| Important Notice: This policies and procedures guide revises and supercedes all previously published guidelines concerning instructor/student responsibilities and academic violations, sanctions and appeals. The final section of this guide contains the Student Conduct Code. |
STUDENT
RESPONSIBILITIES
Academic Expectations
Assistance
Evaluation
Academic Honesty
ACADEMIC
MISCONDUCT PROCEDURES
Academic Misconduct
Description and
Examples
Sanctions
Academic
Misconduct Procedures
STUDENT
ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Introduction
Academic Decisions
Reviewed
Student Academic
Grievances
STUDENT CONDUCT CODE
Conduct Expectations
Judicial
Authority and Jurisdiction
Proscribed Conduct
Judicial
System/Hearing Boards
Student
Conduct Hearing Procedures
Sanctions
Appeals
Interim Restrictions
Records and
Confidentiality
The general content of a course or academic program must be described with reasonable accuracy in catalogs and other written documents available to students. Instructors must state, in writing or by electronic means, the course content, objectives and attendance/make-up policies (if any). This material must be given (or otherwise made available) to the students at the first or second class meeting.
Instructors may establish reasonable rules for classroom behavior and should articulate such rules as part of the other course materials provided to the students.
Instructors should state, in writing or by electronic means, the limits of assistance permitted between and among students in a course assignment or academic evaluation.
Instructors should be prompt in meeting their scheduled classes, be available for appointments with students at designated times, be well prepared for classes, and be fair and prompt in grading class assignments and tests. The scheduled final examinations period must be used for final examinations in the class or other instruction.
Factors such as race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, political beliefs or personal relationships may not be considered in matters of academic evaluation, academic assignments, or classroom procedures. If an instructor learns personal information about the student (religious and political views, sexual orientation, etc.) during the progress of the course, he or she must not share such information with the other students nor should such knowledge influence the evaluation of the student.
Instructors are expected to make time available for student conferences through regularly scheduled office hours. Office hours should be convenient to both students and the instructor with the opportunity provided for prearranged appointments. Available office hours should be communicated to students.
Instructors are expected to meet their classes regularly and at scheduled times. In case of illness or emergency, the department should be notified and arrangements should be made to have another staff member instruct the class or promptly notify students of cancellation. When an instructor knows in advance that he or she will miss a class, arrangements must be made to have the work of the class continue, either by arranging for a substitute instructor, by scheduling an examination for that day, or by providing some alternate work assignment for the students. Classes may not be canceled for the convenience of the instructor.
Instructors should specify in writing, preferably as part of the syllabus, the specific grading policies for the class. Grading is the prerogative and responsibility of the instructor. Instructors are responsible for the assignment of the final course grade. The assigned grade should reflect the performance of the student in the course commensurate with the content and objectives of the course. If a student questions his or her grade, the instructor has a responsibility to discuss the matter with the student. If the instructor cannot satisfactorily resolve the matter, the student should be advised of the grievance procedures, copies of which are available electronically on MSUinfo or in writing from the Office of the Provost or the Dean of Students. Should a grievance be filed, the instructor is expected to provide such assistance as may be necessary to process the grievance.
Graded examinations, papers, and other sources of evaluation are to be available to the student for inspection and discussion and should be retained by the instructor for at least one semester. Adjunct and part-time instructors should arrange for storage with the department in their absence. Examinations, papers and other sources of evaluation should be graded promptly to make the results a part of the student's learning experience. The grade records and records of attendance, if any, will be retained for at least one year to provide the opportunity for review and resolution of grade disputes.
Students who have complaints about instructors who have failed to meet their instructional responsibilities may submit an Instruction Complaint Form to the instructor's Department Head (forms available at department office). The Department Head will address the matters raised in the complaint with the instructor and will advise the student of his or her determination regarding the complaint. If the Department Head fails to act or the student is dissatisfied with the Department Head's action, the student may forward the complaint to the Dean of the College. The Dean's decision is the final decision of the University.
