Academic Success Center

https://success.oregonstate.edu/

Disability Access Services

Please be sure that your syllabus contains this statement:

Accommodations for students with disabilities are determined and approved by Disability Access Services (DAS). If you, as a student, believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not obtained approval please contact DAS immediately at 541-737-4098 or at http://ds.oregonstate.edu. DAS notifies students and faculty members of approved academic accommodations and coordinates implementation of those accommodations. While not required, students and faculty members are encouraged to discuss details of the implementation of individual accommodations.

Please bring the DAS syllabus statement to the attention your students at the first-class meeting.

Notification Email From DAS

Faculty will receive an email from DAS identifying appropriate accommodations for the student. Please review the email, submit any requested information, and consider the impact of the accommodations in the context of your class. Discuss any questions or concerns you have with our office.

Confidentiality

Information concerning a student's disability should be disclosed only to those with a legitimate "need to know." Sharing of information with other faculty and staff needs to be balanced with the student's interest while maintaining their privacy. Further disclosure should only be made with the express permission of the student or in consultation with appropriate DAS staff. Please do not discuss a student's disability or need for accommodations in front of other students.

Web Access

All course web pages must be constructed in an accessible format. Web pages need to be accessible across multiple platforms (text-to-speech software, screen readers, screen enlargers etc.). If media is embedded into pages, descriptive text or captioning must also be provided. Making Web pages accessible is easier than many might think and usually only takes up little time. OSU has accessibility guidelines for everyone to follow. They are available They are available at http://oregonstate.edu/accessibility/. For assistance regarding Web page accessibility, please contact Disability.Services@oregonstate.edu.

Contact Information

A200 Kerr Administration

Phone: 541-737-7354

Email: disability.services@oregonstate.edu

Student Conduct and Community Standards – Academic Misconduct

The Code of Student Conduct prohibits Academic Misconduct and defines it as:

Any action that misrepresents a student or group’s work, knowledge, or achievement, provides a potential or actual inequitable advantage, or compromises the integrity of the educational process.

To support understanding of what can be included in this definition, the Code further classifies and describes examples of Academic Misconduct, as follows.

Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to doing or attempting the following actions:

Cheating. Unauthorized assistance, or access to or use of unauthorized materials, information, tools, or study aids. Examples include, but are not limited to, unauthorized collaboration or copying on a test or assignment, using prohibited materials and texts, unapproved use of cell phones, internet, or other electronic devices, etc.

Plagiarism. Representing the words or ideas of another person or presenting someone else's words, data, expressed ideas, or artistry as one's own. Examples include, but are not limited to, presenting someone else's opinions and theories as one's own, using another person's work or words (including unpublished material) without appropriate source documentation or citation, working jointly on a project and then submitting it as one's own, etc.

Falsification. Fabrication or invention of any information. Examples include, but are not limited to, falsifying research, inventing or falsely altering data, citing fictitious references, falsely recording or reporting attendance, hours, or engagement in activities such as internships, externships, field experiences, clinical activities, etc.

Assisting. Any action that helps another engage in academic misconduct. Examples include, but are not limited to, providing materials or assistance without approval, altering someone's work, grades or academic records, taking a test/doing an assignment for someone else, compelling acquisition, selling, bribing, paying or accepting payment for academic work or assistance that contributes to academic misconduct, etc.

Tampering. Interfering with an instructor’s evaluation of work by altering materials or documents, tampering with evaluation tools, or other means of interfering.

Multiple submissions of work. Using or submitting work completed for another or previous class or requirement, without appropriate disclosure, citation, and instructor approval.

Unauthorized recording and use. Recording and/or dissemination of instructional content without the express permission of the instructor(s), or an approved accommodation coordinated via Disability Access Services.

OSU students and graduates benefit significantly from the university's emphasis and value of academic and scholarly integrity. All community members contribute to fostering an environment where learning and academic achievement is earned with fairness, honor, and integrity. Prior to attending OSU, students may have experienced differing expectations and practices when it comes to academic performance, but by attending OSU, you have chosen to hold yourself to a shared standard of practice in completing academic work. Understanding what you are responsible for and what the expectations are for students in essential for avoiding academic misconduct. In addition to learning the responsibilities and expectations, students should also learn the appropriate resources available and enhance study habits and skills in order to never feel the need to engage in academic misconduct.

