Office of the Dean of Students | Academic Integrity | Information for Faculty | Conversation Guidelines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Conversation Guidelines
 

One of the most difficult things to do is to talk with a student who you suspect has committed an academically dishonest act. Many faculty members report that they feel personally offended, responsible, insulted, and angry that the action has occurred. It is perfectly normal and acceptable for a teacher to feel these ways when a student has done something that is not consistent with the spirit of learning.

If you suspect that a student has violated the Honor Code of Radford University, but are not quite convinced it is encouraged to speak with that student. Some possible ways to start that conversation would be:

A. I have a question for you. It appears to me that something in this assignment that you have turned in does not meet the standards of the Honor Code. I feel this way because of ___________. Can you help me understand what is going on?

or

B. I have some information that leads me to believe that you may have violated the Honor Code while completing this assignment, perhaps you could tell me how you completed this assignment and help me better understand this situation?

If the student gives an explanation that you feel is acceptable then the matter is complete. If their answers do not fully explain their actions and you still feel that the student has violated the Honor Code then it is encouraged that you file charges. For information on how to file charges please click here.

Once charges have been filed it is necessary to meet with the student to deliver the charges and offer them a settlement. Some possible ways to start this conversation would be:

A. I feel that you have violated our Honor Code and I feel that it is important to hold you accountable for this action and to help you learn from it. I have filed conduct charges with the Office of the Dean of Students and here is your copy of the form.

or

B. Understand that I am in a difficult position here. I believe that you have violated the Honor Code and want to help you learn from this and so I have filed conduct charges with the Office of the Dean of Students and here is your copy of the form.

After delivering the charges you may want to talk with the student before determining what types of sanctions you want to assign. Some possible questions would be:

  1. What is your major?
  2. What are your career goals?
  3. What, if anything, have you learned from this incident?
  4. If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
  5. How has this incident impacted your life?
  6. What would you say is the single biggest problem with this action?
  7. What do you think would help you learn from this?

You may download a copy of this page in MS Word format by clicking here.

If you have questions please feel free to contact your Academic Integrity Case Consultant or the Office of the Dean of Students.
 
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