FAQ for Faculty and Staff

FAQ FOR FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF

I suspect one of my students of cheating/plagiarizing. What should I do?

First, consult with your department head and meet with the student. Specific instructions on how to handle and document academic integrity cases need to be followed and can be found by reaching out to the campus' Office of Academic Standards.

Do I have to report a case of academic dishonesty?

Yes! It is important that all cases are forwarded to the Office of Academic Standards. Even though a student may be apologetic and seems to "get it", many times the student has done this before and the instructor has not reported it. This policy exists to be consistent and fair with all students. This is also to uphold the high academic standards of City College.

I have a concern (non-academic integrity) about a student's behavior. What to do?

As an educator, your first step should be to talk with the student and share your concerns. If needed consult with your supervisor/department head. Sometimes students need a simple reminder about proper manners and classroom etiquette.

If you feel that a student has "crossed the line" and/or does not seem to understand what s/he is doing, please feel free to email me at  ltravis@ccny.cuny.edu . A Student Affairs Conduct Officer will then schedule a meeting with the student.

Always keep in mind, that if it's an emergency (involving assault, sexual misconduct or anything that poses an immediate threat to you, the student, your class or the campus, contact Public Safety immediately at 212-650-6911.

What can happen to the student?

If a student is in violation of the Code of Student Conduct, often referred to as the Henderson Rules, sanctions can range from a disciplinary reprimand (a written warning) up to loss of housing or suspension and expulsion for more serious or repeat offenses. Often times there are additional sanctions added on including attendance at an alcohol class, service hours, fines, or other projects.  These must be completed as well or there may be further consequences.

Academic integrity violations could result in failure for the course or the assignment.

A second violation of the academic integrity policy will likely result in suspension.

Does the student have a "record"? Does this go on a transcript?

Conduct records are confidential and cannot be released without the written consent of the student. Many graduate, law, and medical schools and employers with sensitive information (like the United States Government) often ask for a release of the applicant's conduct record. If that is the case, we encourage the student to be open and honest about what happened and share any relevant details. Most places are pretty understanding about a relatively minor incident that happened years ago. Serious violations, repeat incidents, or lying about it can play a much more significant role.

Our office maintains files related to alcohol, drugs, and violence for seven years after the date of the incident. Most other files are kept until one year after graduation (or expected graduation).

Conduct records do not appear on transcripts.

How can i get involved with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards?

Thank you! We are always looking for ways to get more of the CCNY community involved in our work.

First, talk to your colleagues about your interactions with us and encourage them to address any issues they encounter.

As well, our office is also available to come to programs and do presentations on a variety of conduct issues.

Finally, if you are interested in serving on the FSDC and actually deciding some of these cases, please feel free to e-mail me at ltravis@ccny.cuny.edu.

What are some additional resources for the student?

  •     The Counseling Center
  •     Student Health Services
  •     Writing Center
  •     Student Ombudsperson

TERMINOLOGY/GLOSSARY:

Faculty Student Disciplinary Committee:

A group of students, faculty, and staff that hear cases involving alleged student misconduct. The FSDC is trained to evaluate the information regarding a case, ask questions, and determine whether or not a violation has occurred. They also recommend sanctions.

Henderson Rules:

The general term used when referring to the University Rules for Student Conduct which are the New York State Rules and regulations for the maintenance of public order pursuant to Article 129-A of the education law.

Admonition/Warning:

The student is warned that further misconduct shall result in more severe disciplinary action. This is the lowest sanction available.

Disciplinary Probation:

Exclusion from participation in privileges or extracurricular University activities for a specified period of time. This is not academic nor does it appear on a transcript.

Mediation Conference:

Disciplinary Hearing:

Formal disciplinary charges are brought against the student and he/she appears before a committee of faculty, staff and students who determine the appropriate action.

Suspension:

A separation of the student from the University for a specified period of time. A suspended student will be withdrawn from all courses and may not attend classes, take exams, receive grades, maintain a position as a co-op student, hold a leadership position or be on University premises. A student may return to CCNY after the suspension period is completed.

Expulsion:

A permanent disaffiliation between the student and the University.  An expelled student shall not be permitted on University property.

* The Admonition/Warning, Mediation Conference, Disciplinary Hearing, Suspension, and Expulsion are sanctions which get increasingly serious based on the offense(s).

Last Updated: 10/18/2024 14:55