I have been charged with an Offence under the Code of Student Behaviour
What is going to happen to me?
One of the most important things for you to do right now is become informed. Be sure to read the Code of Student Behaviour's section on Offences online. The more information you learn, the more prepared you will be to deal with the charges.
What is an Inappropriate Academic Behaviour offence?
What are the sanctions?
Who can I talk to for advice?
How do proceedings begin?
What does the Discipline Office do?
What if I get suspended? Is it going to remain on my transcripts after the time is up?
What about expulsion?
What is considered an Inappropriate Academic Behaviour Offence?
According to the Code of Student Behaviour, actions such as:
· Participation in an Offence
· Plagiarism
· Cheating
· Misuse of Confidential Materials
· Misrepresentation of facts
· Research and Scholarship Misconduct
· Specific Faculty Offences
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What are the Sanctions for Inappropriate Academic Behaviour Offences?
Sanctions for these offences can result in:
· Expulsion: The requirement to withdraw completely from the University of Alberta for an indefinite time period. You will not be able to return for a minimum of four years and only then if the Vice President (Academic) and Provost in consultation with your Faculty approves your re-admittance.
· Suspension: Students are required to withdraw completely from the University of Alberta, for a certain length of time, to the maximum of three years. After the time period is up, students are allowed to re-enroll at the University but the suspension will be noted on the transcript for a period of three years after it ends.
· Conduct Probation: An order that students are required to comply with specific conditions for a period up to three years.
· Grade Reduction on the assignment or examination
· Grade Reduction on a final course grade
· A final grade of F in the course, and/or a transcript notation denoting failure due to Inappropriate Academic Behaviour. This notation remains on the transcript for a period of two years. After that time, the notation is removed and the grade remains.
*A grade of F8 in the course and a suspension (to a maximum of three years) is a common sanction for an Academic Offence under the Code of Student Behaviour.
· Written reprimand
· Suspension of any Degree already awarded
· Removal of any Degree already awarded
It is important to note that every case has different circumstances, therefore the sanctions received will vary.
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Who can I talk to for advice?
At any point in this process, you can speak to an advisor from the Student OmbudService. They are there to provide you with advice and answers, as well as to give you some idea of why things are happening the way they are and how to prepare for the meetings. It is better to come for advice earlier rather than later so that the most accurate advice can be provided.
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How do the Academic Offence proceedings begin?
The person bringing the Offence proceedings against you, typically a professor, may initiate the process by writing and signing a statement that outlines the situation. This person will also inform you and the Dean of the allegations that have been placed against you. It is then up to the Dean to meet with you and decide if you have committed the alleged offence. If the Dean believes you have, you will receive a letter from the Dean outlining your charges and sanction. For example, if your professor believes you have committed a violation of the Code of Student Behaviour, he or she would have to write and sign a statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the allegation. This statement will then be submitted to the Dean. (See the Code of Student Behaviour on-line for details)
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What does the Discipline Office do?
The Dean is authorized to assign 'intermediate' sanctions. If he or she believes a suspension is warranted as well, the Dean must recommend the suspension to the Discipline Office. The Discipline Office exists to ensure consistency across all Faculties and to do a full, unbiased investigation into the allegations against you. The Discipline Office will contact you when they have received a recommendation for a severe sanction from a Dean. They will request a meeting and will interview you to hear your side of the story. They will also want to know about other relevant factors in your life and the impact of various sanctions. They will interview anyone you think will have relevant information and even investigate the locations where the alleged offence took place. Once they are satisfied that they have all the information, they will provide a written report detailing their investigation and providing their decision.
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What can you do?
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPEAL THE CHARGES, THE SANCTION OR BOTH. See an advisor at the Student OmbudService for more information.
What if I get suspended? Is it going to remain on my transcripts after the time is up?
Yes, for three years from the end date of your suspension. "Suspension imposed for disciplinary reasons" will appear on your transcript.
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What about expulsion?
An entry stating that you have been expelled will appear on your transcript permanently or until you have special permission from the Vice President (Academic) and Provost in consultation with your Faculty to be re-admitted to the University of Alberta.
(This document was compiled to help answer students' most common questions regarding Academic Offences. This handout is not an Official University Document and is not intended to replace the University of Alberta Calendar itself, nor information provided by Faculties and Departments. All of the previous information was compiled from the 2003/2004 University of Alberta Calendar and the Code of Student Behaviour, July 1, 2001.)
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