Being accused of cheating in school is more common than one would think. Students may work with a tutor or another student on a paper or assignment. Students often collaborate with each other to deepen learning and understanding. This collaboration can lead to accusations of cheating.
My teacher says I cheated – but I didn’t.
Teachers and professors encourage the use of tutors or working with other students on assignments. However, these same teachers turn around and accuse students of academic dishonesty. If two assignments are similar, students will be called in for a meeting and accused of cheating or plagiarism. So what can students do if a teacher says they cheated, but they didn’t?
I am accused of cheating but I’m innocent – what can I do?
- Meet with the teacher or professor. This is the first step in the process of cheating accusations and appeal. You should come prepared to defend yourself, but do not give a formal statement. The professor will gather your information, both statements and documents. The teacher will then make a decision on whether to charge a student with cheating or not.
- Be careful of what you say and provide to the professor. Any statements made or documents provided in a teacher meeting can hurt a student. Think carefully about what you share. Professors will use your own documents and statements to strengthen their findings that you cheated. If a professor believes you cheated, they will then forward their findings to the program dean. A student can expect formal academic dishonesty charges if this happens.
My professor forwarded the cheating accusations to the dean, what can I do now?
You will have the opportunity to defend yourself. This can happen in the form of a written submission and/or academic dishonesty hearing with a panel. It is a stressful situation that you must be fully prepared for. Your academic and professional career is on the line.
An Education Lawyer’s recommendation
Consult with an education law attorney to help draft your appeal and hearing statement. You only get one chance to fight the charges. A finding of cheating could lead to expulsion or suspension from your college program. This can have a lasting impact on your educational and professional future. Make your appeal the best it can be. I offer student defense services to students all over the United States. Give me a call, I would be happy to speak with you.Click here to read my top three tips when accused of cheating and here for our defense of students facing accusations of academic dishonesty. Richard Asselta is an award-winning education lawyer with law offices in both Florida and New Jersey and offers services to students throughout the United States. He is experience in defending students accused of cheating and in all other academic dishonesty charges. Call The Education Lawyers today and we will fight to protect your future. 855-338-5299 Click here to read what client’s are saying about Richard Asselta on Avvo, a lawyer review website.