Midd Brief Community Council Recommends Changes to Disciplinary Policy

Author: Tom Drescher

The Community Council recently approved two changes in the College's academic disciplinary policy concerning plagiarism, fraud and dishonesty. The Faculty Council will now review the proposed changes.
The first proposed addition outlines disciplinary action for seniors convicted of academic fraud or dishonesty immediately before graduation. If, even after receiving a failing grade in the course, the student has fulfilled all graduation requirements, degree suspension may be enacted for up to one year, as decided by the Academic Judicial Board and the president. The addition also states that a normal appeals process would ensue.
The second proposal "involves a penalty for graduates alleged to have obtained their degrees as a result of academic fraud or dishonesty," said Secretary of the College Eric Davis. In this instance, after review by the dean of faculty, the Academic Judicial Board will notify the student, who will be given the opportunity to appear in person before the board and present evidence to defend his or her case. Again, the Academic Judicial Board will advise the president, who will make the final decision. In this case, disciplinary action will be possible up to two years after the student's graduation, and his or her degree may be suspended for up to one year. The standard appeals process will also still apply.
The rationale behind these changes is that the College should have the explicit power to impose such sanctions, as "it is necessary in order to maintain the integrity of the degree." The proposals also make it clear that presenting, withholding or suspending a degree is within the power of the president of the College. Ultimately, the proposed additions, if approved, will prevent loose interpretation of other statutes by providing a plan of action for these specific situations.
As Ben Labolt '03, student co-chair of community council, explained, "These modifications in the Handbook reaffirm the College's commitment to academic honesty as defined by the honor code through every step of a student's undergraduate career."