ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Students at Santa Ana College are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. To falsify the results of one's research, to steal the words or ideas of another, or to cheat on an examination, corrupts the essential process by which knowledge is advanced. Academic dishonesty is seen as an intentional act of fraud in which a student seeks to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without authorization or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information in any academic exercise. As institutions, we also consider academic dishonesty to include the forgery of academic documents, intentionally impeding or damaging the academic work of others, assisting other students in acts of dishonesty, or coercing students into acts of dishonesty.
PROCEDURES
There are two categories of sanctions: Limited and College-wide. Limited sanctions include an academic action such as assigning a lower grade or a grade of "F" for the assignment, project, or test. College-wide sanctions include any sanction that will affect a student's standing with the college-at-large, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the college.
In matters related to academic honesty violations, the primary responsibility for disciplinary proceedings rests with the instructor and the academic division where the violation allegedly occurred. The Dean of Student Development will assist in all College-wide sanctions.
GRADE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
- The student shall meet with the instructor to discuss the grade. If the issue is not resolved and the student believes that the grade is based on a mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency (EC 76224), they may appeal in writing to the Division Dean. Such an appeal must be made within one year following the semester the grade was assigned.
- Forms for the written appeal may be found in any divisional Dean’s office.
- The student may be requested to set up an appointment with the appropriate Division Dean to discuss the written grievance.
- The appropriate Division Dean will review the allegations and consult with the instructor.
- The Division Dean will review the issue and will notify the student and instructor in writing of their decision.
- The decision of the Division Dean is final.
