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Academic Ethics Code of Conduct

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Academic Ethics at WCTC

This code's purpose is to encourage and promote positive learning and ethical student behavior, define behavior violating academic ethics, specify procedures for determining the alleged misconduct, and define penalties. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain the highest ethical standards in academic achievement within the positive learning environment provided by the College.

The provisions of the Academic Ethics Code of Conduct do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between enrolled or prospective students and WCTC. WCTC reserves the right to change any of the provisions, programs, rules, or regulations articulated in the Academic Ethics Code of Conduct whenever authorized administrators deem it expedient to do so.

WCTC Student Life Office

Guidelines for Academic Ethics

Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the coursework they submit. The following is a guide to assist students in observing positive behavior in academic ethics:

  • Students must do their own work and submit only their own work on examinations, reports and projects unless otherwise permitted by the instructor.
  • Students can benefit from working in groups. They may collaborate or cooperate with other students during take-home or open-book exams, only if specifically authorized by the instructor in the class syllabus or at the time of the exam.
  • Students must follow all written and/or verbal instructions given by instructors or designated College representatives prior to taking exams, placement assessments, tests, quizzes and evaluations.
  • Students are responsible for adhering to course requirements, including conduct and attendance in the course, as specified by the instructor and/or department.
  • Students are expected to demonstrate professional and civil behavior toward their instructor and fellow students at all times. This includes interactions both in and out of the classroom, as well as electronic communication.
  • A student who suspects another student of academic misconduct is encouraged to report the incident to the instructor.

Academic Misconduct

It is a WCTC student's responsibility to be informed about what constitutes academic misconduct and how to avoid it.

Examples of academic misconduct include (but are not limited to):

  • Plagiarism (turning in work of another person and not giving them credit)
  • Stealing an exam or course materials
  • Copying another student's homework, paper or exam
  • Cheating on an exam (copying from another student, turning in an exam for re-grading after making changes or working on an exam after the designated time allowance)
  • Falsifying academic documents

Students can avoid academic misconduct by:

  • Refraining from copying and pasting directly from the internet, AI, ChatGPT, etc.
  • Knowing how to cite sources in papers, lab reports or other assignments (Use the Writing Center for help with APA, MLA and other citation styles.)
  • Understanding the expectations and limitations when working in groups (Determine what aspects of a project – paper, presentation, demonstration – are collaborative or to be completed by individual students.)
  • Using campus resources for assistance (e.g. Academic Support)

Notify the Instructor of a Cheating Classmate

If students know a classmate is cheating on an exam or other academic exercise, they should notify their instructor or exam proctor. As a part of the WCTC community, students are expected to uphold the standards of the College. Additionally, a classmate's dishonesty on an exam may affect the overall grading curve and other students' grades in the class.

Sanctions for Academic Ethics Violations

When an instructor suspects academic ethics violations have occurred, he/she shall inform the student via their WCTC email of the general facts or conduct upon which the allegation is based, including (as appropriate) the assignment and the date when the alleged conduct took place. A meeting will take place allowing the student to state their case. If the instructor determines that a violation did not occur, no further action is necessary.

If the instructor determines the violation did occur, the instructor will apprise the Associate Dean of the situation and the chosen course of action.

One or more of the disciplinary sanctions listed may be imposed:

  1. The instructor may choose to:
    • Warn the student of unacceptable behavior;
    • Issue an alternative assignment, project or examination;
    • Reduce the grade, or assign a failing grade for the assignment, project or examination;
    • Assign a failing grade for the course; (with prior approval from the Associate Dean)
    • The instructor will communicate the sanction to the student via WCTC email.
  2. In addition to the sanctions, described above, the Vice President of Academic Affairs may impose one or more of the following:
    • Academic suspension from the College
    • Academic expulsion from the College

The Vice President of Academic Affairs will communicate the sanction to the student via WCTC email.

Prior to possible re-enrollment, the student will be required to meet with the Dean of Students and Dean and/or designee of the program. Any further Academic Ethics Code violations after re-entry may result in permanent expulsion from the College.

College-Level Process

Academic integrity violations and/or allegations that include possible violations of other Student Code of Conduct standards may be referred to the Dean of Students to be addressed through the Student Code of Conduct procedure.

Allegations referred to the Dean of Students may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

  • Verbal or written warning
  • Non-academic probation
  • Suspension or dismissal from the College

Appeal Process for Academic Ethics Violations

A student who disagrees with the findings of responsibility or the sanctions levied may choose to request an appeal, which is only allowed in cases where the sanction is a failing grade, suspension or expulsion. (Sanctions for Academic Ethics violations that result in a failing course grade can only be appealed through this appeal process, not a Final Grade Appeal).

Appeals requests are limited to the following grounds and are only allowed in a case where the sanction was a failing grade, suspension or expulsion:

  1. A procedural error occurred that significantly impacted the outcome of the hearing (e.g., substantiated bias, material deviation from established procedures, etc.).
  2. New evidence that was unavailable during the original meeting or investigation and could substantially impact the original finding or sanction may be considered, provided that a summary of this new evidence and its potential impact is included.
  3. The sanctions imposed are substantially outside the parameters or guidelines set by WCTC for this type of offense or the cumulative conduct record of the responding student.

Submitting an Appeal

Appeals are not intended to be full re-hearings of the complaint. In most cases, appeals are confined to a review of the written documentation or record of the original meeting and pertinent documentation regarding the grounds for appeal; witnesses may be called if necessary. Appeals are not an opportunity to second-guess the judgment of the original decision-maker merely because the student disagrees with the finding and/or sanctions. Appeals decisions are to be deferential to the original decisionmaker, making changes to the finding only when at least one of the three criteria that create grounds for an appeal are met, and to the sanction only if there is a compelling justification to do so

An appeal must contain the following information:

  1. Reason for the appeal request.
  2. The name, address, telephone number, and WCTC email of the party.
  3. A clear statement explaining the nature and circumstances of the appeal, citing the new evidence and/or the explanation with specifics of the alleged lack of fairness in the prior hearing.

To submit an appeal, email the required documentation and information to the appropriate department Dean for consideration. To determine the appropriate Dean, you may contact the Student Life Office at 262.691.5302.

All appeals requests should be made within ten calendar days of the student receiving notification of the violation's outcome. A final decision will be made after a full review and consideration of the process and related information. All student communication will be sent through their WCTC email account or via certified letter.

If you have questions on the appeal process or need further assistance, please contact the Dean of Students, Jonathan Pedraza, 262.691.5295.

Appeal Decision

  • Appeals for a failing grade will be addressed by the Dean or designee. The decision of the Dean is final.
  • Appeals for an academic suspension or expulsion will be addressed by the Vice President of Student Services or designee. The decision of the Vice President of Student Services is final.
  • Appeals for allegations addressed by the Dean of Students will be reviewed by the Assistant Vice President of Student Services or designee. The decision of the Assistant Vice President of Student Services is final.