Academic integrity is a core principle of the university. As described in the Marshall University Creed, Marshall University is an “Ethical Community reflecting honesty, integrity and fairness in both academic and extracurricular activities.” The Academic Dishonesty policy can be viewed in the most recent Graduate Catalog.
When a professor believes that an act of academic dishonesty has been committed, the professor notifies the Office of Academic Affairs with a description of the charges and the sanction that was given.
Graduate students have a higher level of responsibility for academic honesty, and the penalties for academic dishonesty are higher accordingly. The second charge of academic dishonesty for a graduate student, across all classes at the university, will lead to a letter of dismissal from the Academic Affairs office.
Students who are charged with academic dishonesty have the right to appeal, following the university appeal process. Students may also appeal final course grades. The following information describes the key aspects of the appeals process.
Appeals
Marshall Policy allows graduate students to appeal charges of academic dishonesty, dismissal from a program, final grades, and other matters. The specific procedures depend on the specific kind of appeal. For assistance, or for any questions about the the appeals process, please contact the Graduate Studies office.
Students who have been charged with academic dishonesty should also contact the Office of Student Advocacy. The Student Advocate, Michelle Biggs, can explain Marshall’s processes and give advice on how to present an appeal most effectively.
Performance appeals
Performance appeals include appeals related to academic dishonesty or dismissal from a program. For information about these appeals, please see Principles and Best Practices For Appeals of Academic Dishonesty, Dismissal From a Program, or Both.
Final grade appeals
For information on appealing a final course grade, please see
Principles and Best Practices For Appeals of Final Course Grades.
Other appeals
For information on appeals related to Title IX complaints, complaints about a student organization, or concerns about the operation of a university office or program, please see Principles and Best Practices For Other Appeals.