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

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.