ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND COMMUNITY
STANDARDS
Honor Code | Civil
Behavior | Academic
Integrity | Disciplinary Charges | Disciplinary Hearing Procedures | Informal Complaints | Academic Complaints and Grievance Procedures | Ombuds Office
Students in the School of General Students are part of a wider intellectual and social community that holds itself to the highest standards of tolerance, respect, integrity, and civility. Students who violate the standards of the university community, in academic or social behavior, are subject to disciplinary action. The continuance of each student upon the rolls of the University, the receipt of academic credits, graduation, and the conferring of any degree or the granting of any certificate are strictly subject to the disciplinary powers of the University.
Officially, disciplinary authority of the University is vested by the Trustees in the President and Provost and, subject to their reserved powers, in the dean of each faculty. The dean and his staff are given full responsibility for establishing the standards of behavior for all General Studies students beyond the regulations included in the Rules of University Conduct and for defining procedures by which discipline will be administered.
CIVIL
BEHAVIOR AND COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Certain standards of academic and social behavior are expected from members of the University community. Respect for the Columbia community and its rules as well as respect for the rights of others are standards for all GS students. The School expects that in and out of the classroom, on and off the campus, each student will act with civility. Freedom of expression is an essential part of University life, but it does not include intimidation, belligerence, threats of violence, or the inducement of others to engage in violence or in conduct that harasses or is disrespectful of others. Conduct that threatens, harasses, or denigrates others for any reason is unacceptable and will be dealt with severely. Proper social conduct includes not only civil behavior in interacting with members of the University community both within and outside of the classroom, but also respect for University facilities and property. If each member of the Columbia community lives up to these standards, the University community can be confident that everyone will benefit fully from the diversity found here.
ACADEMIC
INTEGRITY
It is essential to the academic integrity and vitality of this community that individuals do their own work and properly acknowledge the circumstances, ideas, sources, and assistance upon which that work is based. Academic honesty in class assignments, term papers, examinations, laboratory reports, and computer projects is expected of all students. Plagiarism, cheating, falsification of data, misrepresentation or fabrication of credentials, or facts, lying to a faculty member or advisor, submitting another's work as one's own, submitting the same work for more than one course, and other forms of intellectual dishonesty are considered serious violations of academic propriety. Students who are unsure about the proper presentation of their own independent work should consult with their instructor or advisor. Because intellectual integrity is the hallmark of educational institutions, academic dishonesty is one of the most serious offenses that a student can commit at Columbia. It is punishable by suspension or dismissal from the School.
Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to the following:
- Plagiarism: Failure to cite or otherwise acknowledge ideas or phrases used in any paper, exercise, or project submitted in a course but gained from another source, such as a published text, another person's work, materials on the Web. This applies to all work handed in, whether a draft, a final paper, or a graded or ungraded exercise.
- Self-plagiarism: The submission of one piece of work in more than one course without the explicit permission of the instructors involved.
- Misrepresentation of authorship: The submission of work as one’s own which has been prepared by or purchased from another.
- Cheating on examinations or tests: To give or receive assistance from written material, another person, his or her paper, or any other source during an examination or test; to hire or attempt to hire someone to take your exam for you.
- Falsification or misrepresentation of information in coursework or lab work; on any application, petition, or forms submitted to the school.
- Fabrication of credentials, in materials submitted as part of an admissions application or materials submitted to the university for administrative or academic review.
- Violating the limits of acceptable collaboration in coursework set by a faculty member or department.
- Removing, hiding, or altering library materials in order to hinder the research of other students.
- Facilitating academic dishonesty by enabling another to engage in such behavior.
- Lying to a faculty member, dean, or advisor about circumstances related to your academic work or failure to complete academic work.
Ignorance of the School’s policy concerning academic dishonesty shall not be a defense in any disciplinary proceedings.
The School of General Studies holds each member of the community responsible for understanding these principles and for abiding by them.
DISCIPLINARY
CHARGES
Students, faculty members, or Columbia staff who have concerns or complaints about a student's behavior, including issues pertaining to academic integrity, are asked to contact the Dean of Students to discuss the concern. Based on the conversation with the complainant, the Dean of Students or a representative will determine whether or not the complaint warrants an informal meeting with the student or a formal disciplinary hearing. The Dean of Students will review the options and the procedures with the complainant. If a formal disciplinary hearing is to be held, normally the complainant must formalize the complaint in writing. A copy of the written charges is provided to the student, who is required to submit a written response prior to meeting with the disciplinary committee.
A disciplinary hearing is held to discuss the allegations with the student, and when necessary, to determine appropriate sanctions. Present at the hearing are the charged student and members of the disciplinary subcommittee of the Committee on Academic Standing. On the strength of the evidence and the student's response, the deans reach a determination and notify the student of their decision after the hearing. The student can be exonerated or found guilty; in some instances where the evidence is insufficient, the committee may take no action and warn the student.
