All Western Washington University students have an obligation to fulfill the responsibilities of their particular roles as members of an academic community. Honesty is essential to learning. Without it, fair evaluation for all is impossible. Academic integrity is demanded, and academic dishonesty at Western Washington University is a serious infraction dealt with severely.
The resources below are meant to provide students with useful information for navigating the Academic Honesty Violation process.
Responding to an Alleged Academic Honesty Violation
Disclaimer: This overview of the Addressing Academic Honesty Violations Procedure is supplemental and not intended to conflict with the requirements of PRO – U2100.02A.
Appealing an Alleged Academic Honesty Violation Step Entity Task Description 1 Student Complete and submit “Academic Honesty Violation Appeal” form within five working days of the date of the Instructor’s summary email indicating findings and sanctions for the alleged violation. 2 Student May request a meeting with Department Chair to discuss appeal within five working days of submitting the appeal. 3 Secretary to Academic Honesty Board Send a copy of the appeal to the Registrar’s Office and the Department Chair via email. Maintain the “Academic Honesty Violation Appeal” form and update it with decisions during the process to ensure accurate recordkeeping. 4 Department Chair Determine ruling on student appeal within ten working days of submission of the “Academic Honesty Violation Appeal” form or within five working days of meeting with the student. Email ruling to student, including name and email address of College Dean to whom the next appeal may be directed.
*The email should be copied to the Instructor, Registrar’s Office, and AcademicHonestyBoard@wwu.edu.5 Student or Instructor May appeal by email the Department Chair’s ruling to the College Dean within five working days of the Department Chair’s email.
*Attach all background documentation.
**Copy AcademicHonestyBoard@wwu.edu.6 Student or Instructor May request a meeting with College Dean to discuss appeal within five working days of submitting the appeal. 7 College Dean Determine ruling on appeal within ten working days of submission of appeal or within five days of meeting with the student or Instructor. Email ruling to student, Instructor, Department Chair, and Registrar’s Office, and AcademicHonestyBoard@wwu.edu. 8 Student or Instructor May appeal by email the College Dean’s ruling to the Academic Honesty Board within five working days of the College Dean’s email.
*Attach the College Dean’s decision, all background documentation, and any new information.9 Secretary to Academic Honesty Board Schedule an Academic Honesty Board hearing within fifteen working days of submission of the appeal. 10 Academic Honesty Board, Student, Instructor, and Secretary to Academic Honesty Board Hold and attend hearing.
*Student and instructor may bring one support person each.11 Academic Honesty Board Determine in a written letter whether the student committed an Academic Honesty Violation, and if the proposed sanctions are appropriate.
*The Academic Honesty Board may lift, sustain, substitute, or impose additional sanctions which it deems to be more appropriate.12 Secretary to Academic Honesty Board Send decision letter via email and mail to the student. Also, send email copies to Registrar’s Office, Instructor, Department Chair, College Dean, and Academic Honesty Board. 13 Student or Instructor May appeal Academic Honesty Board decision to the Provost within five working days of the notification date of the decision.
*The appeal must be attached to an email and sent to Provost.Office@wwu.edu and to AcademicHonestyBoard@wwu.edu.14 Provost Make final determination on the appeal and meet with Academic Honesty Board chairperson if there is an intention to overrule or modify the decision of the Academic Honesty Board. 15 Provost Compose final decision letter within fifteen working days of submission of the appeal. 16 Secretary to Academic Honesty Board Send final decision letter via email and mail to student’s permanent address. Also, send copies of letter to Registrar’s Office, Instructor, Department Chair, College Dean, and the Academic Honesty Board. 17 Student Comply with all sanctions within specified deadlines. 18 Secretary to Academic Honesty Board Monitor timely completion of imposed sanctions by working closely with student. Notify the Associate Dean of Student Life if the student fails to meet deadlines.
FAQ
No. While information about the violation is kept on record at WWU it does not appear on your transcript and will not be visible to external organizations such as employers or graduate schools. There are unique cases in which records could be released, and clarification should be sought from the Registrar’s Office.
Yes, while it can be uncomfortable, violations do need to be reported, for several reasons. The most important reason is that it allows you due process and an ability to appeal. Also, it is university policy to report violations of the Academic Honesty Policy.
The best thing to do is to address your concerns with the student directly and then inform the instructor. But if you feel uncomfortable doing this you can first reach out to your teacher or to a member of the WCI.
Please feel free to contact members of the WCI for any questions you have regarding integrity and academic honesty. Other resources for students include the Office of Student Life, the Registrar’s Office, or the Office of the Provost.
Visit the appeal page on this website!
Contact Information:
Contact Melinda Assink (x3480) for general questions about reporting or appealing an alleged Academic Honesty violation.