Students should:
Students should seek assistance from the instructor and from the appropriate University support services (e.g., tutors, study skills counseling, career development, etc.), if the need for such services arises.
Students should follow fair and appropriate procedures when evaluating their courses and instructors. Factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, political beliefs or personal relationships may not be considered.
The integrity of the academic process requires that credit be given where credit is due. Accordingly, it is academic misconduct to present the ideas or works of another as one's own work, or to permit another to present one's work without customary and proper acknowledgment of authorship. Students may collaborate with other students only as expressly permitted by the instructor. Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, the appropriate citation of sources and the respect and recognition of others' academic endeavors.
The administration, faculty and students of Montana State University believe that academic honesty and integrity are fundamental to the mission of higher education. The University has a responsibility to promote academic honesty and integrity and to assure the highest ethical and professional standards and behavior in the classroom. Accordingly, the University has developed procedures that address instances of academic dishonesty. Students who violate these standards commit academic misconduct and will be subject to academic and/or disciplinary sanctions.
Includes cheating, plagiarism, forgery, falsification, facilitation or aiding academic dishonesty; multiple submission, theft of instructional materials or tests; unauthorized access to, manipulation of or tampering with laboratory equipment, experiments, computer programs, or animals without proper authorization; alteration of grades or files; misuse of research data in reporting results; use of personal relationships to gain grades or favors, or otherwise attempting to obtain grades or credit through fraudulent means.
A description of some forms of academic dishonesty and some examples are provided to help the student understand his or her responsibilities for academic honesty:
The following sanctions may be imposed for academic misconduct:
If an instructor has reason to believe that a student has engaged in academic misconduct, the following procedures apply:
The instructor should personally and privately advise the student that there is reason to believe that the student has committed an act that constitutes academic misconduct. The student should be allowed a reasonable opportunity to respond or explain.
If, after hearing the student's response (if any is provided), the instructor continues to believe the student engaged in academic misconduct, he or she will inform the student of his or her determination and of any intended sanction (s). An instructor is limited to imposing sanctions within the scope of the academic activity (sanctions A through E of Section III.) The instructor will prepare the Academic Misconduct Notification (forms available at department office) and submit a copy to the student, the Department Head, Graduate Dean (if a graduate student) and the Dean of Students. The instructor has the right to refuse to sign a drop form for the class in question.
In addition to the imposition of the academic sanctions, an instructor may request in writing that the Dean of Students file a charge against the student for violation of the Student Conduct Code. If the student is found in violation of the Student Conduct Code, sanctions F-I of Section III may be imposed in addition to the academic sanctions.
A student who has been sanctioned by instructors more than once at MSU will be charged with a violation of the Student Conduct Code and subject to additional disciplinary sanctions.
A student who receives an Academic Misconduct Notification under this section may request a hearing before the Student Conduct Board to contest the instructor's determination that academic misconduct occurred. The student must file a written request with the Dean of Students within five (5) working days of receipt of the Academic Misconduct Notification.
If the student appeals the instructor's academic misconduct determination, an incomplete grade ("I") will be assigned until the matter is concluded. A grade assigned before the instructor's knowledge of academic misconduct may be changed after it was assigned if the grade was obtained through academic misconduct or by fraud.
If a student appeals the instructor's academic misconduct determination, the procedures under the Student Conduct Code (Section V.) will be followed, as modified below.
- Decision of Student Conduct Board. In cases of alleged academic misconduct, the Student Conduct Board will determine whether the student engaged in academic misconduct and will recommend any non-academic sanction outlined under Section III above.
The decision of the Student Conduct Board will be forwarded to the Dean of Students (or designee) and to the relevant instructor (s).
If the Student Conduct Board finds the student committed academic misconduct, the instructor imposed academic sanction will stand. If the Student Conduct Board finds the student did not commit academic misconduct, the instructor will have ten (10) working days to report his or her grade for the student's work. The instructor will forward his or her grade determination to the Dean of Students (or designee), and the Graduate Dean (if a graduate student).
