For cases resolved via the Course-Level Process, the Office of Academic Integrity is responsible for all logistics and communication. An assigned case manager oversees investigation and resolution of each reported violation, and ensures that appropriate course-level and educational sanctions are assigned.
The authorized reporter is responsible for recommending course-level sanction(s). They must also provide all necessary evidence and are encouraged to participate fully throughout the resolution process.
Investigation & Resolution Procedures
- The case manager sends a written charge via WVU email to the accused student.
- The student may respond to the charge(s) and/or present evidence. Depending on the specifics of the case, they may do so by responding in writing or by meeting with a case manager. Instructions on how to respond will be provided in each charge notice.
- If the case manager holds the student not responsible, they notify the student that the case is closed with no disciplinary record.
- If the case manager holds the student responsible, they notify the student and provide information on next steps. If the student is eligible to appeal as a result of the outcome, information will be provided in this notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
At the course level, instructors can recommend whether a student should receive a grade sanction or not. They may also recommend higher-level sanctions (e.g., the Unforgivable F (UF)). However, any case where the instructor recommends a sanction above course failure must be managed through the Conduct Process.
Instructors who wish to consider other sanctions should discuss with the Office of Academic Integrity before submitting a complaint.
No. Instructors should decide whether a grade sanction should be imposed based upon the specific circumstances of the alleged violation. Even if the instructor knows that the student has a prior academic misconduct violation, the grade sanction assigned should be in keeping with the offense. Disciplinary sanctions to address repeated misconduct will be assigned by the Office of Academic Integrity, via the Conduct Process.
Yes, and such communication is encouraged to normalize how sanctions are assigned across the institution.
Instructors do not have to meet with students and may refer them to the Office of Academic Integrity. However, you may want to meet with the student to help them understand what happened and how to avoid similar issues in the future.
Individuals with a legitimate educational interest in such information may be notified when a student is reported for academic misconduct. For example, this could include department chairs, appeal reviewers, and academic administrators within the student's major college.