Defending Students’ Rights in the Wake of Honor Code Violations
An honor code is a pledge taken by students that they will maintain a level of integrity and professionalism in abiding by academic standards and treating each other with respect. Students who conduct themselves in accordance with these standards build an atmosphere of dignity and trust. Any student who engages in unethical behavior by either plagiarizing, receiving unauthorized aid on an examination, or another type of personal misconduct may face disciplinary sanctions.
At Raybin & Weissman, our Nashville academic misconduct lawyers have represented countless students who have been accused of academic dishonesty and dishonorable behavior. We understand that in a moment of rash thinking, transgressions can happen. We do not believe that any accusations of discreditable behavior, even if they have merit, should define you. Let us work on your behalf to help clear your name and put the ordeal behind you.
What Actions Constitute Academic Dishonesty?
A student honor code may encompass adhering to standards that relate to academic and personal integrity. Each university or college will adapt their own student Honor Code, based upon the expectations of the student body. Below we discuss the honor code of select universities in Nashville.
Fisk University
Established in 1866, Fisk University is a primarily Black/African American liberal arts college. Under Fisk University’s student handbook, the following actions are considered violations of the Honor Code:
- Cheating or plagiarism
- Intentionally using or attempting to use past exams or unauthorized study materials to gain an unfair academic advantage over other students
- Providing false information with the intent to deceive
- Forgery, alteration, destruction, or any misuse of University documents or records
- Providing false information during an investigation or disciplinary matter
- Refusing to respond to any University administrative office requests
- Unauthorized use or access to the University’s computer systems or other sensitive information
Vanderbilt University
Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University is ranked as one of the top universities in the United States. The school’s Student Honor Code is centered around six core values: academic integrity, practicing neighborly behavior, having a courageous mindset, honesty, openness, and treating each other with respect. Academic dishonesty, disrespectful behavior to peers, and a failure to follow noise ordinances are handled with disciplinary action. If found in violation, potential penalties include failure in the course, suspension, or expulsion from the University.
Belmont University
Founded in 1890 as Belmont College for Young Women, Belmont University strives to offer a high-quality education by holding students to the utmost academic standards. The University discourages the following:
- Plagiarizing or cheating
- Falsification of information or providing an inaccurate account of how information was collected (fabrication)
- Submitting identical submissions for different courses
- Interfering with another student’s academic work
- Accessing examination materials that allow any students to have an unfair advantage over their peers
- The unauthorized access to internal computer records
- Aiding and abetting another student in violating the values established in the Honor Code
Defense Against Allegations of Academic Misconduct
If you are found to breach your college or university’s code of academic standards, failing the course may be the least of your concerns. Disciplinary sanctions may include suspension or expulsion, especially if you have a history of prior offenses. A school’s disciplinary board may conduct a hearing to listen to your side of the story, but your punishment is typically entirely at the board’s discretion.
Being accused of academic or personal misconduct goes to the heart of your credibility. With the school gathering every piece of information to work against you, you deserve to have someone advocating for you. At Raybin & Weissman, our Nashville academic misconduct attorneys will gather any pertinent evidence and information to strengthen your case. Our attorneys have the requisite skill and experience to alleviate the consequences you face. Although the allegations may have some truth, that does not mean that you deserve to have extreme penalties imposed for a momentary lapse in judgment.
Academic Integrity Under Attack? Contact Our Nashville Academic Misconduct Attorneys Today
Your professional life is shaped by your academic performance. If you have been accused of questionable academic conduct, our Nashville academic misconduct attorneys would like to hear from you. At Raybin & Weissman, we believe that everybody deserves their day in court. With our defense, we can help you return to pristine academic standing. To schedule your free consultation or to learn more, contact us online or give us a call today.