The Dean of Students will send a copy of the decision, the grade and the sanction (s) imposed to the student and the instructor, and the Graduate Dean if applicable. Either party may appeal the decision directly to the Provost subject to the criteria set forth in Section VII of the Student Conduct Code. The decision of the Provost is the final decision of the University.
Students who disagree with an academic decision made by an instructor or administrator, including the assignment of grades or decisions about program or degree requirements or eligibility, may file a grievance under these procedures.
These procedures are available only to review allegedly unfair academic decisions and not mere differences of opinion regarding the professional judgment of the instructor in evaluating a student's work or making an academic decision. The academic decision, including the assignment of a grade, will be considered unfair if the decision is made:
A student who wishes to grieve an academic decision must proceed as follows:
The student should attempt to resolve the matter directly with the instructor or administrator through a personal conference as soon as possible after the academic decision is known.
The student shall send a copy of the grievance to the instructor. The instructor shall have ten (10) working days to respond after receipt of the grievance.
Once a student files a grievance, he or she will be assigned an incomplete grade ("I") until the matter is concluded. A grade assigned before the filing of the grievance may be changed by the Dean or Graduate Dean, if, after the grievance procedures have been completed, the grade is found to be unfair or otherwise improper.
The Department Head/Director will receive and review all evidence, interview each party, if possible, and render a written decision with recommendations as to resolution within ten (10) working days of receipt of the instructor's response. If the grievance is not concluded within this time, the student may carry it forward to the Dean or Graduate Dean for resolution.
a. For Undergraduate Students.
Either party may appeal the Department Head/Director's decision in writing to the
instructor's College Dean, with copies to the instructor, student and the Department
Head/Director. Such appeal will be filed within five (5) working days of receipt of the
Department Head / Director's determination. The Dean will submit a written decision to the
student, instructor, and the Department Head/Director within ten (10) working days of
receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Dean is the final decision of the University in
grievances concerning grades for undergraduate students.
b. For Graduate Students
Either party may appeal the Department Head/Director's decision in writing to
the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, with copies to the instructor,
student and the Department Head/Director. Such appeal will be filed within
five (5) working days of receipt of the Department Head/Director's
determination. The Graduate Dean will discuss the appeal with the Dean of the
student's academic college and will subsequently submit a written decision to
the student, instructor, and the Department Head/Director within ten (10)
working days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Graduate Dean is
the final decision of the University in grievances concerning grades for
graduate students.
a. For Undergraduate Students
Either party may appeal the Dean's decision, except decisions concerning grade
grievances. Such appeal will be filed in writing and submitted to the Provost (or
designee) within five (5) working days of receipt of the Dean's decision, with copies to
the instructor, student and the Dean. The Provost will submit a written decision to the
student, instructor, and the Dean within ten (10) working days of receipt of the appeal.
The decision of the Provost is the final decision of the University.
b. For Graduate Students
Either party may appeal the Graduate Dean's decision, except decisions concerning grade
grievances. Such appeal will be filed in writing and submitted to the Provost (or
designee) within five (5) working days of receipt of the Graduate Dean's decision, with copies to
the instructor, student and the Graduate Dean. The Provost will submit a written decision to the
student, instructor, and the Graduate Dean within ten (10) working days of receipt of the appeal.
The decision of the Provost is the final decision of the University.
Montana State University expects all students to conduct themselves as honest, responsible and law-abiding members of the academic community and to respect the rights of other students, members of the faculty and staff and the public to use, enjoy and participate in the University programs and facilities. Student conduct that disrupts, invades or violates the personal and property rights of others is prohibited and may be subject to disciplinary action.
- Acts of dishonesty include but are not limited to:
- Cheating, plagiarism or other breaches of academic integrity, such as fabrication, facilitating or aiding academic dishonesty; theft of instructional materials or tests; unauthorized access to or manipulation of laboratory equipment or experiments; alteration of grades or files; misuse of research data in reporting results; use of personal relationships to gain grades or favors, or otherwise attempting to obtain grades or credit through fraudulent means. (Refer to Academic Misconduct Procedures, Section II for additional definitions)
- Knowingly furnishing false information to any University official, faculty member or office.
