Academic Honesty Policy

Academic Honesty Policy

MC treats ethical violations affecting coursework with the utmost seriousness. Cheating of any kind will result in an Academic Penalty and may result in further disciplinary action.

Academic dishonesty in all modes of instruction (in or out of class) includes, but is not limited to:

Copying someone else’s work or answers.
Allowing another student to copy one’s work or answers for assignments.
Using materials or information hidden on one’s person during quizzes and examinations.
Obtaining and using teacher’s editions of textbooks, instructor’s manuals, tests or test answers in an unauthorized fashion.
Providing course materials such as papers, lab data, reports, or answers to be presented by another student as his or her work.
Making up or falsifying information for the purpose of completing an assignment, quiz, exam or presentation.
Taking an exam in place of another student or having someone take an exam in one’s place.
Presenting a paper as a speech in a public speaking course which had been submitted as a paper in another course without first receiving permission from both instructors.
Copying a computer program for unauthorized use.
Breaking into or utilizing College-owned computer files in an unauthorized manner.
Altering a grade sheet or forging a signature on an academic document.
Plagiarism (discussed below in more detail).
Unauthorized and/or unethical use of generative artificial intelligence (discussed below in more detail).

Plagiarism

Although academic coursework often requires students to use and integrate intellectual material gathered from sources, it is imperative that these sources be clearly identified. Plagiarism refers to the act of representing words, ideas, music, images, artwork, data or other intellectual property as one’s own when one did not create them. Submitting one’s own work for credit for more than one course without first receiving permission from the instructors of both courses is “self-plagiarism.” Here are some examples:

Putting one’s name on work one did not produce and handing it in for credit.
Including passages from source material in an assignment without using proper citation, quotation marks (in the case of direct quotations in written work) and a reference to the source.
Including pictures, graphs, statistics or other data in an assignment without citing the source.
Summarizing or paraphrasing any material (not recognized as common knowledge) in an assignment without referencing and citing the source.
Purchasing a paper or other piece of intellectual or creative work, or having someone write or create such, to submit as one’s own work.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI)

Student use of work created by GAI and/or related technologies, without written consent from the instructor (via the syllabus or other direct, written or otherwise recorded communication), is a violation of the code of conduct.

Work suspected of not being fully produced by the person whose name is on it may require additional evidence to demonstrate authorship in order to be eligible for credit.

Class syllabi must include language to guide students in the use of GAI and/or related technologies for coursework. Additionally, syllabi must indicate if and how artificial intelligence detection analysis of student work will be used in the course.

Students should seek clarification and guidance for usage of GAI and/or related technologies in a particular course from their instructor(s).

Reporting Acts of Academic Dishonesty

All members of the MC community including faculty, staff and students must work together to protect the academic integrity of the institution. Together they share the responsibility for reporting acts of academic dishonesty.

Procedures for Handling Acts of Academic Dishonesty

If a student witnesses or learns of an apparent violation of the Academic Honesty Policy, he/she should report the incident to the appropriate faculty. The appropriate faculty member will then meet with the student or students implicated by the(se) witness(es). Alternately, a faculty member who believes he or she has detected academic dishonesty on his or her own will meet with the student or students in question to discuss the situation. In all cases, the following procedures will apply:

If the faculty member determines there is evidence of cheating, the faculty member will determine the Academic Penalty as it pertains to the course in question. The academic penalty includes but is not limited to a failing grade for the assignment and/ or a failing grade for the course are the most likely Academic Penalties.
The student’s recourse for an Academic Penalty is to follow the Grade Appeal process.
The faculty member will then document the violation and the Academic Penalty on an Incident Report and forward a copy of this report to the appropriate academic dean.
The appropriate academic dean will forward notification of the incident and course level penalty to the Dean of Student Services.
The Dean of Student Services will meet with any of the principal parties necessary to determine whether further disciplinary action (over and above the Academic Penalty) is necessary. Such actions including but not limited to probation, suspension, or administrative withdrawal from an academic major may result. The imposition of further disciplinary action based on a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy is subject to the Due Process procedure set forth herein.
*Please refer to the Student Handbook for the most current information.

Disciplinary Action

Students shall assume responsibility for their own conduct. In keeping with the educational purposes of the College, disciplinary action, other than an action requiring dismissal, shall be intended to be developmental rather than punitive. Unless otherwise provided herein, a student violating the rules and regulations of the College may be subject to any of the following disciplinary actions depending on the nature and severity of the incident, the student’s previous conduct record, the developmental needs of the student, the level of accountability and responsibility taken by the student, the interests of the community and those impacted by the conduct, any other aggravating, mitigating, or relevant factors. All disciplinary actions will be issued in writing.

