Academic misconduct process

If you are suspected of academic misconduct, you will receive email notification from your instructor that an investigation is commencing. 

After investigation, if the instructor determines the complaint does not have merit, you will be notified that the investigation is complete and that there is no finding of academic misconduct.

If the department head determines the investigation has found academic misconduct, you will be invited to attend a resolution meeting, where you have the opportunity to discuss the matter and the proposed penalty.

This is documented on a Notice of Disciplinary Action for Academic Misconduct form filled out by the department head. If you do not attend the resolution meeting, the penalty is still applied and the completed Notice will be sent to you by UFV student email.

The penalties for an academic misconduct range from moderate to severe. In determining the severity of the penalty for academic misconduct assigned, the department head or designate takes into consideration any other instances of academic or non-academic misconducts. 

Possible penalties:

• Allow re-do of same or modified academic work with or without ≤50% deduction of total mark
• Written explanation
• Required Academic Integrity Workshop. The workshop consists of 3 components that can usually be completed within one week:
  • Complete online reading and quizzes
  • Meet with a student mentor to discuss academic integrity and identify resources to support you in the future
  • Attend a follow-up meeting
• Score of zero on the assignment, exam, online posting, artwork, presentation, paper, project, or submission
• F or FD (disciplinary fail) grade for the course
• Placement on academic probation
• Recommendation to the President for suspension from UFV
• Recommendation to the President for expulsion from UFV
• Revocation of an award
• Revocation of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other academic credential
• Denial of admission or readmission to the university, and forfeiture of university awards or financial assistance

An academic misconduct also impacts the following areas:

Fees. No fees are refunded if you are required to withdraw or lose credit for any class taken, or if you are suspended or dismissed from any class or program as a result of a penalty for academic misconduct.

Course withdrawal. You are not permitted to withdraw from a course to avoid incurring the penalty for academic misconduct.

Transfer credit. If you are under suspension from the university you cannot receive transfer credit for courses taken in that time period at other institutions.

The Notice of Disciplinary Action for Academic Misconduct, which includes your academic misconduct and penalty, is filed and recorded with the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office. However, your academic misconduct is not recorded on your transcript and does not affect your academic standing.

Note: The names of academic misconduct registrants are only released to department head or designate who are handling a case and checking to see if a previous entry exists for a student. Occasionally we are also asked by senior administration to check on student award recipients or speakers at convocation to ensure they are in good standing.