Academic Integrity and Misconduct
The following information and procedures
relate to academic integrity and misconduct as stated in the
Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) state-wide disciplinary
policy.
Academic and Classroom Misconduct
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The instructor has the primary
responsibility for maintenance of academic integrity and
controlling classroom behavior, and can order the temporary
removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student
engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct that violates the
general rules and regulations of the institution for each
class session during which the conduct occurs. Extended or
permanent exclusion from the classroom, beyond the session in
which the conduct occurred, or further disciplinary action
can be effected only through appropriate procedures of the
institution. If an instructor wishes to remove a student from
the classroom for a longer period of time or permanently,
he/she must refer the student to the Office of Judicial
Affairs and Mediation Services.
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Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of
academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of
academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly, through
participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to
the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible
disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the
regular institutional disciplinary procedures, the instructor
has the authority to assign an appropriate grade for the
exercise or examination, or to assign an F in the course, as
is proportional to the nature and extent of academic
misconduct.
Students have the option to appeal the grade assigned
pursuant to the hearing procedures described in Part 6
Disciplinary Procedures. Such matters shall be heard by a
sub-committee of the University Discipline Committee composed
only of the faculty membership of that committee. When
assigning a grade based on academic misconduct, the faculty
member shall ensure that the student is made aware of his/her
appeal rights.
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Students may appeal a grade assignment
associated with a finding of academic misconduct, as distinct
from a student disciplinary sanction, through the grade
appeal process as found in MTSU Policy III:00:09. Courses may
not be dropped pending the final resolution of an allegation
of academic misconduct.
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Disruptive behavior in the classroom may
be defined as, but not limited to, behavior that obstructs or
disrupts the learning environment (e.g., offensive language,
harassment of students and professors, repeated outbursts
from a student which disrupt the flow of instruction or
prevent concentration on the subject taught, failure to
cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum, etc.), text
messaging, and the continued use of any electronic or other
noise or light emitting device which disturbs others (e.g.,
disturbing noises from beepers, cell phones, palm pilots,
laptop computers, games, etc.).
This policy is promulgated pursuant to, and in compliance
with, TBR Rule 0240-02-03-.03 Academic and Classroom
Misconduct. To the extent that a conflict exists between this
policy and TBR rule, policy and/or applicable law(s), the TBR
rule, policy and/or law will control. History - Adopted
by TBR: 12/8/11. Effective: 1/29/12.