Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a violation of the Honor System?
The categories of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, any deliberate and dishonest act that results in, or could result in, a student receiving an unfair advantage in an academic matter:

  • Plagiarism
  • Cheating
  • Lying
  • Stealing
  • Facilitation

How is the allegation adjudicated?
If a member of the VCU community identifies a possible violation, an initial description of the possible violation must be filed, in writing, to the Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity, within 30 calendar days of discovery (when the accuser possesses sufficient proof of a possible violation).  The Academic Integrity Officer will investigate the alleged infraction; the investigation may include, but is not limited to, meeting with and taking statements from the accuser and the accused, seeking information from other students, faculty or staff, reviewing the accused student’s transcript, exams, papers, and other relevant material in conducting other actions as appropriate.

Honor System Flow Chart

What if my student is due to graduate?
The university will not issue a degree to any student accused of a possible violation of the Honor System until a case has been investigated and adjudicated completely, including appeals.  A degree hold will be forwarded to the Graduation Coordinator.

May my son or daughter have an advisor to assist them through this process?
The accused and the accuser shall each be assigned and/or select an Honor Council member who may serve as an advisor.  Additionally, the accused and the accuser each have the right to select someone other than an Honor Council member, not an attorney, to be an advisor.  The accused and the accuser are each encouraged to meet with the advisor to review the Honor System and his/her rights and responsibilities.   

Should my son or daughter continue attending the class where the alleged infraction took place?
A student maintains a status of good standing at the University and a presumption of innocence until otherwise determined by the Honor System based upon clear and convincing evidence to support a finding of guilt.  A student is able to attend class and participate in academic endeavors accordingly.

Any decision to discontinue attendance in the class or to drop the class should be discussed with an academic advisor, however, if the student chooses not to attend class, this WILL NOT have any affect on the determination in an alleged infraction, and in the event of a finding of responsibility will not affect sanctioning.  If the student drops the class it will not affect the outcome of the matter positively or negatively. 

What are the sanctions that may be imposed if there is determined to be clear and convincing evidence that my son/daughter is responsible?
Clear & Convincing Evidence = It is substantially more likely than not that the infraction occurred.

The recommended sanction for a student’s first violation is the assignment of an “F” as the course grade (noted on the student’s transcript for 5 years).  Although the Honor System allows for the consideration and assignment of other sanctions, the recommended sanction for a subsequent determination of an honors violation is suspension for at least three semesters.  Any student found responsible for an Honor System violation shall be subject to one or more of the following sanctions:

  • Honor probation
  • Other relevant sanctions
  • Assignment of a grade of “0” on a test/paper/assignment
  • Assignment of a course grade of “F” (noted on student’s transcript)
  • Suspension (noted on student’s transcript)
  • Expulsion (noted on student’s transcript)
  • Revocation (noted on student’s transcript)

Sanctions assigned by the Honor System are intended to address specific violations. In some cases, however, the assignment of a sanction may result in the lowering of the accused’s cumulative grade point average, the accused’s loss of a graduate assistantship, or the accused’s dismissal from further enrollment in a program.

Sanctions

Can the finding and/or sanction be appealed?
The accused and the accuser have the right to request that the determination of the Academic Integrity Officer be appealed to the Honor Council.  If the accused is determined by an Honor Council hearing to have violated the Honor System, the accused may request, within five days of receipt of notification that the case be sent to the University Appeal Board
 
Will the student’s parents or guardians be notified of the violation or outcome?
No – a student’s parent or guardian will not be notified of alleged violation of the VCU Honor System.  A student can authorize their parent or guardian to have access to view confidential information, allowing the Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity to respond specifically to a parent’s or guardian’s inquiries.

http://www.enrollment.vcu.edu/rar/registration/ferpa.html

What records are maintained and for how long?
All records of Honor System violations and sanctions assessed not involving suspension, expulsion or revocation shall be kept at least until the completion of the academic program in which the student is enrolled at the time of the violation or three academic years following the violation, whichever is longer.  A transcript notation that is assigned by the Honor System will remain on the student’s transcript.  No earlier than five years from the date the sanction was assessed, a student may request removal of transcript notations except those for suspension, expulsion and revocation.  All records of violations and sanctions involving suspension, expulsion or revocation shall be maintained permanently by the Provost and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, or designee.

How long will the Honor System notation remain on my student’s transcript?
No earlier than five years from the date the sanction was assessed, a student may request removal of transcript notations except those for suspension, expulsion and revocation.  All records of violations and sanctions involving suspension, expulsion or revocation shall be maintained permanently by the Provost and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, or designee.