At Clemson University, undergraduate academic integrity charges are handled through the Office of Undergraduate Studies. A charged student can accept responsibility or request a hearing before a board of the Academic Integrity Committee, which includes faculty and students. For a first offense, the instructor sets the penalty; for repeat offenses, Clemson’s policy sets the penalty, and it includes suspension.
A note on policies: universities revise their handbooks, rules, and procedures over time, and the process that governs any particular case is the one in effect for that case. This article describes the general structure of Clemson’s process as the university has published it. Clemson’s current Academic Integrity Policy is the controlling source.
How Does a Clemson Case Begin?
An instructor submits an academic integrity charge to the Office of Undergraduate Studies, which contacts the student.
Clemson’s guidance to faculty states that instructors can’t accuse a student of academic dishonesty and assess a penalty unless the student receives due process through the university’s process. Once contacted, the student can accept responsibility or request a hearing.
What Happens If a Student Doesn’t Respond?
Clemson’s process treats a failure to respond within the required time as waiving the right to a hearing.
According to Clemson’s published process, students who waive a hearing are found in violation of the academic integrity policy. The response window is short and is set out in the notice.
What Is an Academic Integrity Committee Hearing?
It is a hearing before a board of Clemson’s Academic Integrity Committee, which includes faculty and student members, and the board decides whether the student is in violation.
Clemson’s materials describe the hearing as the stage where a student is found either in violation or not in violation of the policy. According to Clemson’s guidance to faculty, most students take responsibility and only a minority of cases go to a hearing.
Can a Student Have an Advisor?
Yes. Clemson’s published process states that at any time, the student may have an advisor of their choosing, such as a parent, friend, or lawyer.
The advisor’s role during a hearing is defined by Clemson’s procedures in effect for the case.
What Are the Penalties?
For a first offense, the instructor sets the penalty, up to failure of the course. For repeat offenses, Clemson’s policy sets the penalty, which includes failing the course and suspension.
According to Clemson’s guidance to faculty, the maximum penalty for a first offense is failure of the course, and the most common penalty is a zero on the assignment. For multiple offenders, Clemson’s published process sets the penalty as an F in the course and suspension for one or more semesters, or possible dismissal.
Common Misconceptions About Clemson Cases
“My professor can just handle it.” Clemson’s guidance states that instructors can’t assess a penalty for academic dishonesty without the university’s due process.
“If I ignore it, nothing happens.” Clemson’s process treats a failure to respond as waiving the hearing, which results in a finding of violation.
“Lawyers aren’t allowed.” Clemson’s process states that a student may have an advisor of their choosing, including a lawyer.
“A second offense is treated like a first.” Clemson’s policy sets a mandatory penalty for repeat offenses that includes suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles academic integrity cases at Clemson?
The Office of Undergraduate Studies, with hearings before boards of the Academic Integrity Committee.
Can I bring a lawyer to a Clemson academic integrity hearing?
Clemson’s published process states that a student may have an advisor of their choosing, such as a parent, friend, or lawyer.
What is the penalty for a first academic integrity violation at Clemson?
The instructor sets the penalty, with a maximum of failing the course. Clemson reports that a zero on the assignment is most common.
What is the penalty for a second violation at Clemson?
Clemson’s policy sets it: an F in the course and suspension for one or more semesters, or possible dismissal.
Representation in Clemson Academic Integrity Cases
Every case turns on its specific facts and on the university’s policies as they stand at the time of the case, and handbooks and procedures can change. Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents students in academic misconduct cases at colleges and universities nationwide, including Clemson. See also what happens at an academic integrity hearing. Call 855-338-5299.