Skip to Main Content
A-Z Index
Dean of Students Office
oneColumn

Academic Misconduct

The integration of the Academic Misconduct and Student Conduct processes allows faculty the academic freedom to assign grades as they see fit, and those grades will not be disturbed by the Dean of Students Office. While additional Student Conduct disciplinary sanctions (such as reflection papers, writing courses, educational opportunities, etc.) are ultimately left to DOS determination, faculty are also encouraged to provide feedback on what sorts of sanctions are appropriate for the holistic educational experience in each case.

Academic Integrity vs. Misconduct

Academic Integrity is an interdisciplinary concept that provides the foundation for every aspect and all levels of education. The term reflects the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage (International Center for Academic Integrity, 2013). Academic Integrity is not “a student issue” but instead a commitment from all stakeholders, creating a culture within its academic community, which is then reflected in the reputation of the University. (Oxford Research Encyclopedia, 2018).

The University of North Florida encourages the free and open pursuit of knowledge; we consider this to be a fundamental principle and strength of a democratic people. To this end, the University of North Florida expects its students, its faculty, its administrators, and its staff to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. The University of North Florida expects all members of the University community to both honor and protect one another’s individual and collective rights. More information related to Academic Integrity can be found in the UNF Course Catalog.

Academic Misconduct refers to violations related to coursework or within the academic setting, including but not limited to, unauthorized collaboration, misuse of materials (course or otherwise), plagiarism, and improper publication. These violations are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

The University of North Florida is committed to integrity, respect, accountability and innovation. These values serve as the foundation for the Student Code of Conduct. In order to function effectively and to provide a climate in which all members can fulfill their personal, professional, social, and academic obligations, the University has established this Code for defining behavioral rights and responsibilities within this community.

 Students are responsible for knowing the information, policies and procedures outlined in this document. The Code of Conduct is in writing in order to give students general notice of prohibited conduct. The regulations are not a criminal code; they should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms. By accepting the privilege of attending classes at the University, each student consents to the Student Code of Conduct.

Reporting

Individuals who suspect a student engaged in academic misconduct should submit their concerns using the Academic Misconduct reporting form. This link can also be found on the footer of our DOS website. The form should be completed with as much detail as possible, including a description of the incident/concern, contact information, and any supporting documentation. Faculty submitting a referral may also include any additional grade penalty they are assigning the student; however, grades are not part of the DOS academic misconduct process and their inclusion is for informational purposes only.

Review

The Dean of Students Office reviews all incoming reports for credibility, accuracy and potential noncompliance with the Code of Conduct. This review may include reaching out to the reporting party, impacted faculty member, department chair or Dean to gather additional information. Faculty perspective and preference related to severity of the referral, preferred resolution process and/or potential outcomes and sanctions will be taken into consideration.

Resolution

Academic Misconduct cases may be resolved through an informal process, mediation process, or formal hearing proceeding. If a student was previously referred for an academic misconduct violation or their referral includes especially egregious behavior, one or more of the resolution methods may no longer be available. Unless an exception is granted by the Provost/designee, the University Academic Misconduct process must be completed prior to any non-grade disciplinary measure that a department or program may contemplate taking for academic misconduct, such as removal from a program. The various tracks allow a reporting party or impacted faculty member the ability to either participate, or not, based on their preference.

More information on each resolution process can be found on our website.

Assignment of Grade

This decision rests solely with faculty. Grade assignments are not considered a sanction and are issued at the discretion of faculty members. Upon the conclusion of the academic misconduct process, the faculty member can use the DOS decision to inform their grade assignment, but it is not required. Students choosing to appeal an assignment or course grade must refer to the University Academic Appeal Committee. Additional information about the Grade Appeal process can be found on the Academic Appeals website.