FAQ - Academic Dishonesty and Mandatory Reporting
- How do we address academic dishonesty?
- Whom do I contact to report acts of academic dishonesty?
- What is the process for addressing plagiarism?
- Whom do I contact to report any type of harassment?
- When am I required to report acts of sexual harassment?
How do we address academic dishonesty?
Academic dishonesty is addressed both as a classroom academic issue and as a CSU disciplinary infraction.
Cal Poly's procedures for addressing academic dishonesty are available at: http://content-calpoly-edu.s3.amazonaws.com/academicsenate/1/acadsen_comm_documents/cheating_plagiarism_nov2010.pdf
Executive Order 1073, Article III, K describes the CSU process for addressing academic dishonesty.
To expedite the reporting process at Cal Poly, a form for reporting academic dishonesty from the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is available at: https://osrr.calpoly.edu/report
For additional information, please contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at https://osrr.calpoly.edu
Any questions about the CSU reporting process can be addressed to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at 805-756-2794 or by email to osrr@calpoly.edu.
Who do I contact to report acts of academic dishonesty?
Traditional academic practices require that faculty members address cases of academic dishonesty in the classroom. Executive Order 1073, Article III, K, Cases Involving Academic Dishonesty, insists that, in addition, CSU faculty members report any infractions to a central location, the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities, so that a student can be held accountable for multiple academic violations and the campus can recognize any patterns of misconduct.
What is the process for addressing plagiarism?
Plagiarism may be considered a form of cheating and therefore subject to the same procedure as academic dishonesty, which requires notification to the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities director and, at a minimum, an "F" assigned to the assignment, exam, or task. However, plagiarism may be the result of poor learning or poor attention to format, and may occur without any intent to deceive; consequently, some instructor discretion is appropriate. If there was no obvious intent to deceive, an instructor may choose to counsel the student and offer a remedy (within her/his authority) which is less severe than that required for cheating/plagiarism.
Who do I contact to report any type of harassment?
Faculty members are obligated to report any information they receive about a student feeling harassed by anyone on campus to the Employment Equity Office at 805-756-6770 or to their department chair or dean. For this reason, faculty should not promise confidentially to students. If a student wishes to disclose such information without being identified, it is helpful to inform the student of the limits to confidentially and to provide referral to places on campus (Ombuds Office and the Counseling Center) where such information may be shared confidentially.
When am I required to report acts of sexual harassment?
Under CSU Executive Order 1072 (Title IX) when a faculty member of the university community is made aware that an act of sexual harassment (including sexual assault) has occurred, the faculty must report the situation to the University’s Title IX Coordinator. When a student sexually harasses another student, the harassing conduct creates a hostile learning environment if the conduct is sufficiently serious that it interferes with or limits a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the school's programs. Faculty knowledge of student on student sexual harassment essentially puts the university on notice. Subsequently, the University must take prompt and effective steps to end the sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Report all incidences of sexual harassment (including sexual assault) to the campus Title IX Coordinators, Brian Gnandt, at 805-756-1400.
Title IX information available at the Office of Equal Opportunity