For students found guilty of academic dishonesty or misconduct, the sanctions range from warning to probation, suspension, or dismissal. Because the committee wants to ensure that the disciplinary process is also an educational process, every effort is made to refer students to appropriate resources and support services that will help them learn from the experience. In cases of academic dishonesty, the disciplinary response is deliberately separate from the decision an instructor makes concerning how the breach of the academic contract affects a student's grade. If a student is found guilty of a second violation of University regulations, academic dishonesty, or inappropriate behavior, that student is dismissed. Students have the right to appeal the decision of the disciplinary committee. Appeals must be submitted in writing within two weeks of the date of the letter informing the student of the disciplinary action taken. Appeals concerning suspension or dismissals must be addressed to the Dean of the School; all other appeals should be addressed to the Committee on Academic Standing.
In general, under University policy and federal law, information about dean's disciplinary proceedings against a student is confidential and may not be disclosed to others. A limited exception to this principle is that the outcome of dean's disciplinary proceedings alleging a sexual assault must be disclosed both to the accuser and the accused.
DISCIPLINARY HEARING PROCEDURES
Notification of Charges and Disciplinary Hearing
Students are formally notified in writing by the Dean of Students or her representative that charges have been filed. A copy of the written charges is provided to the student along with any supporting evidence that has been provided. As charges of academic dishonesty or misconduct, and the subsequent disciplinary process, can compound feelings of stress or anxiety, students are urged to speak with a counselor at Psychological and Counseling Services to help them deal with their feelings and the process.
Preparation for the Hearing
After being notified by the Dean of Students of the charges, the student should arrange to pick up any material relevant to the charges and meet with his or her GS advisor to review review the charges and evidence and to learn about the disciplinary process. Students are required to prepare a written statement in response to the charges to submit, along with any relevant supporting materials, to his or her advisor within 48 hours of the scheduled hearing date and time. This statement is read by the disciplinary committee in advance of the hearing. Every effort is made to schedule hearings within three weeks after the student is notified of the charges by the Dean of Students. Dates and times for disciplinary hearings are scheduled in consultation with students so that they do not conflict with classes or work. If a student fails to attend a scheduled hearing, the committee reserves the right to adjudicate the case in the student's absence. Students should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled hearing, bringing with them copies of the charges and relevant materials. Students have the option of asking their GS advisor to join them during the disciplinary hearing. A student may not be accompanied by another person during the hearing, with the exception of their GS advisor; a friend, family member, or other supporter is welcome to wait for the student in the reception area.
The Disciplinary Hearing Process
The hearing is not an adversarial process but rather an important educational opportunity designed to get to the truth through the facts while understanding the student's particular situation that led to the charges. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the allegations with the student, determine whether the student is culpable, and, when necessary, to determine appropriate sanctions. Even when a student admits to the charges in advance, a hearing is held in order to understand better the circumstances and gravity of the breach as well as the student's intentions so that the sanctions dispensed are in line with other disciplinary responses by the committee.
The hearing committee is a subcommittee of the GS Committee on Academic Standing. Each hearing consists of two deans in addition to the Dean of Students, or her representative, who chairs the meeting. The student's GS advisor may be present at the discretion of the student. The hearing begins with a brief statement by the chair about why the committee has convened. The student is then invited to make an opening statement. Members of the committee proceed to discuss the charges with the student and may pose questions to clarify or understand the charges as well as the student's perspective on the context, incident, and/or circumstances. In cases of plagiarism, the committee often asks the student about his or her understanding of plagiarism, how the student researches papers, takes notes, and cites sources. The student may at anytime during the hearing ask questions of the committee. At the conclusion of the hearing, the student is invited to make a final statement. The student and advisor are then excused so that the committee may deliberate.
On the strength of the evidence and the student's response, as well as with consideration about how similar cases have been adjudicated by the School, the committee reaches a determination and notifies the student of its decision after the hearing. If more deliberation is warranted or other evidence needs to come forward, the Dean of Students, or her delegate, will advise the student about a delay in the decision-making. In some cases, the subcommittee will decide to take the case to the full committee for discussion and a vote. All decisions of the subcommittee are ratified by the full Committee on Academic Standing. A student can be exonerated or found guilty; in some instances where the evidence is insufficient, the committee may take no action and warn the student.
The student is notified by the Dean of Students either at the conclusion of the hearing or within a week's time of the findings of the committee. Any oral communication is followed up by a letter to the student summarizing the response of the committee and any sanctions, if pertinent. A copy of this letter as well as a summary report of the hearing prepared for the Committee on Academic Standing are kept in the student's confidential educational file.
