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Accused of fabricating class records in college? Advice from a defense attorney for students.

On Behalf of | Jul 16, 2018

Transitioning to college can be a tough adjustment for students. Balancing the demands of each class with extracurricular activities and friends is a challenge. You are running late for class and a friend offers to help you out, they will sign you into class or run your clicker for you. What happens if you or your friend get caught? You could be charged with fabrication or falsification of class records. What should you do? Read on for the answer from a lawyer for college students.

I am being charged with fabricating class records by my university. What does that mean?

The specific definition of fabrication of class records for your school should be outlined in your student handbook under the academic honor code section. Some examples of fabricating class records are:

  • Signing someone else into class
  • Running a classmate’s clicker in their absence
  • Stating you attended a class credit event when you did not
  • Noting dates and time on a lab attendance record when you were not there

Can my university tell if I fabricated class records?

Maybe. I am sure some professors may not catch on and some students do not get caught. However, it only takes one classmate to report it or a professor to notice. Getting caught fabricating records can put you in a bad position with your university.

What happens if I am caught fabricating my class records?

This depends on your colleges procedure for honor code violations. Universities often have different processes. Your student handbook should outline what to expect if charged with fabrication.Generally, students are given the chance to defend themselves against an honor code charge. It may happen between just you and the professor or in front of an honor code committee. Check the academic integrity policy for your university to be sure.

What can happen if I am found guilty of fabricating class records?

The university will sanction you. The punishment depends on how severe they view your violation and if you have had any other previous honor code violations. Sanctions can range from a warning up to dismissal and expulsion from your university.

Can I appeal my disciplinary sanction for fabrication?

Yes. This appeal is very important as it is often a student’s last chance at fighting a disciplinary sanction. The disciplinary appeal is typically a written submission to the dean or provost of the university. Make sure you know how long you have to submit an appeal and what issues a student can argue. Universities often limit what a student can argue on an appeal. The most common student appeal categories are new information, harshness of sanction, and policy violations. I write appeals for students using my extensive background as an appellate attorney and specialized knowledge of the academic disciplinary process.

Can you help me defend against the charge of fabrication?

Yes. I offerstudent defense advising services throughout the United States. Using my nearly twenty years as an attorney with a specialized knowledge of the academic integrity process, I assist students to gain successful outcomes.

Call today for a free consultation. 855-338-5299

Richard Asselta is an award-winning student defense lawyer who offers academic advising services throughout the United States. He is experienced in defending all types of college disciplinary issues, including falsification. Click here to read what clients are saying about Richard Asselta on AVVO, a lawyer review website.