- Forgery, alteration or misuse of University documents, records, instruments of identification, computer programs or accounts.
- Harassment includes but is not limited to verbal, graphic and/or written abuse directed at another, beyond a reasonable expression of opinion, which:
- is threatening or carries with it the intention to do bodily harm, or
- substantially interferes with a person's exercise of his/her responsibilities as a student, faculty or staff member.
- Hazing includes but is not limited to any conduct or method of initiation, admission or condition of continued membership in any student organization which:
- endangers the physical or mental health or safety of any student or other person, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest; forced consumption of food, liquor, beverage, or drugs; beating or branding; involuntary confinement or imprisonment, or
- destroys, vandalizes or removes public or private property.
- Physical assault, which includes but is not limited to: physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature or physical interference with a person which prevents the person from conducting his/her customary or usual affairs, puts the person in fear for his/her physical safety, or causes the person to suffer actual physical injury.
- Sexual intercourse without consent, sexual assault or any other nonconsensual conduct of a sexual nature.
- Use, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of narcotics or dangerous drugs, except as expressly permitted by law.
- Use, possession or distribution of intoxicants, including alcohol, in the buildings or on the grounds of Montana State University except as expressly permitted by law or University policy.
- Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, explosives, weapons or dangerous chemicals on University premises, including:
- carrying a concealed weapon and/or firearm;
- discharging firearms on campus;
- possessing firearms or ammunition on campus except as expressly authorized by residence hall and family student housing policies;
- possessing dangerous chemicals on campus, except as authorized by law and University policy.
- Violation of federal, state or local law on University premises or at University sponsored activities; violation of published University policies, rules or regulations.
- Acting to impair, interfere with or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes and functions of the University, including but not limited to:
- Violence or threat of violence against self or any member or guest of the University community.
- Interference with the freedom of movement of any member or guest of the University.
- Interference with the rights of others to enter, use or leave any University facility, service or activity.
- Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other University activities, or of other authorized activities on University premises.
- Use of public address systems on the campus outside of University buildings except with written permission of the Office of Student Activities.
- Failure to comply with directions of law enforcement officers and University officials acting in the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to those persons when requested.
- Failure to comply with any authorized Student Conduct Code sanction (s)/condition (s).
- Trespassing or unauthorized entry into University buildings or property.
- Theft, attempted theft, unauthorized possession, use, or removal of University property or the property of any member of the University community.
- Defacing, tampering, damaging or destroying such property.
- Unauthorized presence in or use of University grounds, facilities, or property.
- Theft or other abuse of computer facilities, capabilities and/or computer time, including but not limited to:
- Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
- Unauthorized transfer of a file.
- Unauthorized use of another individual's identification or password.
- Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or University official.
- Use of computing facilities to send harassing or abusive messages.
- Use of computing facilities to interfere with the normal operation of the computing system.
- Unauthorized use of computer resources, or the unauthorized use or copying of computer data or software. Examples of unauthorized use or copying include: attempts to alter systems, unauthorized access or copying of data or software, attempts to release data, text, files or software in violation of copyright protection and the condoning, approving, or directing of unauthorized use or copying.
- Attempts to circumvent or defeat any University owned system firewall or any other mechanism put in place to manage the network.
- Theft of telephone services or other auxiliary services, including food services, housing, etc.
The University shall establish appropriate procedures to conduct hearings concerning alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code. There are two primary judicial systems at Montana State University.
The procedures for the conduct of the Residence Life Judicial System are available from Residence Life. The system is designed to impose disciplinary action on residents of the Residence Halls who violate residence hall rules and/or the Student Conduct Code. The Director of Residence Life will coordinate the Residence Life Judicial System and will work closely with the Dean of Students to assure that students charged with conduct violations who reside in the residence halls are referred to the appropriate hearing board or administrative hearing process. When the actions of the student accused of a conduct violation adversely impact the campus community as a whole, the student will be referred to the Dean of Students. Such a referral may in addition to or in lieu of the Residence Life Judicial System.