Official Warning — Written notification that the student has committed an act(s) of misconduct and warning that another offense may result in the imposition of a more serious sanction.
Disciplinary Probation — A disciplinary status which does not interfere with the student’s right to enroll in and attend classes, but which includes some restrictions, requirements, referral for professional aid or assistance as determined by the individual case, all which will be in writing.
Restitution — Reimbursement for damage to property including the cost of replacement of parts and/or labor.
Record Restriction — Restricting a student from utilizing an official record or service of the College (examples include but are not limited to transcripts, registration, etc.) until the student’s obligation has been met.
Suspension — Separation from the College that denies the privilege of continuing enrollment for a definite period of time after which the student may be eligible to return. Suspension may include withdrawal from one or more classes. Students who are suspended for disciplinary reasons will still be held responsible for all tuition and fees incurred. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
Dismissal — Permanent separation from the College.

Disciplinary action will not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, but will become part of the student’s confidential record maintained by the Dean of Student Services. These records will be made available to prospective employers or academic institutions only when a student has signed an authorization for a disciplinary background check.

Due Process

Disciplinary action against students may be initiated by any member of the College community by filing a complaint in writing to the Dean of Student Services. Upon receipt of a complaint or a report of misconduct, the Dean of Student Services will initiate a disciplinary action investigation by (a) interviewing the complainant and/or the persons who filed the report and who are identified in the complaint and/or report, notifying the implicated student, in writing, of the misconduct charge, (c) requesting to interview and (d) interviewing the implicated student. The implicated student may decline to be interviewed. Thereafter, the Dean of Student Services may file formal charges of misconduct. If the Dean of Student Services declines to file charges they must immediately notify the complainant and the person who filed report. The complainant and report filer may file charges within five (5) calendar days of the Dean of Student Services decision not to file charges.

Any student formally charged with committing an act of misconduct will be subject to the disciplinary procedure. All students are guaranteed the right of due process. The Disciplinary Board will conduct hearings for students accused of violating the Code of Student Conduct using the following procedures:

The student shall be notified that he or she is accused of violating a specific regulation. The notice shall provide a statement of facts that are of sufficient particularity to enable the student to evaluate the charge.
The student shall be notified that he or she may elect one of the following four (4) courses of action. The student must communicate his/her choice to the Dean of Student Services in writing within seven (7) calendar days of the student receiving notice of the misconduct charge. In the event the student fails to make a timely selection, the process will continue as though the student selected choice (2)(a).
1. The student may admit the alleged violation and place in writing to the Dean of Student Services any relevant and/or mitigating factors the student would like the Dean of Student Services to consider in evaluating the appropriate action. The Dean of Student Services will then decide on the appropriate action and notify the student of said action in writing within five (5) calendar days of the meeting. The student, however, is entitled to appeal this disciplinary action to the Disciplinary Board.
2. The student may deny the alleged violation and request a hearing before the Disciplinary Board.
3. The student may admit the alleged violation and request a hearing before the Disciplinary Board.
4. If the student is involved in either civil or criminal proceedings arising out of the same incident giving rise to the violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the student may plead “no contest” which means he/she neither admits nor denies the allegations but will accept the disciplinary action as decided by the Dean of Student Services.
When the student requests a hearing before the Disciplinary Board the student must submit to the Dean of Student Services information including the student’s name, address, e-mail address, and phone number.
At least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the hearing of the Disciplinary Board, the student shall be entitled to:
1. A written notification of the time and place of the hearing.
2. A written statement of charges with sufficient particularity to enable the student to prepare the necessary defense.
3. A written notification of how the alleged violation was reported and by whom it was reported.
After receiving notice of the alleged violation but prior to the hearing date, the student has the right to ask questions of the Dean of Student Services regarding the disciplinary process and possible sanctions that could result. The student must put his/her request for such a meeting in writing to the Dean of Student Services.
At least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing before the Disciplinary Board, the student must submit to the Dean of Student Services relevant documentary evidence relating to the conduct violation that the student intends to introduce at the hearing, a list of witnesses the student intends to call at the hearing, and the student’s preferred outcome.
The student has the right to request a change in the date and/or time of the hearing if he/she is unable to attend due to a legitimate reason which constitutes good cause to change the meeting and submits the request in writing to the Dean of Student Services three (3) working days prior to the scheduled hearing. The Dean of Student Services will decide if the request is warranted. Only one (1) change in date and/or time will be granted.
The complainant and the person who filed the charges shall be present at all parts of the hearing and present his or her charges to the Disciplinary Board in the form of (a) presenting opening and closing statements, (b) testifying, and (c) calling witnesses on his or her behalf.
The complainant may have advice during the hearing from an individual from within the College community selected by the complainant, including, an attorney. The complainant must provide the Dean of Student Services the name of the advisor at least forty eight (48) hours prior to the hearing. The advisors participation is limited to offering advice. The advisor cannot participate in the hearing on behalf of the student.
The student shall be entitled to appear in person and be present at all parts of the hearing and present his or her defense to the Disciplinary Board in the form of (a) presenting opening and closing statements, (b) testifying, and (c) calling witnesses on his or her behalf. (Students are responsible for contacting their own witnesses to appear at the hearing.)
The student may have advice during the hearing from an individual from within the College community selected by the student. Representation by legal counsel is allowed in disciplinary hearings at which the College is utilizing an attorney. In this case, the student will be notified that the college intends to utilize an attorney within ten (10) calendar days of the hearing. The student must provide the Disciplinary Board Chair the name of the advisor and/or legal counselor at least forty eight (48) hours prior to the hearing.
If the student elects not to appear, the hearing shall be held in his or her absence.
The student or his/her legal representative shall be entitled to question the witness(es) through the Disciplinary Board Chairperson. At no time will conversation between the alleged offender and the alleged victim occur within the hearing.
The student shall not be required to testify against himself or herself.
The student shall be entitled to an expeditious hearing of his or her case.
At the onset of the case, the Disciplinary Board will introduce all Board members present, describe the alleged violation, identify the possible sanctions, and describe the hearing process.
A decision of the Disciplinary Board will be communicated to the student through the Dean of Student Services within ten (10) calendar days of the final hearing.
The decision of the Disciplinary Board shall state that the student has the right to appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Board. If the student appeals, any decision by the Disciplinary Board shall be held in abeyance until the case has been reviewed. The student must notify the Dean of Student Services of his or her intention to appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Board within fourteen (14) calendar days of issuance and transmittal of the decision to the student.