What does Academic Misconduct Look Like in Practice?

Eyes wandering during quiz. If you see another student glance at another student’s paper,

1. Make a class-wide announcement: ‘remember to keep your eyes on your own paper’.

If the behavior continues,

1. Confirm with the other TA that you both believe that misconduct is taking place
2. Inform the student that they need to keep their eyes on their own paper (this should be done as discretely as possible)

In the event that the behavior continues despite previous attempts to stop it,

1. Move the student to a separate table or the teaching table to finish their quiz
2. Document the occurrence and actions and report to course coordinators immediately.

Similar quizzes found when grading. If you see two quizzes that look suspiciously similar to one another, photo copy or scan both quizzes and report the incident to the course coordinators immediately.

Student using unauthorized material on quiz. If you see a student using a cheat sheet or electronic devices during the quiz, confiscate both the quiz and report the incident to the coordinators immediately.

Plagiarism in written work. If you find that a student plagiarized an assignment, document the plagiarism by scanning or photocopying and report the incident to the course coordinators. Please report all turnitin scores over 30% before grading and posting grades.

How do I handle Academic Misconduct in a BI22x Classroom?

In addressing a potential academic misconduct situation:

1. Act immediately and prevent if possible
2. Use discretion, if possible, avoid embarrassing the student unless repeated offenses occur
3. Document all instances in which you address academic misconduct and have your assistant TA observe the behavior with you.
4. Report all instances of potential academic misconduct to the course coordinators as soon as possible.
5. If you detract ANY points from the student’s grade because of misconduct, it must be reported to OSU Office of Student Conduct through the course coordinators.

Students: I've Been Accused of Academic Misconduct - Now What?

• If you’ve been accused of Academic Misconduct, you should read your email thoroughly and remain in communication with whomever contacted you to discuss the allegation of Academic Misconduct. Students are afforded opportunities to effectively participate in response to an allegation in accordance with the Academic Integrity Process (Section 5.11 of the Code, and included on this page). Here are some general things to know if you have been accused of academic misconduct:
• Academic Misconduct is a significant offense that could result in academic penalties and other sanctions, including suspension or expulsion from Oregon State University. The Academic Integrity Process, which includes an opportunity for accused students to review and respond to reported evidence of academic misconduct, is primarily facilitated by College Hearing Officers designated by the college in which the violation was alleged to have occurred.
• All written communication from the University regarding a case will be submitted to students’ oregonstate.edu email. Students are expected to check this email regularly in order to assure effective communication around this incident.
• Once any decisions and outcomes are finalized, students are expected to comply with any sanctions and directives issued. Failure to do so may result in a registration hold placed on the student account and/or further conduct action by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
• Students may not withdraw from a course in order to circumvent accountability for Academic Misconduct. While students are permitted to withdraw and retake courses, in accordance with the permissions of the Academic Regulations, Academic Misconduct allegations will be pursued and resolved regardless of a students continued enrollment. Additionally, if a College Hearing Officer assigns a penalty of an F grade for the course, that penalty will override any alternative grade format requested by the student, such as a “W.”
• Please visit https://studentlife.oregonstate.edu/studentconduct/academic-misconduct-students for more information about the process.

Faculty: what is our role in supporting students

• If you are concerned about a student who may be in distress, or if a student is uncooperative in controlling inappropriate and disruptive behavior, we urge you to call our office for consultation. We will work with you to develop a plan of action and will provide support until the issue is resolved.
• Holding students accountable
• There are times when a student's behavior is in violation of the Student Conduct Code, which all students inherently agree to abide by upon acceptance of admission to Oregon State University. If you witness a violation, please report it to our office by using the Incident Report Form.

Promoting academic integrity

Faculty are essential in upholding the highest academic standards. Your time and attention to prevent and address academic misconduct is appreciated by the entire university community. When an instructor observes, or discovers a potential act of academic misconduct, the instructor should document it and collect information. If the instructor believes that the collected information indicates a violation of the Academic Misconduct policy, they should consult with their department head (in accordance with AR 15 and departmental protocols) and then submit an Academic Misconduct Report. Please review this info graphic to learn more about the process.

Professional Development

Our staff is available to present to faculty and staff on "Identifying and Managing Students with Distressed or Disruptive Behavior" and "Promoting Academic Integrity in the Classroom." Please complete the Request a Presentation.