Sanctions
For students found guilty of academic dishonesty or misconduct, the sanctions range from warning to probation, suspension, or dismissal. The committee may require a student to fulfill certain probationary requirements pertinent to the causes of the violation. A student may also be barred from certain University facilities or activities. In cases of academic dishonesty, the disciplinary response is deliberately separate from the decision an instructor makes concerning how the breach of the academic contract affects a student's grade. While a student can be dismissed for a single, eggregious violation, a student who is found guilty of a second violation of University regulations, academic dishonesty, or inappropriate behavior, is unequivically dismissed.
Appeal Process
Students have the right to appeal the decision of the disciplinary committee. Appeals must be submitted in writing within two weeks of the date of the letter informing the student of the disciplinary action taken. Appeals concerning suspensions or dismissals must be addressed to the Dean of the School; all other appeals should be addressed to the Committee on Academic Standing. A student should expect to have a response to an appeal within to two to three weeks of submission.
Confidentiality
In general, under University policy and federal law, information about dean's disciplinary proceedings against a student is confidential and may not be disclosed to others. A limited exception to this principle is that the outcome of dean's disciplinary proceedings alleging a sexual assault must be disclosed both to the accuser and the accused. In addition, for students in joint or double degree programs who are found guilty of the charges, the appropriate dean in the associated school is notified of the charges and findings.
A copy of the charges and disciplinary hearing response are kept in the student's confidential educational file within the School. Any changes in academic status resulting from the disciplinary process are noted on the internal transcript not the external transcript.
INFORMAL COMPLAINTS CONCERNING MISCONDUCT
From time to time, an instructor, officer, staff member or student will choose not to put a complaint in writing; such complaints will normally be treated as informal complaints. In cases where an informal rather than a formal complaint is made, the advisor usually discusses the matter with the student. In some case, the Dean of Students will join the advisor for this meeting with the student. In all these situations, the student will be formally warned orally and the warning will be noted in the student's educational file, along with any recommendations made to the student. Such warnings will be taken into account if and when similar complaints are made in the future; a pattern of informal complaints can lead to formal disciplinary action.
ACADEMIC
COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Occasionally students experience dissatisfaction with specific courses or instructors, find themselves in an untenable situation in a course due to an interaction with an instructor, or have an academic grievance. In such cases, students are advised to discuss their grievances with their GS advisors or the Dean of Students, who will help them think about how best to address their concerns. Depending on the nature of the complaint, a student may be counseled to discuss the matter directly with the instructor, or with the director of undergraduate studies or chair of a given department or program. The School will direct a student to the appropriate office if the University has specific university-wide procedures that govern the matter. Links to those offices, resources and procedures are provided below. Students should raise any concerns not later than thirty days after the end of the semester in which the alleged misconduct took place. The School will make every effort to consider and address the student's complaint quickly, ordinarily within thirty days.
Advisors recognize and respect a student's need for confidentiality when discussing certain kinds of complaints, so students should make sure to bring up any concerns about confidentiality when speaking with their advisors about grievances. While advisors within the Office of the Dean of Students counsel students on appropriate avenues for addressing or resolving their complaints, and often can help to facilitate a resolution, students should understand that advisors are not in a position to arbitrate grievances. The Ombuds Office is an additional and alternative confidential source available to students to advise on various avenues of redress and can mediate a dispute, if both parties agree. Ombuds officers, however, do not have authority to adjudicate any complaint.
While resolutions are most often reached informally, formal procedures for addressing grievances do exist and in some cases may be the only way to adjudicate a particular complaint. Students with complaints about professional misconduct by a faculty member in an instructional setting that adversely affects the learning environment will be referred to the appropriate policy, procedures, and office; in the case of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, procedures for student grievances are found at www.columbia.edu/cu/vpas. Grievances related to faculty members outside the Arts & Sciences will be referred to the appropriate division or school within the University. Resolutions to complaints about academic assessments or grade disputes are usually handled informally (see Grade Appeals and Grade Changes); formal grievances about academic assessments are handled by the faculty within the appropriate department or program. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of an informal resolution process concerning a faculty member's alleged misconduct, the student may choose to pursue a formal procedure.
So that complaints may be addressed in a timely and thoughtful manner, students should immediately bring them to the attention of an advisor, dean, faculty member, or ombuds officer; grievances received more than thirty days after the term of the alleged transgression will be heard but will not be adjudicated except under exceptional circumstances. The School and University are committed to processing and addressing grievances within thirty days of receiving a detailed written description of the circumstances and complaint. Students should be aware of the following statements, policies, and procedures articulated by the School and the University. A student may consult his or her advisor about any of these procedures and their relevance to a particular grievance:
OMBUDS
OFFICE
Students are also encouraged to seek advice regarding handling academic complaints at the Ombuds Office, a neutral and confidential resource for informal conflict resolution. For further information, contact the Ombuds Office, 660 Schermerhorn Extension; (212) 854-1234; ombuds@columbia.edu.
