At the University of Michigan, academic misconduct isn’t handled by a single campus office. Each school and college has its own process, and the largest, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), runs its cases through two paths: an Instructor Resolution, where the professor resolves the matter directly with the student, or an SAA Resolution, where LSA’s Office of Student Academic Affairs handles the case. A student found responsible can appeal to the LSA Academic Judiciary Committee, which includes both undergraduate students and faculty.
Michigan’s schools and colleges set their own procedures, and those procedures change over time. This article covers LSA’s process as LSA has published it; students in other Michigan schools, such as Engineering, follow their own school’s rules.
Two Paths in LSA
Instructor Resolution. An instructor can resolve a concern directly with the student. Under LSA’s procedures, the instructor informs the Office of Student Academic Affairs of the incident using an Instructor Resolution Form, and LSA’s faculty handbook states that the instructor’s report is kept on file. LSA notes that in cases of repeat or egregious offenses, its office reserves the right to reject the outcome of an Instructor Resolution and require an SAA Resolution instead.
SAA Resolution. The instructor can instead file a Report of Suspected Misconduct with the Office of Student Academic Affairs, which then handles the case. Before the Academic Misconduct Meeting, the student receives a report with the evidence the instructor submitted. After the meeting, the office sends the student and instructor a resolution letter with the final decision.
LSA states that until its office makes a final decision, the student is presumed not responsible and may continue to receive grades in the course. Many of these cases start with plagiarism software, a situation covered in Turnitin says I plagiarized, but I didn’t.
Grades While a Case Is Pending
LSA’s procedures state that while a case is pending, the instructor may not impose a penalty or require remedial work. LSA uses a temporary “NR” (No Report) grade in the meantime, and a student may not receive credit for the course, or graduate, while the NR grade is in place.
Appealing to the Academic Judiciary Committee
A student found responsible may submit a written appeal to the LSA Academic Judiciary Committee. The appeal must state what is being appealed: the finding of academic misconduct, the college sanction, or both. Because a finding can matter well beyond Michigan, students headed to graduate or professional programs should understand whether academic misconduct follows you to graduate school. For a comparison with another Big Ten university, see how Penn State handles academic integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles academic misconduct in Michigan’s College of LSA?
Either the instructor, through an Instructor Resolution, or LSA’s Office of Student Academic Affairs, through an SAA Resolution.
Can I graduate while a Michigan LSA academic misconduct case is pending?
Not while an NR grade is in place. LSA’s procedures state the student may not receive credit for the course or graduate during that time.
Who hears Michigan LSA academic misconduct appeals?
The LSA Academic Judiciary Committee, made up of undergraduate students and faculty members.
Does every University of Michigan school use the same process?
No. Michigan’s schools and colleges have their own procedures; this article covers LSA.
Getting Help With a Michigan LSA Case
Richard Asselta, a student defense attorney who advises students in university academic integrity processes nationwide, helps Michigan students understand LSA’s two paths, prepare for an Academic Misconduct Meeting, organize their evidence, and prepare a written appeal to the Academic Judiciary Committee. Call 855-338-5299 or learn more about Richard Asselta.