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Northern Illinois University

Judicial Affairs

Faculty Guide to Academic Misconduct

If you detect what you believe is an incident of academic misconduct and would like advice on how to proceed, contact us.

Academic Misconduct Defined

At Northern Illinois University, cheating is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, defined as Academic Misconduct:

3-3.1 Academic Misconduct: Receipt or transmission of unauthorized aid on assignments or examinations, plagiarism, unauthorized use of examination materials, or other forms of dishonesty in academic matters.

It is a fact of life, albeit an unpleasant one, that some NIU students cheat. This guide provides information to reduce the likelihood of cheating and steps to take to hold those who are charged with such an offense accountable.

Encourage Academic Honesty

  • Prepare your students, preferably in writing and well in advance of an exam, about your expectations for academic behavior. Let students know whether any materials will be allowed in the exam room, whether collaboration is permitted and what that includes, and whether writing in the text or notecards marking pages will be allowed.
  • If possible, use the course syllabus to inform your students about what constitutes academic misconduct in your particular course and then discuss it with your class.
  • Discuss the consequences of academic misconduct in your class.
  • Encourage students to question you if they are in doubt about the restrictions and exceptions in your class.
  • Inform students of the resources available to them if they are having difficulty with the material.
  • Take preventive steps to promote academic honesty during exams.
  • Spread students out within the classroom as far as possible. If classroom crowding is beyond your control, multiple forms of the same tests on differently colored paper may be helpful.
  • Actively proctor tests. Do not leave the classroom when a test is in progress. The instructor and any teaching assistants should be present. If possible, all outside materials should be placed in a single location within the classroom.
  • Provide scratch paper by stapling it to the answer sheets. If test booklets are allowed, collect them prior to the test and randomly distribute them to thwart any attempt to place answers in the booklet prior to the test.
  • Prearrange seating alphabetically or by using a sign-in sheet. Upon completion of the test/exam have students leave their papers at their seats face down. Collect all papers in sequence by rows thus allowing for detection of copying or sharing of answers during the test.
  • Before the test starts, announce that there will be no communication between students. Do not allow students to share calculators.
  • If you allow students to use notes or a page of formulas, consider providing that document yourself at the start of the exercise.
  • Secure the exam in a locked office and desk or file until you are ready to administer it.

If you suspect academic misconduct:

  • Take note of the time and/or circumstances of the suspected incident. If possible, get a "second opinion" of your suspicions.
  • Explain your concerns to the student.
  • Put your concerns regarding the incident in writing and include copies of the original exam or assignment with examples of the student's misconduct marked and any supporting documentation.

When to refer academic misconduct cases to Judicial Affairs:

The Student Code of Conduct specifies who has jurisdiction in cases of academic misconduct.

6-4 Academic Misconduct - A faculty member has original jurisdiction over all instances of academic misconduct that occur in a course which the faculty member is teaching. The student shall be given the opportunity to resolve the matter in meetings with the faculty member and the departmental chair.

If the facts of the incident are not disputed by the student, the faculty member may elect to resolve the matter at that level by levying a sanction no greater than an 'F' for that course. The faculty member shall notify the student in writing whenever such action is taken, and the Judicial Affairs Office shall receive a copy of the Academic Misconduct Incident Report indicating final disposition of the case which will be placed in the student's judicial file.

In all matters where the charge of academic misconduct is disputed by the student or if the faculty member believes a sanction greater than an 'F' in the course is appropriate (such as repeat offenders or flagrant violations), the faculty member shall refer the matter to the Judicial Affairs Office, making use of the Academic Misconduct Incident Report. Sanctions greater than an 'F' in the course can be levied only through the University Judicial System.

The referral must contain all relevant evidence or information related to the allegation and the grade that would have been assigned to the student's work had the alleged academic misconduct not occurred. The faculty member may not assign a final grade to the relevant test, paper or course until the Class II Judicial Hearing Board makes a determination as to the student's guilt or innocence, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

In instances where a course grade is necessary, the Judicial Affairs Office shall notify the Records Office and the faculty member that a not reported (NR) shall be entered; and the Records Office shall record an NR. If during its investigation of the facts relevant to the charges an issue surfaces which is not in the purview of the Judicial Office, it shall be referred back to the appropriate academic area. The individuals involved shall receive written notification of such action.

If the results of the academic misconduct hearing are that the student is guilty, the Class II Judicial Hearing Board will levy a sanction, taking into consideration the recommendations of the faculty member. The hearing officer for the Class II Judicial Hearing Board will notify the faculty member of the determination, and the faculty member shall initiate, in writing, a grade change as appropriate.

If the determination is not guilty, the hearing officer for the Class II Judicial Hearing Board will notify the faculty member of the determination. The student will receive the grade that he or she would have received on the test, paper, or course in question had the allegation of academic misconduct not been made.

The student will have the right to appeal either the sanction levied by a faculty member for academic misconduct or the decision of the Class II Judicial Hearing Board to the Judicial Appeals Board. The student has five (5) academic days to submit a written appeal as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. The hearing officer will notify the faculty member and the Records Office, when appropriate, of the determination of the University Appeals Board.