Policies and Procedures

Grinnell's process regarding suspected academic dishonesty follows these steps:

1. If an instructor believes there is a possibility of academic dishonesty, the instructor brings the matter to the Chair of the Academic Honesty Subcommittee of the Committee on Academic Standing.
2. After initial discussion, the instructor presents the facts of the case to the Subcommittee:
   • Information regarding the course syllabus and assignment
   • Work submitted by the student
   • Commentary by the instructor, providing background on why the student's work seems suspicious.
3. The Chair of the Subcommittee works with the Registrar to schedule a hearing:
   • The student's schedule is examined to identify likely available times.
   • The student receives a letter in the mailbox, indicating the nature of the difficulty, a copy of the student's work, and an outline of procedures.
   • email tells the student that a letter has been placed in the mailbox, but to preserve confidentiality the email does not mention the nature of the letter.
   • If the scheduled time will not work, the student should contact the Subcommittee Chair.
4. The student may send the Subcommittee Chair a written statement, but this is not required.
5. At the hearing,
   • The student may bring a non-participating observer (often an academic adviser or staff member) (not required).
   • the student talks directly with the Subcommittee (3 faculty) to explain the student's perspective.
   • the student may make an opening statement (not required).
   • Subcommittee members ask questions regarding the case.
   • Discussion often includes how to avoid such situations in the future.
6. The Subcommittee presents its findings and recommendations to the full Committee on Academic Standing.
7. The full Committee determines whether or not the student is responsible for academic dishonesty.
   • If the student is found responsible, the full Committee determines the appropriate outcome.
8. The student is notified via a letter in the student post office, with email indicating a letter has been delivered.
9. If the student wishes to appeal, the appeal should be filed within five business days to the President's Office.
   • An appeal is conducted by members of the Executive Council, appointed by the President.

created 17 August 2013 last revised 19 August 2013

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