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Education / Graduate Education / Trainee Handbook / Policies and Benefits / SMD Academic Misconduct Policy

SMD Academic Misconduct Policy

The School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD) adheres to the procedures and standards outlined in theRegulations and University Policies Concerning Graduate Study (Regulations) for academic integrity. This includes definitions of prohibited academic conduct, reporting procedures, investigation steps, student rights, and possible sanctions. The SMD judicial process mirrors the process and flow chart detailed in the Regulations’ Academic Integrity Policy.

SMD-Specific Procedures

  • Collection of Evidence: When an instructor suspects academic misconduct, the instructor should collect all evidenced of such misconduct and save it in a secure manner.
  • Reporting Procedure: After evidence is collected and secured, an instructor informs the student of the suspected academic misconduct and reports the incident to the SMD Senior Assistant Dean for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs and the SMD Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs.
  • Review Process: Cases of academic misconduct are reviewed by the SMD Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs or designee and either dismissed, administratively resolved, or referred to the SMD Standing Conduct Panel.
  • Conduct Panel Composition: The SMD Standing Conduct Panel is a standing subcommittee of the SMD Committee on Graduate Studies.  One member of the SMD Standing Conduct Panel will be designated the chair.        
  • Panel Responsibilities: The SMD Standing Conduct Panel reviews cases, determines findings, and recommends sanctions in accordance with University policy. The SMD Standing Conduct Panel will establish the procedure for its review.  However, such procedure, at a minimum, will include:
    • Notice to the student of the allegations and the members of the SMD Standing Conduct Panel
    • An opportunity for the student to request recusal of a member of the SMD Standing Conduct Panel for good cause, including for conflict of interest or bias
    • An opportunity for the student to review the evidence against the student
    • An opportunity for the student to present evidence and argument
    • Proof by a preponderance of evidence (more likely than not) that a violation occurred
    • A writing documenting the panel’s findings and recommendations accompanied by supporting documentation.
  • Confidentiality and Records: All proceedings are conducted with strict confidentiality. Records are maintained by the SMD Office for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Additional Notes