The University Student Conduct Board is the judicial system for the adjudication of cases involving alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code. The Board will determine whether the student charged has violated the Student Conduct Code and recommend findings and sanctions to the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee. The procedures for such hearings are set forth in Section V.
- one professional staff member selected by the Dean of Students Office after consultation with the Professional Council;
- two faculty members selected by the Dean of Students Office after consultation with the Chair of Faculty Council; and
- two student members selected by the Dean of Students Office after consultation with the President of ASMSU.
On its own initiative or at the request of any student, faculty or staff member, the University, through the Dean of Students Office, may file appropriate charges of misconduct against a student.
- Charges should be filed no later than four months after the alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code, unless good cause is shown to justify the delay. In no event should charges be filed more than one year from the date of the misconduct or the determination of the identity of the person believed to have violated the Student Conduct Code.
- If a student has withdrawn or withdraws from the University after charges have been filed, the University may:
- place a hold on the student's academic record and notify the student that disciplinary action will be initiated before the student's re-enrollment in the University, or
- proceed with the disciplinary process, determining sanctions to be imposed if the student is readmitted.
- All charges will be in writing and contain at least the following information:
- the name and address (if known) of the student alleged to have violated the Student Conduct Code.
- the date (s) the incident (s) occurred;
- the location where the incident (s) occurred;
- a description of the incident which sets forth sufficient details to establish a possible violation of the Student Conduct Code.
Upon filing charges, the University may conduct a pre-hearing conference (informal meeting) with the charged student (s) to discuss the nature of and responsibility for an alleged offense.
Any student charged with violating the Student Conduct Code may request a reasonable delay of the pre-hearing or hearing for good cause.
In the event of a hearing, the charged student shall be notified at least seven calendar days prior to the date of the hearing (except a hearing on the alleged violation of Interim Restrictions imposed under Section VIII. may be called with one day notice to the student). Such notice shall be in writing and shall include the following:
Hearings conducted by the Student Conduct Board shall be conducted according to the following guidelines:
- Residence Life Judicial System -- a staff person of Residence Life designated by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs;
- University Student Conduct Board -- the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee.
In recommending or determining a sanction, a hearing board or designated University official, respectively, may consider the student's present and past disciplinary record, including Residence Hall disciplinary record, the nature of the offense, the severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting therefrom, and other factors relevant to the case. If the student is found to have violated the Student Conduct Code, the responsible University official may impose one or more of the following sanctions:
The following sanctions may be imposed upon sororities, fraternities and groups or organizations registered with the University:
- The student's rights as set forth in this procedure were violated (i.e., there was an error in the procedure or the interpretation of the Student Conduct Code which substantially affected the student's ability to receive a fair hearing);
- The student has discovered new evidence, not previously available, which would have materially affected the decision; or
- The sanctions imposed are too severe given the nature of the violation.
- Residence hall and/or University suspension;
- Assignment to alternate housing for students residing in University housing;
- Limitation of access to University housing facilities, other campus facilities or University property in general;
- Restriction of communication with named individuals or groups within the University community;
- The requirement to secure advance authorization to engage in a specified activity; and/or
- Professional evaluation, intervention and/or treatment.
- At the meeting the student shall be informed of the basis of the allegations that led to the imposition of the Interim Restrictions and shall be offered the opportunity to explain his position regarding the charges and the imposition of the Interim Restrictions. If, after hearing the student's position, the official believes the imposition of the Interim Restrictions was made in error or is too restrictive, he/she may rescind or modify the restrictions. Otherwise, the restrictions shall continue until the decision is rendered in the disciplinary proceedings.
- In cases where interim restrictions have been imposed, the hearing shall be held as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days from the date of the imposition of interim restrictions.
- The time limitations set forth in this section may be expanded upon the consent of the student.
Please direct any questions to the Dean of Students Office, 120 Strand Union Building, 406-994-2826 or visit our website at: http://www.montana.edu/wwwds/
MSU-Bozeman is an equal opportunity / affirmative action institution.