Strategies for Preventing Academic Misconduct

In an effort to prevent academic misconduct, we are providing tips and strategies that you can utilize in your classroom. This tool is intended for you to use in addition to your syllabus as a way to provide clear guidelines for students in terms of what you expect of them and their assignments.

Click for more tips and information to help prevent academic misconduct

Suggested Syllabus Statements

One method of clearly articulating expectations of acceptable behavior is through the course syllabus. This document can set the tone and demonstrate your interest in their learning, as well as your commitment to reporting any failure to adhere to your expectations or the Code of Student Conduct. By describing your particular expectations, you remind and educate the student, and by doing so, reduce the likelihood that they engage in unacceptable.

Example

You are expected to do your own work and demonstrate academic integrity in every aspect of this course. Familiarize yourself with the standards set forth in the OSU Code of Student Conduct section 4.2 (available at studentlife.oregonstate.edu/code). You must only access sources and resources authorized by the instructor and correctly cite all sources that contribute to the completion of an assignment. You may not show your work to any other current or future students without the instructor's authorization. Violations of these expectations or the Code of Student Conduct will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. If there is any question about whether an act constitutes academic misconduct, it is your responsibility to seek clarification and approval from the instructor prior to acting.

Additional considerations for syllabus statements:

• To help prevent misconduct in your class, you might want to think about adding additional information for students in your syllabus outlining your expectations. Consider these questions if your class involves.
• Lab Work: Can lab partners work on the lab write-up together? Can students use the same data?
• Group Projects: How can group projects be divided among group members? What happens to the rest of the group if one student plagiarizes?
• Collaboration: What does acceptable collaboration look like? What would cross the line and become misconduct?
• Behavior during exams
• Online Assignments: What resources can students utilize (including classmates) for completing online assignments?
• Explicitly prohibited or permitted resources: If you are teaching a language class, to what degree do you want student to access online translation tools? Or in a writing class, do you want students to generate citations exclusively using the APA manual, or is it okay to use a bibliography-generator online to create correct citations?
• Computer Coding: How are students allowed to help each other when coding? Can they show other students their code? Can students post their code online? Are students allowed to reference codes outside of lecture and the textbook?
• You should also consider if you have set standards for recommending academic penalties. Some instructors/colleges have a minimum penalty that they would recommend if a student is found responsible for academic misconduct in their class.
• Would being found responsible of academic misconduct automatically result in failure of the assignment or course? If so, then you can state so in your syllabus*.

Student Conduct and Community Standards – Disruptive Behavior

While the University is a place where the free exchange of ideas and concepts allows for debate and disagreement, all classroom behavior and discourse should reflect the values of respect and civility. Disruptive behavior is defined as behavior that “interferes with university or university-sponsored activities, including but not limited to classroom related activities, study, teach, research, intellectual or creative endeavors, administration, service or the provision of communication, computing or emergency services.” Disruptive behavior by students occurs on a continuum of low-risk to high-risk behaviors.

Minimally Disruptive Behavior

In cases where the behavior is minimally disruptive, it is recommended that the staff or faculty member talk with the student immediately upon observing the behavior. The purpose of this discussion is to review the disruptive behavior and its impact on the learning environment. This discussion should include behavioral expectations: how the student can correct the behavior and probable consequences should the behavior persist. Examples of minimally disruptive behaviors in the classroom include being late to class, beepers and cell phones going off during class, and reading the newspaper. In a work environment, minimally disruptive behaviors may include ignoring the instructions of a university official, yelling, or blocking access to university resources.

Significant Disruptive Behavior

There are times when behavior is so disruptive that an immediate referral to The Office of Student Conduct is appropriate. The term “classroom disruption” means behavior a reasonable person would view as interfering with the conduct of a class. Examples of increasing seriousness include: making distracting noises, persistently speaking without being recognized, repeatedly interrupting, or resorting to physical threats or personal insults.

When a very serious or threatening incident of disruptive behavior occurs in the classroom, academic building, or on the campus, Oregon State Police should be contacted immediately by calling 737-7000.

When to call for immediate assistance:

• Threats of physical assault
• Threat of violence or other unlawful behavior
• Intimidation or harassment of another person through words and/or actions
• Presentation of an overt or veiled threat
• Exhibition of extreme emotional and/or psychological behaviors that could result in them harming themselves or others.