Disciplinary Board

The Disciplinary Board will consist of six (6) members as follows:

two (2) students
two (2) faculty members
two (2) administrators

The Student Government Association will recommend the two (2) student members of the Student Government Association who will serve on the Disciplinary Board. The Dean of Student Services will select the two (2) faculty members and two (2) administrators from a pool of volunteers. A secretary will be provided to the Committee through the office of the Provost.

Every member of the Disciplinary Board is obligated to excuse himself or herself from service if he/she believes he is not qualified to evaluate a particular complaint, if he/ she believes he/she could not render an objective opinion, or if he/she is aware of a potential conflict of interest.

The Disciplinary Board will hear all cases under due process procedures. It should seek all facts in the case and may request witnesses from the faculty, staff and/or the student body. The Disciplinary Board will determine the discipline to be imposed, if any.

Accurate and complete records shall be kept of all hearings by the Dean of Student Services office and made available to a Review Committee in case the decision of the Disciplinary Board is appealed.

Appeal

The action of the Disciplinary Board shall be final unless the accused student exercises his or her right to an appeal to the Provost in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days of the decision of the Disciplinary Board. The Provost shall immediately provide a copy of any appeal to the complainant.

The College may also appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Board if it is of the opinion that the decision was manifestly unfair to the College community. The College may exercise its right to appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days of the decision of the Disciplinary Board. The Provost shall immediately provide a copy of any appeal to the Respondent. The College shall follow all appeals procedures and limitations followed by the respondent.

The issues to be reviewed on appeal shall be limited to whether: (a) the sanction is appropriate; (b) the proper due process procedures were followed; and/or (c) additional pertinent information is available which was previously not available as of the date of the hearing. If the student presents new information, the complainant may file a written response thereto within five (5) calendar days of the filing of the appeal.

If the student submits an appeal, the Provost will appoint a Review Committee, consisting of senior college leadership, to study the action taken by the Disciplinary Board. The Review Committee will consider the record of the hearing together with any written material in the file and the written appeal and any response thereto.

Every member of the Review Committee is obligated to excuse himself or herself from service if he/she believes he is not qualified to evaluate a particular complaint, if he/she believes he/she could not render an objective opinion, or if he/she is aware of a potential conflict of interest. If the Review Committee and the Disciplinary Board disagree, the final decision will be made by the President.

No Retaliation

The College does not tolerate retaliatory behavior of any kind. While it may be understandable that students may express frustration or disappointment, if the Disciplinary Board does not find in their favor, behavior deemed by the Dean of Student Services to be retaliatory in nature may result in the imposition of sanctions.

Exigent Circumstances

Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the College may remove any member of the College community when that person poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of any other member of the College community. In these situations, it is expected that the individual would exercise reasonable judgment when responding to such an emergency. Campus Safety involvement shall be elicited and campus administrators should be immediately informed. Where there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of any member of the College community, the administrator and Campus Safety personnel present each have the authority to: (a) impose an immediate temporary suspension; or (b) immediately restrict access to designated areas of the campus, upon any member of the College community who, in the sole judgment of the Administrator, poses a threat to the safety or well-being of any member or guest of the College.

Removal of College faculty and staff is subject to the terms of their respective collective bargaining agreement.