You go to class on time, pay attention, and study hard for exams. Then, several days after taking an exam, you receive an email from your professor accusing you of academic cheating. The professor states that they have received reports from other students that you were using your phone, notes, or other unauthorized materials to cheat on a test. But you didn’t cheat, or think you were seen. What should you do?
Your student handbook
Find the section that deals with disciplinary procedures, academic dishonesty, or honor code violations. Take your time and critically read the entire section and find out what your universities procedure for a cheating violation is. This section should also contain a step by step process that will happen when a student is accused of cheating, along with possible sanctions or punishments if found responsible.
Can I talk to the professor and stop them from going forward with charges?
If a professor accuses you of cheating by report from another student, two things can happen.
- The professor can ask to meet with you first, but this is not always a required step in the academic dishonesty process.
- The professor will just file academic dishonesty charges against a student and let the school handle the process.
Should I try to talk to my professor?
Depending on what the accusations are, meeting with a professor could help, or could make a bad situation worse. Unfortunately, how to handle the professor is a strategy that is unique to each academic cheating allegation. Some professors are open to hearing all sides of the situation, while others take the position that they don’t want to hear any excuses.
How can another student just accuse me of academic cheating without any proof?
When one student or group of students accuse another of academic cheating, there is more required than just a verbal statement. An emailed statement or official college disciplinary statement required for formal academic disciplinary charges. These statements can be obtained by students if they request a copy of all evidence being used against them. The student statements may be redacted, or blacked out in some areas. This is to protect the identity of the accuser. If your academic cheating charges proceed to a hearing, there is additional ways to attack the student statements.
Can a lawyer for college students help students defend against an academic cheating charge?
Yes. I advise students all over the US defend against academic cheating charges. Each student’s situation is unique, and my defense strategy depends on the situation. As a lawyer who defends college students, my expertise in the college disciplinary process gives each student the best chance for success.
Can you help all college students?
Yes. I help students all over the country fight accusations of academic cheating. By working together to craft the best defense possible, you will be given the greatest chance at success. I also attend hearings with students to support them during this very stressful event. Typically, a panel of students and staff will question the student. The presence of a defense lawyer for college students will help the student keep calm and refute academic cheating allegations while keeping the hearing fair and honest. Give me a call today. I offer free consultations and fair prices to help students keep their record clean and stop a suspension or expulsion from school. 855-338-5299Richard Asselta is an award-winning education lawyer offering student advising services nationally. Call today for a free consultation and see how The Education Lawyers will fight for you. Click here to read what clients are saying about Richard Asselta on AVVO, a lawyer review website.