonest acts are in violation of the policy.

What responsibilities are placed on students?
Students have a responsibility to cooperate when the University finds it necessary to investigate and hold hearings about alleged academic dishonesty.

What will happen if someone charges a student with academic dishonesty?
CHARGE FILED - A faculty or staff member or student will file a written, signed charge of academic dishonesty with the Office of the Vice President for Instruction (OVPI) if he/she has reason to believe that a student has been academically dishonest. The OVPI will then notify the accused student about the charge and two "student solicitors" will conduct a preliminary investigation. Unless the student admits guilt and accepts the proposed penalty, the student solicitors and the OVPI will then decide whether to proceed with a hearing or to dismiss the charge.

HEARING HELD - If the student solicitors and the OVPI find enough evidence to hold a hearing, then the OVPI will schedule a hearing before a hearing panel consisting of 3 students and 2 faculty members. The OVPI will notify the student and the faculty ember. This hearing is not a trial in a court of law. However, the student has the right to due process and the procedures followed at the hearing are designed to make certain that the student will receive that due process. This is not a case between the faculty member and the student or student organization - it is a case between the University and the student or student organization. The University's case will be presented by a student solicitor. The student may present his/her own case to be defended by a student representative. Certain other advisors may be present, but they are "silent advisors." After the hearing, the student and the faculty member will be notified of the decision of the hearing panel.

What penalties are imposed if a student is found to have been academically dishonest?
FIRST OFFENSE - MINIMUM - Unless the hearing panel finds "extraordinary circumstances," the minimum penalty for a first offense is one of the following:

• A notation on the transcript stating "found in violation of the academic honesty code";
• Suspension for a semester (other than summer and during which courses at other institutions are not transferable);
• Permanent expulsion

The notation, if imposed, may not be removed until the student leaves the University and two years have passed since the student was found guilty. It may be removed only if the student has not again been found to have violated academic honesty rules (and any other conditions which have been imposed are satisfied).

FIRST OFFENSE - ADDITIONAL - Other additional penalties may be imposed. These include an "F" for the course, community service, restrictions, probation and degree revocation. A faculty member filing a charge may also file a written recommendation concerning the appropriate penalty.

ADDITIONAL OFFENSE - In the case of a repeat offense, permanent expulsion plus the above transcript notation will be imposed. Also, a previously awarded degree may be revoked.

GRADE ON THE ASSIGNMENT - In all cases, the grade on the academic work involved will be the lowest possible grade under the grading system in that class (normally a zero or an "F").

May a student appeal?
The student or organization, but not the University or the faculty or staff member, may appeal the decision of the hearing panel.

Are there more specific rules about this process?
Yes. This is a brief summary of the process. There are many additional details in the formal policy, such as the time limits applicable to each step in the process. Each student should read "A Culture of Honesty." That can be located on the web page of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (www.uga.edu/vpaa/). Alternatively, a paper copy may be obtained from the OVPI.

Call 542-0432 if you have questions!

Office of the Vice President for Instruction
The University of Georgia
Old College
Athens, Georgia 30602-1691