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West Virginia University Office of Academic Integrity
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Reporting Process

This page provides guidance for faculty and staff regarding the reporting process for academic misconduct. More questions? Contact the Office of Academic Integrity via email or by phone at (304) 293-5218.

Some schools and/or programs are exempted from the WVU Policy on Student Academic Integrity. Faculty in exempted programs should consult leadership within their academic unit, or direct questions via email to the Office of Academic Integrity.

Reporting Procedures

  • As soon as academic misconduct is suspected, the authorized reporter will submit a report. The authorized reporter is typically, but not always, the instructor who directly observed the behavior in question. 
  • The Office of Academic Integrity will screen the report to determine how it will be resolved (e.g., via the Course-Level Process or the Conduct Process).
  • After the incident is screened, the Office of Academic Integrity will notify the authorized reporter via email of next steps.

The following flowchart provides procedural guidance on the WVU Policy on Student Academic Integrity.


Procedural flowchart, description below

  1. Suspected misconduct occurs. Authorized Reporter submits report. Office of Academic Integrity screens incident.
  2. Authorized Reporter waits for response from Office of Academic Integrity before proceeding.
  3. Determination of process:
    1. No aggravating factors: Course-Level Process; proceed to Step 5a.
    2. Aggravating factors: Academic Dishonesty Conduct Process; proceed to Step 5b.
  4. If reported misconduct meets criteria for informal resolution, relevant procedures will be followed.
  5. Office of Academic Integrity:
    1. Sends Charge Notice electronically to Accused Student on behalf of Authorized Reporter. Accused Student is given opportunity to respond/present evidence; proceed to Step 6a/b.
    2. Sends Charge Notice electronically to Accused Student. Accused Student is given opportunity to respond/present evidence; proceed to Step 6c/d.
  6. If Accused Student is held:
    1. Not responsible: Authorized Reporter files summary report. Office of Academic Integrity sends Outcome Letter to Accused Student; proceed to Step 8a.
    2. Responsible: Authorized Reporter assigns course-=level sanction(s) and files summary report. Office of Academic Integrity assigns educational sanction(s) and sends Outcome Letter to Accused Student; proceed to Step 7a/b.
    3. Not responsible: Office of Academic Integrity sends Outcome Letter to Accused Student (with copy to Authorized Reporter); proceed to Step 8a.
    4. Responsible: Authorized Reporter recommends course-level sanction(s). Office of Academic Integrity recommends educational/disciplinary sanction(s) and Outcome Letter is sent to Accused Student. Hearing procedures are followed if applicable; proceed to Step 7a/c.
  7. Accused Student:
    1. Accepts outcome and/or does not respond within appeal window; proceed to Step 8a.
    2. Does not accept outcome, and appeals to Dean or Designee; proceed to Step 8b.
    3. Does not accept outcome, and appeal to Provost; proceed to Step 8c.
  8. Appeal procedures:
    1. Incident is finalized. No appeal is allowed.
    2. Course-Level Process appeal procedures are followed.
    3. Academic Dishonesty Conduct Process appeal procedures are followed.